Johnny Cash & Brother Tommy Honor Late Father With Gene Autry Cover
on Jan 24, 2024
Meet Tommy Cash, The Younger Brother Of Johnny Cash
On April 5, 1940, Ray and Carrie Cash welcomed a new baby, a son they named Tommy. The youngest of four sons and three daughters, Tommy’s big brother was none other than Johnny Cash. Johnny was eight years older.
Despite their age difference, Tommy and Johnny developed similar interests. They also followed the same path in life. Both became country singer-songwriters, and Tommy still continues to perform to this day.
Every so often, the two talented brothers combined their musical talents. This resulted in some unforgettable moments.
Once, they came together to perform a Gene Autry song titled “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” They performed the tune in tribute to their father.
Gene Autry Sings An Ode To Dads In “That Silver-Haired Daddy Of Mine”
Co-written by Autry, “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine” became his first big hit. Jimmy Long, the other co-writer, performed the song with Autry as a duet.
“That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine” is told from the perspective of a man who watches his father deal with the obstacles of old age. Thinking how much trouble he caused his dad in the past, the narrator wishes he could erase time and make him young again. He sings:
“If I could recall all the heartaches, dear old daddy I’ve caused you to bear. If I could erase those lines from your face, and bring back the gold to your hair.”
Johnny Cash & His Brother Band Together To Honor Their Father
The Everly Brothers famously covered the song in 1958 for their album Songs Our Daddy Taught Us. Simon & Garfunkel also covered it, and included it on their albums Old Friends and Live 1969.
Johnny included his rendition of the song on his 1973 live album På Österåker.
The album also contained his renditions of other popular songs. Some of those being Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make it Through the Night” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”
After Johnny’s father passed away in 1985, he and Tommy honored him by singing “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” Their touching duet captured the hearts of everyone who watched them that day. You’ll surely be moved by the performance too.
Tune in below to watch the two incredibly talented brothers show their love for their late father through their cover of Autry’s classic song.
