Johnny Cash & Brother Tommy Honor Late Father With Gene Autry Cover

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One Talented Family

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, who was eight years his senior. 

Despite their age difference, Tommy and Johnny developed similar interests and went on to follow 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, resulting in some unforgettable moments.

A Song Fit To Honor Fathers

One such moment is when the two came together to perform a Gene Autry song titled “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine,” which they sang in tribute to their father.

Co-written by Autry, “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine” was his first big hit. It was performed as a duet with singer Jimmy Long, who served as the other co-writer on the track.

“That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine” is told from the perspective of a man who is watching his father deal with all of the obstacles associated with old age. Thinking of how much trouble he surely caused his dad in the past, the narrator wishes that he could erase time and make him young again, singing:

“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.”

Brothers Band Together To Honor Father

The song was famously covered by the Everly Brothers in 1958 for their album Songs Our Daddy Taught Us. Simon & Garfunkel also covered the song, and included it on their albums Old Friends and Live 1969.

Johnny included his rendition of the song on his live album På Österåker, which was released in 1973. The album also contained his renditions of other popular songs, including 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 chose to honor him the following year by performing a duet on “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” Their touching duet captured the hearts of everyone who gathered to watch them that day, and we’re sure the performance will move you as well.

You can tune in below to watch these two incredibly talented brothers show their love for their late father with their cover of Autry’s classic song. This is top-notch stuff right here!