Johnny Cash’s 7 Children: All About The Musical Legend’s Son and Daughters
on May 29, 2024
The legendary “Man in Black,” Johnny Cash, left a permanent mark on the music world with his iconic voice and songwriting. But, beyond his musical legacy, Cash was also a devoted father to seven children.
Before his rise to fame, Johnny Cash met his first wife, Vivian Liberto, in 1951 while he was going through Air Force basic training in San Antonio, Texas. After his discharge in 1954, the couple married shortly before his music career took off. Together, Cash and Liberto had four daughters: Rosanne, Kathy, Cindy, and Tara.
Liberto later filed for divorce in 1966 due to Cash’s severe drug and alcohol abuse, constant touring, and rumored infidelity. Cash then met June Carter, whom he married in 1968. Together, June and Johnny had one child, John Carter Cash. June also had two daughters from previous relationships, Carlene Carter and Rosie Nix.
Here’s a look at the lives and accomplishments of Johnny Cash’s children, who have each carried forward his legacy in unique ways.
Rosanne Cash
Rosanne Cash, 69, is the eldest daughter of Johnny Cash. Following in her father’s footsteps, Rosanne has built a successful music career of her own, releasing 15 albums and earning four Grammy Awards along with 16 Grammy nominations. She holds many more achievements, including her 2015 induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. According to her official website, she is currently an Artist-in-Residence at NYU.
Carlene Carter
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Carlene, born in 1955, is the daughter of June Carter and Carl Smith, who divorced when Carlene was just two years old. When she was 12, her mother married Johnny Cash. Following the marriage, Carlene and her stepsister, Rosanne Cash, became backup singers in the Carter/Cash touring show. With both her parents being country singers, Carlene naturally gravitated towards a similar path. In 1991, she earned a Grammy nomination for her album “I Fell In Love” and was named as the top new female vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in the same year, as reported by PEOPLE. Today, Carlene continues to pursue her passion for music, actively touring and making special appearances, such as gracing iconic stages like the Grand Ole Opry.
Kathy Cash Tittle
Kathy Cash, born in 1956 in Memphis, Tennessee, maintains a relatively private life, yet she has ventured into multiple artistic avenues, including singing like her two sisters. However, she is predominantly known as an actress, having made notable appearances in films such as “This Is Your Life” (1970), “What’s the Matter with Gerald?” (2016), and the documentary “My Darling Vivian” (2020). Since 1982, she has been married to singer Jimmy Tittle, and together they have three children: Dustin, Kacy, and Thomas.
Rosie Carter Nix
Rosie Carter Nix, born in 1958 to June and her second husband Edwin Nix, began her singing career as a backup singer on her stepfather’s show, The Johnny Cash Show. She was also a semi-regular performing member of the Carter Family. Notably, she collaborated with Cash on his 1974 single “Father and Daughter.”
Tragically, on October 24, 2003, Rosie and Jimmy Campbell, a bluegrass musician who played the fiddle, were discovered deceased on a bus in Montgomery County, Tennessee. Initially considered suspicious, law enforcement later determined their deaths to be accidental. They died to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by propane space heaters in the bus, which were used without proper ventilation.
Cindy Cash
Cindy, born in 1959, is also active in the music scene and has performed with her father on various occasions. She was part of The Next Generation, a band made up of the children of famous country music stars like Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette. Additionally, she is an author, having written “The Cash Family Scrapbook,” giving readers a close-up look at life with her famous father.
Tara Cash Schwoebel
Tara Cash Schwoebel, born in 1961, has chosen to remain largely out of the spotlight compared to her sisters. Instead of pursuing a career in country music like her family, Tara has found her passion in jewelry design and working in costume and wardrobe for films. Currently, Tara resides in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two sons.
John Carter Cash
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The only child of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, John Carter Cash, has also found his place in the music industry. As a talented musician, songwriter, and producer, John has collaborated with numerous artists and produced albums for both his father and mother. He is also an author, having written several books, including a biography of his mother titled “Anchored in Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash.”
John has also produced recordings for artists such as Sheryl Crow, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and Vince Gill. He is the owner and operator of Cash Cabin Enterprises, LLC, a music production company located in the Cash Cabin Studio.
