I Was There When It Happened: My Life with Johnny Cash

by Marshall Grant, Chris Zar (Primary Contributor)

While many have heard the music of Johnny Cash, few know the whole story behind his extraordinary career and the stories of those who helped him attain his success. Marshall Grant, Cash's long-time bassist and one of the founding members of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, chronicles their rise to fame from humble beginnings to world renown.

Genres: Music, Biography

367 pages, Hardcover

First published August 31, 2006

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marshall Grant was one of the originals from the very beginning, actually one of the Tennessee Two that performed with Cash from the early days. This is a painful tale of how horrible drug addiction can be and how it can tear apart lives and friendships. There are some very good glimpses of how Cash was when he was not flying high as well. It just amazes me to think of what some of these great performers could really achieve if they did not make that fateful decision to pollute their bodies with this crap. This book also comes with a great endorsement from Johns daughter Roseanne right at the beginning. A good book for an insiders look at what life on the road with The Man In Black was really like.

[Kyle Bueermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the most well-written book on Johnny Cash that I’ve read. However, it is by far the most personal. Apart from June herself, no one knew Johnny Cash better than Marshall Grant. If you’re a fan of the Man in Black, you should read this one. A touching memoir from someone who really was here when it all happened.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons on interesting stories and tidbits about Johnny Cash's life, from someone who spent his whole career traveling with him, and running the business. Lots of insights into the music industry/touring industry, and crazy amount of details. Really shows the good, the bad, and the ugly of Cash. Easy to read, and very memorable stories.

[Rob Gast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, especially if you are a Johnny Cash fan ! Tells a great story, and has a unique perspective.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As is frequently the case with biographies, I found this book to be very rambling and disorganized. I did, however learn some interesting things about Johnny Cash and country music, both of which I am very interested in, so I am glad I read it.

[Ron Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it hard to put down. Author Marshall Grant, bass player & original member of "The Tennessee Three" and then "Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two" takes the reader from their meager beginnings through to the years of unprecedented success and to the very end. Marshall was very close to John throughout and provides intimate details into his private life with his first wife Vivian and then with June. It's interesting how so many country stars interacted, associated and performed with one another. The good times and the bad. John's terrible addiction to amphetamines and the struggles created. The Jekyll & Hyde that was Johnny Cash. The generous, loving, considerate person when straight who would turn into the mean spirited, self centered, inconsiderate person when high. Whether a fan of his music or not, there are few living people who haven't known of or heard of Johnny Cash. I'm glad I came across this book and highly recommend it.

[Jeff Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book. I was hungry for an uncensored depiction of what had to be a tumultuous person: Johnny Cash. Grant gave me that depiction though he could be quite repetitive at times: "Johnny on drugs: bad. Johnny straight: good". Ok, Marshall, yeah, I get that point.

Still, there's no one else who can give a complete accounting of Cash's career and Cash fans should feel grateful that Grant did. I recommend it.

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book and one I've read many times since it was published. A true insider's account into Johnny Cash's career by one of the most integral parts of it, Tennessee Two bass player Marshall Grant. Full of extreme highs and lows, Grants paints a very compelling portrait of their early years in the music business, Cash's horrible drug dependency, and so much more. Highly recommend for any Cash fans.

[Michelle Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I helped this book to publication and got to sit down with Marshall on several occasions. He is such a great man. What a friend to have put up with all of Johnny's "quirks" and come out sane in the end. Everyone should have a friend like Marshall. Wonderful book.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

the original bass player from the beginnings and many years of Johnny Cash's career tells his story. Sounds like a nice guy, the story seemed quite truthful. What a mess the Cash family was with all its addictions.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great memoir! Marshall did a wonderful truthful job on this book.