Johnny Cash statue unveiled at the U.S. Capitol
- A bronze statue of Johnny Cash was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol, attended by congressional leaders and the Cash family.
- The statue replaces two older figures that had represented Arkansas for over a century, part of a legislative decision made in 2019.
- This event underscores the significance of honoring notable figures in Arkansas's history and their contributions to American culture.
A bronze statue of Johnny Cash was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol, marking a significant tribute to the iconic singer. The event took place on a Tuesday and was attended by congressional leaders, Arkansas lawmakers, and members of the Cash family. This statue is part of Arkansas's initiative to replace two older statues that had represented the state for over a century, with Cash and civil rights leader Daisy Bates being the new representatives. The decision to replace the previous statues was made by the Arkansas legislature in 2019, following debates over various candidates, including notable figures like Walmart founder Sam Walton. The new statues reflect a more contemporary and relevant representation of Arkansas's history, with Cash being a celebrated figure in music, known for his diverse contributions across genres. Cash, who was born in Kingsland, Arkansas, sold 90 million records worldwide and is recognized in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The statue, created by Little Rock sculptor Kevin Kresse, depicts Cash with a guitar and a Bible, symbolizing his musical legacy and personal beliefs. The unveiling of the statue not only honors Cash's contributions to music but also serves as a reminder of Arkansas's rich cultural heritage. This event highlights the importance of recognizing influential figures in the state's history and their impact on American culture.