Hello,
My name is James Maddox. I would like to tell you a short story about how and why the song, "You're Still The Man In Black" was written and recorded.
A few weeks ago, two friends, Ed Gowens, Tim Hicks and myself got together and wrote a song as a tribute to my Hero, The Great Johnny Cash. We finished recording the song late in the afternoon on September 11, 2003. We wrote a short note about Johnny on the inside of the front cover. Our plan was to send a CD of this song to Johnny Cash the next day, September 12, 2003. We had heard he had just got out of the hospital and we thought this song might make him feel better.
When we awoke on the morning of the 12th, we heard the sad news that Johnny had passed away. This was indeed a very sad day for all of America and music lovers all over the world.
Here is a copy of the note we wrote to Johnny:
"This song is written about a great American hero of many people through-out the world. His music has inspired people of all races, colors, and creeds, and will live on in the hearts of many people. As long as Country and Gospel songs are played, his songs will forever be a part of music history. This song is dedicated to you, Johnny Cash, my Hero. Johnny, You're Still The Man In Black "
"You're Still The Man In Black"
Written & copyright © 2003 by James Maddox, Ed Gowens, & Tim Hicks
Just outside of Memphis, we lived in a shack, the freight trains sound so lonely as they moved along the tracks
Then one day, on the radio, I heard that same clickety-clack, then the DJ said you just heard...The man in black
He sang songs about the poor man, and this country that he loves, and songs that tell a story about one man's love
He was my hero, when I lived in that shack, I'll never forget the first time I ever heard... The man in black
He came into Memphis on one cold December Day, picking that old Gibson, he so loved to play
He was a hero to a young man in that time, Chills ran all over when he sang...I walk the line
He sang songs about the poor man, and this country that he loves, and songs that tell a story about one man's love
He was my hero, when I lived in that shack, I'll never forget the first time I ever heard...The man in black
Well, we're all getting older, and the years have come and gone, as I recall that radio in my childhood home
He is still my hero and my mind goes back in time, I can still hear him singing...I Walk The Line
He sang songs about the poor man, and this country that he loves, and songs that tell a story about one man's love
His songs are still remembered from that time back, America salutes you and you're still...The man in black
America salutes you, Johnny, you're still the man in black
And We love you Johnny Cash you're still...The Man In Black
I dedicate this song to my hero, Johnny Cash
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