Pulaski Times

Arkansas has made a notable impact on the nation’s capital this year beyond the usual policy debates and landmark Supreme Court cases. The addition of two new submissions to the National Statuary Hall Collection has brought attention to the state.

In the spring, Arkansas celebrated its first new statue in over a hundred years when a rendering of Daisy Bates replaced one of the state's previous contributions. This month, another significant Arkansan was honored with the unveiling of Johnny Cash's statue, cast in bronze and placed in the U.S. Capitol.

"We’re so proud and excited that now visitors to the halls of Congress will learn of Cash’s origins and identify his life and music – which helped define a generation – as a product of Arkansas," said an official statement.

Johnny Cash, known by various names such as "J.R." by his family, "Airman John R. Cash" to the U.S. military, and "The Man in Black" to fans worldwide, gained fame as part of Sun Records’ Million Dollar Quartet and as a member of the Highwaymen. His influence extended beyond country music.

Throughout his career, Cash carried Arkansas with him. He once planted cotton in his California home's front yard to remind him of life on an Arkansas farm. He also admired Sister Rosetta Tharpe, another Arkansan whose gospel-infused blues and rock deeply influenced him.

A devout believer, Cash spent his life trying to live up to his family's faith. He grew up singing Baptist hymns at his mother’s feet, describing them as “his favorite form of prayer – his church of choice.” His spiritual journey led him to visit Israel multiple times, write about the apostle Paul, and develop a friendship with Billy Graham, whose statue is also part of the collection.

“It’s been said that Johnny Cash – though he came from a little town in Arkansas – knew how to talk to all of America,” noted an observer. His extensive catalogue is seen as telling America's story.

The statue was sculpted by an Arkansan artist and placed on a pedestal made from Arkansas stone. It represents Cash's spirit and roots faithfully.

Rosanne Cash reflected on her father's legacy: “There is something beautifully symmetrical about two true humanitarians, Johnny Cash and Daisy Bates, representing our state in this prestigious collection.”

This addition serves as a testament to Arkansas's spirit for years to come.