Plot summary

Having found solace in music and songwriting after the shocking 1944 accident and the impact of childhood trauma, Johnny Cash writes his first song while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Germany. After getting a regular job and marrying his first wife, Vivian Liberto, Cash moves to Memphis, Tennessee, where he starts a gospel band, The Tennessee Two, and auditions for Sun Records founder Sam Phillips. While on tour with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash meets the love of his life, June Carter Cash. But touring takes a toll on Johnny's marriage and health. As their relationship gets a second chance, Cash performs at Folsom State Prison and records his first live album, Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison. During a live performance at the London Ice House in Ontario in 1968, Cash proposed to Carter while singing the country hit single, Jackson. The couple remained married for 35 years until June's death in May 2003. Four months later, Cash followed.—Nick Riganas