Gladewater in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Johnny Cash

(February 26, 1932 - September 12, 2003)

Photographed by James Hulse, August 17, 2021

1. Johnny Cash Marker

Inscription.

I wrote the song (I Walk the Line) backstage one night in 1956 in Gladewater, Texas. I was newly married at the time, and I suppose I was laying out my pledge of devotion."

"In the dressing room at Gladewater I was sitting with Carl Perkins, strumming on the guitar... "This is an idea I got today. I want to write a song that has something to say. A song that will have a lot of meaning not only for me, but for everybody who hears it -- that says I'm going to be true not only to those who believe in me and depend on me, but to myself and to God -- a song that might give courage to others as well as myself."

Carl said, "That's a good idea. What will you call it?"
I don't know." I said. "Something like I'm Still Being True' or I'm Walking the Line' or some such thing."
"I Walk the Line would be a good title." Carl said.
"Hmmmmmmmmm--"I began.
The song came easily. It was one of those rare times I felt a song was just "begging to be written." There was no wringing the mind or biting the pencil on I Walk the Line. The lyrics came as fast as I could write, and in twenty minutes I had finished."
Nov. 6, 1973 Interview

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this page online

by
Jim & Suzanne Bardwell, Lois & Chuck Reed and Todd & Neta Clifton and Austin Bank

Erected by Gladewater Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is October 6, 1973.

Location. 32° 32.05′ N, 94° 56.682′ W. Marker is in Gladewater, Texas, in Gregg County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and West Commerce Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street. The marker is located on the west wall of the Gladewater Antique Mall building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East Commerce Avenue, Gladewater TX 75647, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least

Photographed by James Hulse, August 17, 2021

2. Johnny Cash Marker

8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Elvis Presley (here, next to this marker); Deb Mohon (here, next to this marker); Gennette Shepperd (here, next to this marker); Manual T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaulles (a few steps from this marker); Gladewater (within shouting distance of this marker); The City of Gladewater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gladewater Discovery Well (within shouting distance of this marker); The Notorious Bonnie & Clyde (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gladewater.

The view of the Johnny Cash Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 17, 2021

3. The view of the Johnny Cash Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,016 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 17, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.