In 1975 while performing in the grandstand of the South Dakota
State Fair, Johnny Cash invited Sherwin Linton on stage, then
removed his boots and gave them to Sherwin. "Try 'em on" he
said and then asked "How do they fit?" Sherwin replied "I could
never fill your shoes Johnny." "Oh yes you can" Cash said. Over
10,000 fans were in attendance and they still reminisce about it
today.
Sherwin Linton began playing the guitar and singing cowboy
songs in the 1940's and had his own show on KWAT Radio in
Watertown South Dakota in 1955 when he learned both sides of
Johnny Cash's first release on Sun Records, "Hey Porter b/w
"Cry, Cry, Cry."
Through the years Sherwin's career grew as he traveled with his rockabilly band throughout the
US, performing his original songs and a variety of other styles, plus a vast repertoire of Cash hits.
Having grown up in rural South Dakota and always living near the railroad where his father
worked, Sherwin's life had somewhat paralleled that of Johnny Cash.
Sherwin's deep resonant voice, tall rugged looks, stage
charisma and personal sincerity drew his audiences into each
show. In 1971 Sherwin took his show inside the granite walls
of the South Dakota State Penitentiary and recorded many of
his own songs as well as a 25 minute tribute to the man he so
respected and loved in an album titled "Hello, I'm Not Johnny
Cash."
This album became a best seller and garnered Sherwin CMA
and Music City News Nominations for Country Entertainer of
the Year Award in 1972 & '73. Johnny appreciated Sherwin's
tribute so much that he hand penned a letter to Sherwin with
compliments and personal endorsement. The two became
close friends. Johnny featured Sherwin frequently in his
performances.
In July of 2003 following the death of Johnny's wife, June Carter Cash, Sherwin visited with Johnny
by phone and expressed his condolences and also thanked Johnny for all he had done for him and
Cash's millions of fans throughout the world. Johnny thanked Sherwin and encouraged him to
continue performing his music.
Sherwin's show includes a talented group of musicians, and features
his beautiful wife Pam, who lights up the stage singing the songs of
June Carter and The Carter Family as Sherwin tells "The Johnny Cash
Story."
Sherwin is beyond being an imitator or parody of "The Man In Black."
With his in depth knowledge of Cash's life history and 60 career years
of performing, it is no wonder Johnny Cash personally endorsed
Sherwin to tell "The Johnny Cash Story."
