Students will examine the personal and broader historical circumstances in which country stars Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson rose to fame during the 1950s and 60s. Through exploration of the artists’ early lives, students will have the opportunity to reflect on the lingering effects of personal tragedy, and how certain life events can shape an individual’s choices and career. Students will consider how the social trends of the postwar era during which Cash and Nelson rose to fame shaped their career trajectories and music. 

An historical overview of this period, included in the support materials, provides broader context about the period to offer additional perspective about these artists’ circumstances.