Warning: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for A Complete Unknown!
Exploring Johnny Cash’s Role in A Complete Unknown: The Real-Life Friendship with Bob Dylan
In the recently released Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, Johnny Cash emerges as a pivotal figure, prompting fans to reflect on the nature of their real-life friendship compared to its cinematic portrayal. As one of the most revered songwriters in history, Dylan has inspired countless documentaries and films, and director James Mangold’s 2024 film provides insight into Dylan’s life during the early 1960s.
Among the array of folk artists depicted in the story, Cash’s inclusion stands out and may initially seem like a nod to Mangold’s earlier project, Walk the Line. However, Cash’s character resonates deeply within the narrative, given their four-decade-long camaraderie.
Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan: A Pen-Pal Friendship Begins
Foundational Admiration in the Early Career
As depicted in A Complete Unknown, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan initiated their friendship through a series of letters exchanged across the years. In his autobiography, Cash: An Autobiography, Cash recounts his inspiration for reaching out to Dylan, expressing admiration for the rising star’s musical talent. He often listened to The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan between performances, captivated by Dylan’s innovative approach to songwriting.
Unbeknownst to Cash, Dylan held him in similarly high regard after first hearing “I Walk the Line”in the mid-1950s. This mutual appreciation laid the foundation for an enduring friendship, during which they actively supported each other’s musical endeavors. Their correspondences covered personal matters, their respective musical circles, and the broader cultural landscape until they eventually met in person.
First Meeting: Beyond Newport Folk Festival
Unraveling the True Story of Their First Encounter
Contrary to popular belief, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash may not have met for the first time at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival, as A Complete Unknown suggests. Both John Carter Cash and Bob Dylan himself indicate that their first interaction likely occurred earlier in a New York City hotel room. John Carter Cash described a lively scene where his father spoke of Dylan’s enthusiasm upon their first meeting.
After Johnny Cash passed away in 2003, Dylan penned a eulogy confirming that their initial encounter likely happened in 1962 or 1963. While Dylan is often seen as an unreliable narrator, these details challenge the widely accepted Newport narrative. Nonetheless, their legendary interaction at the Newport Festival, where Cash famously passed his guitar to Dylan, remains a significant moment symbolizing artistic respect.
Public Defense of Bob Dylan’s Artistic Choices
Advocating for Change in 1964
HI BROADSIDE: I got hung, but didn’t choke… Bob Dylan slung his rope. I sat down and listened quick… Gravy from that brain is thick. He began by startin’ alright… But the place he started… Was way ahead, out of sight! In the night there’s a light. A lamp is burning in all our dark… But… We must open our eyes to see it… As he listened for the wind…To hear it.
Near my shores of mental dying, Grasping straws and twigs, and drowning, Worthless I, But crying the loudest, Came a Poet Troubadour Singing fine familiar things. Sang a hundred thousand lyrics, Right as Rain, Sweet as Sleep, Words to thrill you…And to kill you. Don’t bad-mouth him, till you hear him, Let him start by continuing, He’s almost brand new,
SHUT UP!… AND LET HIM SING!
…..Johnny Cash
This heartfelt message from Cash resonated deeply with Dylan, who cherished the supportive words throughout his life. Although A Complete Unknown takes creative liberties, such as adding a scene where Cash expresses his interest in Dylan’s artistic expression at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, the essence remains the same. Cash’s understanding of the artistic journey allowed him to champion his friend’s evolving sound and lyrics.
Musical Collaborations Between Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan
Highlighting Their Collaborative Spirit
Following the events portrayed in A Complete Unknown, Bob Dylan’s prolific career continued, leading to the release of over 40 studio albums. Given their close relationship, it is unsurprising that Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan had the opportunity to work together musically on a few occasions. Notably, they collaborated on “Girl from the North Country,” a duet featured in Dylan’s The Nashville Skyline album.
Cash also later performed the Dylan-penned track “Wanted Man” on his 1969 live album At San Quentin. A demo of this song was unearthed years later and released in 2019. Additionally, Dylan joined Cash on The Johnny Cash Show in 1969, performing favorites including:
- “Girl From the North Country”
- “I Threw It All Away”
- “Livin’ the Blues”
Despite plans to create a full album together during their sessions for The Nashville Skyline, the project was ultimately left unfinished. However, in November 2019, Dylan released a collection of previously unreleased recordings titled The Bootleg Series Vol. 15: Travelin’ Thru, 1967-1969, offering fans an intimate glimpse into their creative process—an experience that feels more like two friends jamming than polished studio work.
While A Complete Unknown beautifully captures the essence of Cash and Dylan’s relationship, it is the depth and authenticity of their lifelong friendship that truly enriches their shared legacy.
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