Friday, Sep. 12, 2003 - The legendary Johnny Cash died early Friday morning of complications from a nervous system condition brought on by diabetes. He was 71.

Just last month a Grammy was awarded to Cash at the MTV Video Music Awards for his haunting remake of the Nine Inch Nails hit, "Hurt". Cash was unable to attend the awards show due to his failing health.

Earlier this year, on May 16th, Johnny's wife, June Carter Cash, had died unexpectedly after surgery to replace a heart valve.

Recording artist Mila Mason (Twinbeat Records) recalls the deep love that Cash had for his wife. "As a teenager, I did some modeling. I modeled in a number of charity fashion shows here in town. June Cash was very involved in the events. She had an exquisite collection of fur coats that Johnny had given to her as gifts over the years. She would let us use them as "accessories" for the fashion show. I remember going to the Cash home to try them on prior to the show. That's when Johnny made his first impression on me. I will always remember how I thought just in looking at him and observing how he reacted and responded to June, Oh my gosh, this man is so in love with his wife. As a teenager I thought that! June and Johnny were in love from beginning to end. I am truly saddened by the loss, but my heart is happy to know they are together again. "

Daniel Lee Martin (ChinMusic Records) shares similar feelings. "When I first heard the news today, they said the cause of Johnny's death was due to diabetes, but I think the real cause of his death was due to a broken heart. He and June are together again."

Johnny's passing hits especially close to home for Martin, whose father had been hired by Cash in 1955 to play upright bass in his band. Many years later, Martin's family spent a lot of time with Johnny and June in Florida back in the early 80's when they bought a home just minutes away from where the Martin's lived.

Upon hearing the news of Cash's death earlier today, Martin says it brought up a more recent memory. "Just the other day, I was going through some old furniture that my mom had given me. One item was a book case. I found a book and in it was a folded napkin with Johnny's signature on it. Johnny had given it to my Pop one day at lunch. Today, it has a brand new meaning to me."

Jeff Carson (Curb Records) recalled the effect Johnny Cash had on him. "You know, two years after I moved to Nashville, I was in a guitar shop casually looking around and I just about bumped into this manand he was dressed in black. When I turned around and realized who it was, I remember just standing their in awe. I kept pretending like I was looking at the guitars on the wall, but I just couldn't take my eyes off of him. I was just frozen. I'll never forget how I felt just to be that close to him."

Cash's music has had an influence on many music cultures. Cerrito (Checo Records), whose music combines country sounds of the past with a vibrant Spanish flavor, recalls the first time he heard "Ring of Fire." Even then, he thought Johnny Cash was way ahead of his time. "Johnny Cash is a once-in-a-lifetime artist," Cerrito adds. "His name will forever be etched in Country Music history."

Curb Records recording artist Steve Holy spoke of the grand life-time contribution 'The Man in Black' made to music. "Johnny Cash is not only a monument to Country Music but to all genres of music. We all should be proud that Johnny Cash extended his talents as a gentleman and an artist to create the foundation of Country Music."

"Johnny Cash is a legend who inspired other legends," says country recording artist Brad Martin. "My heart is heavy and my prayers go out to the Cash family. He has made an impression on many people and their lives. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten."