Rosanne Cash Grants Access in New Biography
Rosanne Cash insists that she never wanted to be famous, and over the years, she's done a respectable job of not capitalizing on her famous last name. And although she's allowed herself to be the subject of a new biography, Always Been There, she's not merely trying to squeeze a few bucks out of Johnny Cash fans. Instead, she allows author Michael Streissguth to witness the pre-production of her new album, The List, which was inspired by a list of 100 songs her father gave her in 1973. Cash hasn't seen the list itself in quite a few years, when she decided to hide it -- an action she can't fully explain. But by the last chapter, she says she's happy that the actual piece of paper never surfaced because it allowed her to explore her own thoughts about tradition, to preserve a dozen definitive American songs, and to consider her father's state of mind when he compiled the list.
The supporting cast of characters stretches well beyond her dad, though. She speaks candidly about her mother, Vivian, and stepmother, June Carter Cash, with surprising insights about both women. She also touches on her Nashville years, and later crosses paths with an early record producer on tour in Germany, where she inconspicuously made her first album more than 30 years ago. Her husband and producer, John Leventhal, was initially concerned that the book would reveal too many secrets about the record-making process, but luckily the author doesn't bore the reader to death with studio-geek details. Instead, Always Been There moves quickly, especially for longtime fans who have always respected her privacy, yet wondered what she's really like.
By the way, Cash is currently working on her memoir. If you can't wait to read that, Always Been There (published by Da Capo Press) will whet your appetite.
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TerryB says:
The “biography” of Rosanne Cash is hardly insightful. The author seems to have been co-opted by the stars in his eyes. Cash seems to have come rather late in life to appreciation of her family heritage. Better late than never, I guess, but it is well-known that she turned her back on her father and the music. Funny, isn’t it, that this “List” doesn’t show up. I don’t believe that it ever existed.
Kate says:
‘…she’s not trying to squeeze a few bucks out of her father’s famous last name….’ yeah, and pigs fly.
me says:
i’m disappointed that the list has not actually been seen in years. how do we know the songs on the album were even on the list? it was part of the attraction for me (along with her great singing). feeling a little duped!