Johnny Cash’s Youngest Daughter Announces Publication of “Recollections” By Father
JONESBORO – On the eve of the grand opening of her father’s boyhood home, Tara Cash Schwoebel, the youngest daughter of Johnny Cash, announced the publication of “Recollections by J.R. Cash: Childhood Memories of Johnny Cash.”
(From left) Mary Williams, Arkansas State University Creative Services, who designed the book; Dr. Ruth Hawkins, executive director of Arkansas Heritage Sites; Tara Cash Schwoebel;
Fred Schwoebel, Tara's husband.
The announcement was made Thursday afternoon in Cooper Alumni Center on the Arkansas State University campus. Schwoebel, the youngest of Cash’s four daughters, was on hand to discuss the book written in her father’s own handwriting about growing up in Dyess.
“I found a book in 1995 called ‘Dad, Share Your Life with Me,'” said Schwoebel. “I gave him a copy which included questions about his childhood, his love of music and life in Dyess. The following year, he returned it to me on my birthday with all of the question cards filled out with his answers.
“I had the good fortune to meet Dr. Ruth Hawkins and I called her and told her about having this diary of memories from my dad about growing up in Arkansas and asked her if she knew of a publisher who might be interested. She told me she wanted Arkansas State University to publish it.”
Hawkins, executive director of Arkansas Heritage Sites at Arkansas State, is the force behind the restoration endeavor for the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home and the Historic Dyess Colony Project.
Copies of the book will be for sale on the Second Floor of the Dyess Administration Building during the grand opening of the project on Saturday. Books can be purchased between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Schwoebel will be signing books from 12:30 to 2 p.m. “Recollections by J.R. Cash: Childhood Memories of Johnny Cash,” sells for $19.95.
“The home he grew up in meant so much to my dad,” continued Schwoebel. “His memories and recall were incredible.”
She noted, “He has so many fishing stories and many others. The memories paint pictures of daily life in Dyess, and when you are in the house, you feel it.This book is rich with stories and fun things,” concluded Schwoebel.”I think everyone will enjoy it.”
In the book’s introduction, Schwoebel says, “Having seen the now-restored home where he grew up in Dyess and knowing the breadth of the hard work, the tragedies endured, the depth of instinct for survival, and the love his family shared, I feel it is time to share this priceless journal.”
“It’s a fabulous book,” said Hawkins. “No one could do this kind of book except his daughter because his answers are meant for her.”
After the grand opening on Saturday, the book will be available at the Historic Dyess Colony Museum during regular operating hours, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Additionally, it will be sold at other Arkansas State University heritage sites. the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville, and online at www.recollectionsbyjrcash.com.
