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Starkville Commemorates Johnny Cash’s Arrest with Marker

Commemorative marker honoring Johnny Cash in Starkville, Mississippi

News Summary

Starkville, Mississippi, celebrated the legacy of country music legend Johnny Cash by unveiling a commemorative plaque on the anniversary of his historic arrest for public drunkenness. The plaque, part of the Mississippi Country Music Trail, marks the location where Cash was apprehended following a concert at Mississippi State University. This event highlights the town’s humorous connection to Cash’s song ‘Starkville City Jail’ and acknowledges the community’s ongoing celebrations of his impact on music and culture.

Starkville Celebrates Johnny Cash’s Historic Arrest with Commemorative Marker

Starkville, Mississippi honored the legendary country music star Johnny Cash on May 11, 2021, commemorating the 56th anniversary of his arrest for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. The event included the unveiling of a plaque at the site of the arrest, located near the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and North Jackson Street, as part of the Mississippi Country Music Trail.

Cash was apprehended at approximately 2:00 AM following a concert at Mississippi State University earlier that evening. His experience in Starkville later inspired the humorous song “Starkville City Jail,” which contributed to his legacy and the town’s image as an uptight locale. The song highlights Cash’s comedic perspective on the situation, effectively turning a troublesome incident into an enduring piece of music history.

Details of the Arrest

On the night of his arrest, Johnny Cash had performed a live show at the university before he was taken into custody and subsequently spent the night at Oktibbeha County Jail. Reports indicate that he became disruptive while in the cell, culminating in an act of frustration that led to him kicking the cell door and breaking his toe, as well as damaging a $40 shoe in the process.

The following morning, Cash resolved the situation by paying a $36 fine and left the jail with a peculiar souvenir. He gifted his broken shoe to a 15-year-old cellmate, creating a unique anecdote from an otherwise challenging event. Cash later recounted this episode during a performance at San Quentin Prison in 1969, humorously reflecting on the experience and the financial implications of his choices that night.

Community Remembrance and Recognition

The song “Starkville City Jail” gained popularity, cementing Cash’s humorous take on the arrest in the minds of fans. Over time, the song contributed to Starkville’s identity as a town somewhat humorously depicted in Cash’s lyrics. In a nod to Cash’s troubled night, the local sheriff, in 2007, symbolically pardoned Cash and even refunded his fine to his daughter, Cindy Cash, during the annual Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival.

The plaque unveiled in 2021 marks the location as the 35th Mississippi Country Music Marker, recognizing the cultural impact of the town’s connection to Cash. The event saw attendance from notable country artist Marty Stuart, who had performed alongside Cash earlier in his career.

Ongoing Celebrations of Johnny Cash’s Legacy

In addition to the plaque, a room at the Starkville Motel was dedicated to Cash, albeit mistakenly attributing it as the location of his arrest. Furthermore, a mural celebrating his legacy was unveiled, although it featured a mug shot from a different incident in El Paso, Texas.

Johnny Cash himself often acknowledged that the police intervention during his arrest may have been a pivotal moment that ultimately saved his life, providing a reason for gratitude amidst what could have been a more detrimental situation. The Starkville community continues to celebrate Cash’s history and music with gatherings and tributes, ensuring that his legacy remains well-recognized in the area.

The commemorative efforts surrounding Johnny Cash’s arrest demonstrate the town’s embrace of its quirky connection to the legendary musician while fostering a sense of community pride through ongoing celebrations of his impactful career.