Music and Society Assignment

The Life and Music of Johnny Cash

You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to
forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of
your time, or any of your space. – Johnny Cash

Part One:

Understand how music reflects the society in which it was created and how it affects
communities and cultures.
Understand how the music relates to your life and the lives of others.

Terminology: Define the following terms.

Culture:

Society:

Great Depression:

Bass:
Biographical Facts
Include the following biographical facts.

 Full Name

 Birthdate

 Place of Birth

 Marriages

 Family Members

 Contemporaries

 Nickname

 Major Accomplishments

 Major Hardships

 Date of Death
Research Questions
Research the following questions and begin by answering in point form. Conference with you
teacher and then develop your answers into paragraphs.

1. What were the cultural struggles that Johnny Cash experienced during childhood?

2. Identify and describe factors in Johnny Cash’s childhood that impacted his music.

3. How would you have felt as a young child growing up in the far south during the
depression?

4. Are there any parallels between your childhood and Johnny Cash’s childhood?
Part Two: The Critical Analysis Process

1. Review the elements of music with teacher.

2. Create a list of all the elements of music.

3. Listen to I Walk the Line.

4. As you listen to the song, check off on your list which elements of music you hear in the
song.

Initial Reaction

1. What does this song bring to mind?

2. How does this song make you feel?

3. What questions do you have?