While many people connect Johnny Cash to Nashville, most don’t realize that for 35 years both Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash lived outside of Nashville on picturesque Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Fans are still eager to connect with Johnny and June’s legacy, traveling to Sumner County to witness the place the famed family called home.
Johnny Cash died in September 2003, just 4 months after June’s death in May. Although his death was attributed to diabetes complications, many said Johnny died of a broken heart over the loss of June.
Johnny Cash on Old Hickory Lake
Johnny and June lived at 200 Caudill Drive in Hendersonville, Tennessee, 37075, but unfortunately the house no longer stands. It was lost to a fire in 2007 during renovations under the ownership of Barry Gibb, who is a member of the Bee Gees.
The Cash house on Old Hickory Lake was constructed in 1967 by famed architect Braxton Dixon (1921-2017). Dixon had been working on the house for himself, but Cash’s relentlessness persuaded Dixon to sell the house to Cash in 1968. The house was 13,880 square feet with 7 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms situated on a 4.6 acre lot. It’s unique design allowed for it to have 4 round rooms, providing maximum views of Old Hickory Lake.
Notable guests such as Marty Stuart (who was previously Johnny’s son-in-law), Billy Graham, Bob Dylan, President Jimmy Carter, President Ronald Reagan, and Vice President Al Gore are just a few famous faces who stopped by to visit with the Cash family.
It is also rumored that in 1969, musician Kris Kristofferson was so eager to grab Cash’s attention that he landed a helicopter on Cash’s property to present Cash with his demo, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.”
One of the last music videos that Johnny ever made, a cover of “Hurt” that had originally been recorded by Nine Inch Nails, was filmed in his Hendersonville house on Old Hickory Lake. You can view the “Hurt” video here.
Although the property is fenced off today, visitors often stop to view the remnants of Johnny and June Carter Cash’s property on Caudill Drive. As of January 2019, the property was listed for sale for $3.9 million. In February 2020, it was reported that the Cash property had sold. Cash’s mother Carrie, fondly referred to as “Mama Cash,” lived across the street along with Johnny’s dad. This video provides a peek inside Mama Cash’s house from 2018 when it was for sale and Tommy Cash, Johnny’s brother, shared wonderful memories of his family.
Historic markers have been placed at the Johnny and June Carter Cash property that share the stories of the Cash home as well as the significance of the orchard that was once owned by Cash’s neighbor and friend Roy Orbison of “Oh, Pretty Woman” fame. Visitors can read the signs at the property to learn more and to discover the Marty Stuart connection to the Cash property, too!
Johnny Cash’s Barbecue Joint
Johnny Cash was a barbecue fan and often frequented Center Point Pit Barbecue just down the road from Johnny’s house in Hendersonville. In fact, Center Point Pit Barbecue has such rave reviews that it caught the attention of the Food Network and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2013. You can watch Guy Fieri enjoy some eats from Center Point Pit in this video.
Visitors wanting to dine on the same barbecue and sides that Johnny Cash loved can visit Center Point Pit Barbecue. Operating hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-8pm, or Sundays from 10am-3pm.
House of Cash
The House of Cash, which now houses Halo Realty, is located at 700 E. Main St. (also known as Johnny Cash Parkway), once served as an office of Johnny Cash (although never his house despite the name) as well as a museum of his music career. People would travel to see the museum and many were delighted when the opportunity arose to meet Johnny Cash himself!
Today above the door one can see the reminder that this used to be the “House of Cash.” In front of the property a sign memorializing Johnny Cash has been erected as part of the Tennessee Music Pathways driving trail created by Tennessee Vacation. Guests are encouraged to stop and visit the sign.
Johnny Cash Parkway
The main thoroughfare through Hendersonville is named the Johnny Cash Parkway in honor of the Man in Black! Stop by the sign, located at both end of the street, for pictures and drive along the only Johnny Cash Parkway!
Johnny & June Laid to Rest
Joanne Cash Yates, younger sister of Johnny Cash, reflects at his grave with a visitor from Florida.
After spending 35 years living in Sumner County, Johnny and June both passed away in 2003 and were laid to rest at Hendersonville Memory Gardens located at 353 East Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee, 37075. Fans of Johnny and June from all over the globe travel to Hendersonville to pay their respects to the Man in Black and the love of his life.
Upon entering Hendersonville Memory Gardens, visitors can make a left into the cemetery. A sidewalk located across from the sign reading “Faith Cremation Garden” will lead guests directly to the Cash family’s resting places.
Other Cash and Carter family members laid to rest nearby include Johnny’s parents, Ray and Carrie Cash; Johnny’s sister Reba Cash Hancock; June’s parents Ezra and Maybelle Carter; June’s sisters Anita Carter and Helen Carter; and Rosie Carter Adams, daughter of June.
Music fans will also recognize folks such as Merle Kilgore, Luther Perkins, Sheb Wooley, Bob Luman, Charles Willis, John Robert Hughey, and Ferlin Husky who are also honored at Hendersonville Memory Gardens. A PDF map of the cemetery can be viewed here.
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There is no doubt that Johnny Cash left a huge impression on the country music genre and that he is still very loved by fans from across the globe.
For more information, contact Visit Sumner TN by either stopping in 2310 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066, by calling (888) 301-7886, or by emailing info@visitsumnertn.com
