Johnny Cash (February 26, 1932 - September 12, 2003) was an influential American country music and rock music singer and songwriter and the husband of June Carter Cash. Cash was known for his deep, distinctive voice, the boom-chick-a-boom or 'freight train' sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, and his dark clothing and demeanor, which earned him the nickname 'The Man in Black.' Much of Cash's music, especially that of his later career, echoed themes of sorrow, moral tribulation and redemption.