Kevin Bradley’s Johnny Cash is a powerful homage to the legendary Man in Black and the musical legacy forged at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Meticulously carved and boldly printed, this piece is a visual symphony of Southern grit, outlaw spirit, and old-school rockabilly pride. At the heart of the composition is a commanding portrait of Johnny Cash, surrounded by ornate lettering and star-spangled motifs that evoke the spirit of American currency, justice, and gospel.

Framing Cash are fellow musical pioneers and original members of the Tennessee Two: Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant, both immortalized with Bradley’s signature folk-pop style and offbeat reverence.

Kevin Bradley | Johnny Cash | Hand Printed Letterpress Wood Block Poster (Framed) | 46 x 34 in | $2,500

Each figure is meticulously carved from wood with humor, wit, and personality—showcasing not only the artist’s craftsmanship and distinct persona, but also the raw grit and spirit of the musicians he portrays. The texture and grain of the wood enhance the depth of each character, grounding these larger-than-life legends in a material as rugged and enduring as their legacy.

Johnny Cash is remembered for iconic songs like "I Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire," both of which Kevin Bradley references along the sides of this piece. In the four corners, he features Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, and Elvis Presley—four legendary musicians associated with the "Million Dollar Quartet," who recorded with Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Bradley also highlights Luther Perkins and Marshal Grant, the original bandmates who formed The Tennessee Two alongside Cash. Known for their stripped-down, percussive sound, they are humorously labeled in Bradley’s carving.

Bradley blends type and portraiture with wit and reverence, layering text that reads like both tribute and folklore: “He stood on the side of justice,” “He wore black,” and “Two mechanics and a used appliance salesman.” Each line adds a lyrical cadence to the print, echoing Cash’s own storytelling style.

CHAUVET Arts | 215 Rep. John Lewis Way N | Nashville, TN 37219 | Art@ChauvetArts.com | 615. 278. 9086

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