SIN AND SALVATION – The Story of Johnny Cash delves into the character of one of the most charismatic and controversial artists in American music. 

Born into a God-fearing, cotton-farming family in the Great Depression, Johnny Cash went from being a country singer to an artist who embraced all cultures in the USA, wearing black as a symbol of his compassion for the downtrodden, particularly the Native Americans, with whom he identified. 

However, his demons led him frequently down paths of self-destruction and brushes with the law, fuelled by drugs and alcohol. His legendary concerts in Folsom Prison and San Quentin show him empathising with the inmates with songs of “sin and salvation”, often with humour. His second wife, June Carter, provided the support which enabled the singer to combat most of his demons. Music producer Rick Rubin provided Cash with a new lease on life when he recorded album after album of new songs, unlikely covers and long forgotten pieces. 

Singer and musician JAMIE JUPITER has loved the music and personality of Johnny Cash since he was a child when he purchased an LP on a school fête. He has honed his performance as Cash over the years. Few singers have a voice as suited to sing Johnny Cash songs as Jamie. 

JONNY BLUNDELL, one of South Africa’s finest music producers and a blues guitarist of note, is the musical director of the show, who performs along with double bassist and sound wizard Daniel Franks and multi-instrumentalist and sublimely talented singer Sarah McArthur.

NIGEL VERMAAS, who leaves his radio studio to direct the show, has collaborated with Jonny on the script. Yes, these four musicians act. “I am constantly amazed”, says Nigel, “at how these musicians – all of them brilliant on their instruments – have also managed to bring the characters in Johnny Cash’s story to life”.

“Of course”, says Jonny Blundell, “Cash fans will want to hear I WALK THE LINE, RING OF FIRE, GHOST RIDERS and so on and they will – Jamie delivers that big time – but there is so much more to Johnny Cash. And we aim to show that”.

SIN AND SALVATION is a dynamic staging of the highs and lows of Johnny Cash’s life – with four performers who can deliver those foot-stomping hits, as well as delicate – and occasionally comic – ballads that aim to delight Cash fans, and create new ones.