By Taylor MacPherson

Local Johnny Cash tribute to close P.A. Summer Fair

Aug 2, 2017 | 5:00 PM

Johnny Cash may have passed away in 2003, but a Rosetown couple is bringing the legend back to life with their tribute act.

Dave Norman and his wife Debbie perform as Johnny and June Carter Cash in “Cash Back,” a tribute to the iconic man in black. The couple will take to the grandstand Saturday evening to close out the Prince Albert Summer Fair.

When Dave first heard the 1956 album Johnny Cash with his Hot and Blue Guitar, it left a huge impression on him. He said the simplicity of the compositions, coupled with the singer’s heartfelt lyrics and delivery drew him in and never let go.

“It wasn’t cluttered with a lot of fancy sounds in the background. There was just the electric guitar and bass and the sound of his voice,” Dave said. “I connected with that. It seemed to catch my ear.”

He had a good reception when he first started performing Cash’s music. The name of his current group started as a joke stemming from a common compliment he received from his early crowds.

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“There would be some people hollering back from the audience, ‘you’ve brought Johnny Cash back to life,’” he said. “It just stuck.”

Dave said they’ll be playing all the well-known hits, as well as some deep cuts from Cash’s enormous catalogue. Although Norman said he tries to capture Johnny’s spirit in his performances, one song he won’t play is “Hurt,” which he says is far too personal for a tribute concert.

Cash Back will be playing at the grandstands Saturday night at the Prince Albert Summer Fair at 7 p.m. following the 3 p.m. demolition derby. Admission to the show is free with the purchase of a pass to the fair.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews