June Carter Cash
died yesterday.

I'm not a country music fan. It contains too much self pity and jingoism and trite musical signatures to attract me on a regular basis. But June Carter, who married Johnny Cash 35 years ago wasn't from today's country scene but came from its strong musical origins. She was the last surviving member of the Carter family who began their career recording 300 country songs in 1927. Their music served as a strong influence that of Bob Dylan. Listen to some today,

You know the music of June Carter Cash because it is stuck in the dark recesses of your head. She co-wrote "Ring of Fire" and "Jackson." And she was a lovely woman, soft spoken and strong. The Tennessean will tell you more about her.