Jul 12, 1970

The New York Times runs a story about retired Tennessee judge Sue Hicks, who believes he was the inspiration for "A Boy Named Sue" and has received two gold records from Johnny Cash. Songwriter Shel Silverstein denies the judge had anything to do with the song

Jul 15, 1970

Kris Kristofferson begins recording the album "The Silver Tongued Devil And I" at the Monument Studios in Nashville. Among the day's material: "The Pilgrim, Chapter 33," in which he famously refers to Johnny Cash as "a walking contradiction"

Jul 31, 1970

Columbia releases Johnny Cash's "Sunday Morning Coming Down"

Aug 13, 1970

Governor Lester Maddox declares Johnny Cash Day in Georgia, as Cash performs for 700 prisoners being released early for good behavior

Sep 23, 1970

Arlo Guthrie and Ray Charles appear on ABC-TV's "The Johnny Cash Show." Cash's duets on the episode include: "Oklahoma Hills" with Guthrie, "I Walk The Line" with Charles, and "Help Me Make It Through The Night" with June Carter Cash

Sep 24, 1970

Merle Haggard collects nine nominations for the Country Music Association awards. His closest competition comes from Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty and Charley Pride, who earn four apiece

Sep 25, 1970

Come on, get happy: "The Partridge Family" debuts on ABC-TV, with Johnny Cash appearing in the inaugural episode, introducing the band to a Las Vegas audience

Sep 30, 1970

ABC-TV's "The Johnny Cash Show" features guests Jackie DeShannon and Neil Diamond. Cash teams with DeShannon for a medley bookended by "This Ole House." Cash also sings "A Boy Named Sue" and gathers June Carter Cash, The Carter Family and The Statler Brothers for "Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man"

Oct 7, 1970

Joni Mitchell sings "Girl From The North Country" with the Man In Black on ABC's "The Johnny Cash Show." Cash also does "Big River" solo and teams with The Carter Family and The Statler Brothers on "Wings Of A Dove." Also appearing are Joe South, June Carter Cash and comedian George "Goober" Lindsey

Oct 8, 1970

Johnny Cash records "Flesh And Blood" at Nashville's Columbia Recording Studios as he cuts the soundtrack to "I Walk The Line"