How Richard Nixon Tried to “Neutralize” Johnny Cash in 1970

Richard Nixon was arguably one of the most controversial presidents in the history of the United States. Between the Watergate Scandal and the Vietnam War, Nixon received hoards of brash criticism. Another political tactic Nixon received backlash for was his attempts to censor or persuade public opinion. Primarily when it came to celebrities, and he attempted to do this with Johnny Cash.

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Nixon’s run-in with Cash wasn’t the only time he had a conflict with a musician, as Nixon also reportedly tried to get John Lennon deported in the ’70s. Nixon simply wanted Lennon silenced, however, for Cash, Nixon seemingly wanted to use him as a political piece leading up to the Senate race in 1970.

Johnny Cash’s Influential Vote

In 1970, music legend and Tennessee Republican, Tex Ritter, entered Tennessee’s Republican primary election for the United States Senate. Rivaling him was the Nixon-backed candidate, Bill Brock. Given Cash’s allegiance to Ritter and country music, Nixon and his advisors believed Cash would outwardly campaign for Ritter. Hence, they invited Johnny Cash to the White House in 1970 to prevent that from happening.

Nixon’s advisor at the time, Murray Chotiner, wrote to Nixon, “Johnny Cash is great with a certain block of voters in Tennessee” and “Obviously, he will not say or do anything against Tex Ritter, who is running for the U.S. Senate against Congressman Bill Brock, for the GOP nomination.” “At the Johnny Cash Evening at The White House, it will be most helpful if privately the President can neutralize Johnny Cash so that he does not campaign for Tex Ritter” and “It will also be helpful if he could come into Tennessee after the primary,” concluded Chotiner per The Richard Nixon Library & Museum.

Nothing is known about the discussion that transpired that evening. However, Nixon’s wish seemingly came true, as Cash never publicly endorsed his musical contemporary. Again, it is unknown if Cash’s silence was guided by Nixon’s hand. Nonetheless, Johnny Cash’s endorsement seemingly wouldn’t have mattered, as Ritter lost by a large margin to Bill Brock.

Cash’s Second Visit

This moment was not the last time Cash and Nixon discussed politics, as in 1972 Cash visited the White House to discuss prison reform with the President. When the conversation ended Nixon asked Cash to play a few songs for the reporters and journalists in attendance. Johnny Cash agreed, but not in the way Nixon seemingly wanted, as Cash played the politically charged songs, “What Is Truth” and “The Ballad of Ira Hayes.”

Chief Executive and Mrs. Nixon share a laugh with Johnny Cash and his wife, singer June Carter per Getty Images