TCB
By Christopher Gray, Fri., Sept. 19, 2003
Walking the Line
Still one of the most talked-about Austin club gigs in history is Johnny Cash's SXSW show at Emo's on March 17, 1994. Then-Emo's general manager David Thomson was on the bridge.
"At 3pm, as I was counting out the banks for the bartenders, I heard a knock at the front door. A few seconds later, one of my doormen told me that someone, indeed, is knocking at the door and could he have the keys to unlock it.
"Being the cautious manager that I am with an office full of money, I asked my doorman to go back and find out who was there before I let him unlock the door. When he returned, he was a little slow to answer my question.
"'So who was it?' I asked.
"'Ummm ... Johnny Cash,' he replied.
"'Who?'
"'Johnny Cash.'
"'Look, I'm really busy and don't have time for this. It's probably one of the bartenders screwing with you.'
"'I don't know. It sounds like Johnny Cash.'
"'Christ, Johnny Cash is not wandering around Sixth Street. Hell, even I can do a Johnny Cash impersonation.'
"As I approached the front door, there was another knock.
"'Who is it?' I asked.
"'John Cash.'
"Wow. Even I had to admit it sounded like Johnny Cash. Damn good impersonation!
"As I opened the door, a hand thrust through the light, and a dark figure entered the room.
"'Hello, I'm John. John Cash. And I will be working for you tonight.'
"'Uhh ...' was about all I could muster."
