Marshall Garnett Grant was the upright bassist and electric bassist of singer Johnny Cash's original backing duo, the Tennessee Two, in which Grant and electric guitarist Luther Perkins played.
13 Facts About Marshall Grant
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Marshall Grant was one of twelve children born of Willie Leander and Mary Elizabeth Grant.
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Marshall Grant was a self-taught musician, learning to play the bass after the group collectively decided that Marshall Grant should switch to playing bass, and that Perkins would play lead guitar.
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Marshall Grant was an important part of the trademark 'boom-chicka-boom' sound of Johnny Cash that would change the sound of country music.
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Marshall Grant voluntarily took on the responsibilities of road manager for Cash's touring show.
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Cash's recurring drug problems eventually led to issues that resulted in Marshall Grant being fired by Cash.
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In 1980, Marshall Grant filed suit against Cash for wrongful dismissal and for embezzlement of retirement funds.
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Marshall Grant contends that he was probably Cash's closest and most trusted friend; indeed, he played a critical role in helping Cash along when Cash's drug problems threatened his career and his life.
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Marshall Grant made a final appearance onstage with Cash in 1999 as an original member of The Tennessee Two.
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Marshall Grant last lived in Hernando, Mississippi, with his wife.
11.
Marshall Grant "laid down [his] bass for the last time" at the Brooks Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, in August 2010.
12.
Marshall Grant is played by Larry Bagby in the 2005 film, Walk the Line.
13.
Marshall Grant died at the age of 83 on August 7,2011, while in Jonesboro, Arkansas, attending a festival to restore the childhood home of Johnny Cash.