Billy Bob Thornton detailed a fond memory of his collaboration with Johnny Cash during a recent interview with The Guardian. Even as an icon, Billy admitted to being so nervous around Cash that it felt like God was in the room during their sessions.
Billy got to stay at the late singer-songwriter’s house on a few occasions, and recalled being overly conscious as a guest. He would stay in his room all night for fear of being caught in just drawers by the refrigerator. It was all in Billy’s head because Cash was kind to him.
Billy Bob Thornton’s song with Johnny Cash
Billy and Cash did a duet of the latter’s “I Still Miss Someone,” although they never released it. Cash was so humble that he let Billy suggest how their parts should go, with both of them harmonizing the first verse and bridge, followed by a recitation from Cash.
Billy was amused and taken aback when Cash suddenly said he wrote the “f—king song” himself, so he might have some ideas. He even wrote a “part truth and part fiction” story about their day together in notebook papers, which he autographed thrice on the last page.
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Why did Johnny Cash give Billy Bob Thornton three autographs?
Billy wondered why Cash signed the papers thrice as follows, “John R. Cash,’ ‘Johnny Cash,’ and ‘John Cash,’” and the icon said it was so that Billy could cut them into pieces and be alright if he ever went broke.
Tragically, Cash was not in good health at the time and died of complications from diabetes in 2003. Shortly before his passing, he had Billy sign a copy of U-Turn, which was one of his favorite films. Their friendship heightened from then on, and Billy would often visit Nashville and frequently speak with him on the phone while away. Billy is currently looking forward to a second season of Landman on Paramount +, on which he plays Lieutenant Tommy Norris.