JOHNNY CASH PERFORMANCE AT KARL'S AUGUST 26, 1956

On This Day, 69 Years Ago

On August 26, 1956, after performing at The Casino Theater in Toronto, Johnny Cash rolled through Detroit to play a private matinee at the cabin then known as Rusceak’s Rustic Tavern. That same stage—still standing at the north end of our restaurant today—hosted Johnny and The Tennessee Two as they filled the room with early hits like “Cry, Cry, Cry,” “Hey Porter!,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “I Walk the Line.”

Just two months earlier, Johnny had met June Carter at The Grand Ole Opry, and sparks flew. Before the show, he was spotted in the lobby phone booth, talking to her for over an hour—friends say he was completely taken, pouring his heart out between cigarette breaks and soundcheck.

Soon after that performance, Johnny’s star soared—joining Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins as part of the Million Dollar Quartet at Sun Studio, and appearing on The Jackie Gleason Show in early 1957.

To honor the Man in Black, we introduced the Johnny Cash Special ten years ago: creamy mac & cheese, crispy buttermilk fried chicken, and bold, zesty chili—all his favorites on one soulful plate.  It’s not on the menu, but if you know, you know. Just ask for it by name.

A tribute to timeless music, legendary love, and one unforgettable afternoon.