A look Back at the The Johnny Cash Experience
Circa 2009
The Johnny Cash Experience was a tribute Broadway-quality show that took the audience through the late country legend's career, covering Early Johnny Cash, Johnny Cash & June Carter, and the Folsom Prison Concert Era. This was the shows official website.
The new owners of the domain's registration, Johnny Cash and David Stone admirers, did not want this site to disappear from the web.
Content is from the site's 2009 archived pages.
DAVID STONE
The Johnny Cash Experience
David Stone: The Johnny Cash Experience is a Broadway-quality show that plays predominantly to a new generation of fans too young to have known the real thing in its zenith. It is NOT a cheap “Impersonation.”
David Stone: The Johnny Cash Experience takes the audience through the late country legend's career, covering Early Johnny Cash, Johnny Cash & June Carter, and the Folsom Prison Concert Era. Those who see his performance will know what it must have been like to see the real Johnny Cash in concert -- his voice, mannerisms, and his band are wholly true to the legend.
David Stone: The Johnny Cash Experience is the only Johnny Cash Tribute ever to be selected by the State of California (even over Johnny's original band) to play the 40th anniversary commemorative concert at San Quentin State Prison on February 24, 2009, celebrating the historic performance of Johnny Cash at the facility in 1969.
David Stone: The Johnny Cash Experience offers the following performance options:
- Full Band with June Carter Cash (2 Hours)
- The Early Johnny Cash Trio (90 Minutes)
- Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash Duet Show (90 Minutes)
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An update: I first heard David Stone interpret Johnny Cash's songs way back in around 2005 at an open mike night at some dive in Philadelphia. Even back then he sort of looked like Johnny Cash and definitely sounded like him. In 2009 I caught Stone with his Johnny Cash Experience. I loved the fact that he focused on Cash’s work from the early years up to his Folsom Prison concert in 1968 while touching on his 1990s output. After seeing this show, my lawyer friend (and former Queens Assistant District Attorney) Benjamin Pred started bursting out in song every few minutes, perfectly capturing the Johnny Cash inflection. Hearing this singing lawyer's version of "Folsom Prison" will make anyone realize how deeply Johnny Cash has embedded into our culture.
Jump ahead to 2020. As I sit at home while NYC has shut everything down due to Covid-19, I am listening to songs from Johnny Cash's 1963 album, Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash. I listen to The Rebel-Johnny Yuma. Boy, that's a blast from the past! With chores done I can now relax to the ballad Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord). My thoughts return to David Stone and his Johnny Cash Experience. I wonder where David Stone is now. Is he still preforming his Johnny Cash Experience show? Probably with the closing of all venues due to Covid-19, he is not. Stone's last shows, according to his facebook page, were in 2018. David Stone, where ever you are, stay healthy and here is wishing that your show comes back once this pandemic is under control. I will be there if there is a performance within driving distance. In the meantime, thank goodness for Youtube
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The Johnny Cash Experience
"DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Experience" plays predominantly to a new generation of fans too young to have known the real thing in its zenith.
The mission of "DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Experience" is simple: We are an accurate, note-for-note, authentic representation of The Johnny Cash Show, without cheap "impersonation". Like the original BEATLEMANIA, the music and history of the legend is conveyed with dignity.
"DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Experience" offers three 45 minute acts: Early Johnny Cash, Johnny Cash & June Carter, and the Folsom Prison Concert Era.
"DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Experience" is a visible champion of compassionate causes, and in 2005 raised over $100,000.00 to help find missing Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway, who disappeared on the last night of her highschool graduation trip to Aruba on May 30th of that year.
DAVID STONE
"Johnny Cash"
David Stone is a Philadelphia born singer/songwriter who has been singing the songs of Johnny Cash nearly all of his life. Inspired by the Man In Black’s ABC television show as a young boy, Stone soon learned to play guitar and sing in Cash’s unique style. He started the show 3 years ago, to an enthusiastic response from fans all over the Philadelphia area.
Stone is not a look-alike or an impersonator, but his rendition of Johnny Cash observes a strict authenticity and dignity in conveying the rich, thought provoking music that made Johnny Cash an icon of American Country Music.
Those who see David Stone’s performance will know what it must have been like to see the real Johnny Cash in concert. His voice, mannerisms, and the sound of his band are wholly true to the legend. Stone also writes songs in the same style of the late Johnny Cash.
As a decorated veteran who served with distinction in the Army’s Second Armored Division, Stone, both in person and through his music, displays an integrity that appeals to audiences and fellow performers alike.
MARK SHEWCHUK
(Guitar/Drums)
Mark Shewchuk has always found "roots" music to be the most direct and moving expression of the human condition. An accomplished musician by training, Shewchuk doubles for The Johnny Cash Experience on Guitar and drums. Take a person/a people, a time, a place, an economic/sociological condition, add music and the communication begins...Deep in family, enriched by travel, good teachers and solid mentors, and blessed with the sharing of others, Mark continues his journey with "David Stone:The Johnny Cash Experience."
DAVID YOUNG
(Guitar)
David Young was born and raised in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and was educated in the music industry in Nashville, TN. His background covers many genres, including classical music. David is one of the original members of the show's cast, and is a keen student of the picking styles of such rockabilly greats as Scotty Moore, Luther Perkins, and Robert Wooten. David owns and operates Widget Studios, and lives with his lovely wife, Kristine, in Folkroft PA. Learn more about David Young at: www.widgetstudios.com.
ROD BIRTWELL
(Drums)
A native to the Philadelphia area, Rodman Birtwell is a solid drummer with more than ten years of experience. He considers it an honor to be playing with the group of dedicated professional musicians he has found in "DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Experience." His hobbies include: aviation, juggling, wine/beer making, history, motorcycling, car repair/restoration, and snowboarding. He is also drummer for the legendary Reverend T-Bagg and the Fantabulous T-Baggadellics.
JEFF SASIN
(Drums)
Jeff Sasin got his start on the drums in 5th grade, and his passion for live music took off in the early 90's. After several trips to the Electric Factory, TLA, and what is now the Tweeter Center, Jeff decided that being on stage was something he wanted to pursue. Sasin has an extensive background in original music, and joined the show on the drums in late 2005.
MARTY MCGEE
(Drums)
Marty McGee has been playing drums for over 30 years. He is a veteran of the Philly music scene and has shared the stage with the best musicians in the area. His experience, and a unique approach to rock, funk, bluegrass, reggae and jazz, has made him a much sought after player. He joined DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Experience in October of 2007. A native of suburban Philadelphia, Marty and his family live in Delaware County, PA.
JIM KULL
(Bass)
Jim Kull is a Philadelphia suburb native, and has been performing on the East Coast from NYC to Virginia for over twenty-five years. Jim has supported original acts as well as cover-bands as a bassist, guitarist, lead vocalist, live-sound engineer, recording engineer and tour manager. One of Jim’s earliest musical memories is of his father blasting the “Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison” album. He still wakes up in the middle of the night with “Orange Blossom Special” in his head. He Joined "DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Expeience" in August of 2007.
TOM MCKERNAN
(Bass)
Tom McKernan is one of the original members of the show's cast. He is an accomplished bassist, with a background in country, country-soul, and blues. In addition to "DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Expeience," he is also the bassist for the neo-olde timey Fantabulous T-Baggadelic(www.thefantabuloustbaggadelics.com). His solo album, "Welcome to Jimmy Bone's & Company",is scheduled for release in early 2007. Find out more about Tom McKernan at: www.jimmybones.net.
MIA JOHNSON
"June Carter-Cash"
Mia Johnson was born and raised in Michigan but has since laid down roots in Philadelphia, PA as a staple on the City's music scene. Over the last decade this singer, songwriter, recording artist and front woman could be found headlining at venues in Philadelphia and others up and down the East Coast, performing her original, acoustic rock music. Her late 2004 full-length CD “Driver” features her current six-piece rock band. Find out more about Mia Johnson at: www.miajohnson.net.
DYANN MAZZEO
"June Carter-Cash"
Dyann Mazzeo joined "DAVID STONE: The Johnny Cash Experience" in September, 2007. A native New Yorker now residing in the greater Princeton area, she has been a member of New Jersey’s premier female a-cappella group "Key of She" for 6 years. Her award-winning sextet has opened for the late-great Ray Charles, appeared on NBC’s The Jane Pauley Show, and produced two CDs. Dyann is also host of the popular monthly video podcast DyannBakes. Find out more about Dyann Mazzeo at: www.keyofshe.com, and at: www.DyannBakes.com.
CHRISTA D'AGOSTINO
"June Carter-Cash"
Christa D'Agostino is a singer and actress born and raised in the Philadelphia area. She has appeared on local stage and in film, and various other projects during her 10 year career. She is a regular feature on the Peek-A-Boo Revue, Philadelphia's famous neo-classic burlesque show, and the annual Philly Fringe Fest. A Johnny Cash fan since childhood, she joined the show in May of 2006.
ManInBlackShow.com is a preserved digital archive centered on a live tribute production known as “The Johnny Cash Experience,” a stage show dedicated to celebrating the life and music of Johnny Cash. Unlike many modern entertainment websites that actively promote ongoing tours or ticket sales, this site functions primarily as a historical record, maintaining content from its most active period around 2009.
The site reflects an era when tribute performances were gaining momentum as a legitimate form of musical storytelling—particularly for iconic artists whose influence transcended generations. In this case, ManInBlackShow.com captures the ethos, structure, and ambition of a show designed not merely to imitate Johnny Cash, but to recreate his presence, musical evolution, and cultural impact with dignity and authenticity.
Ownership and Preservation
The current version of ManInBlackShow.com is not the original promotional site in an active commercial sense. Instead, it is maintained by individuals who acquired the domain after the show’s peak years and chose to preserve its content rather than allow it to disappear.
This approach mirrors a broader trend in internet culture where niche or legacy websites are archived to protect cultural artifacts of specific creative movements, particularly those tied to live performance. In this sense, ManInBlackShow.com serves as both a fan-driven preservation effort and a resource for those researching tribute shows, Johnny Cash’s influence, or early 2000s performance culture.
The Johnny Cash Experience: Concept and Structure
At the heart of the website is the tribute production itself: “The Johnny Cash Experience,” led by performer David Stone. The show was designed as a Broadway-quality theatrical concert, structured to guide audiences through different eras of Johnny Cash’s career.
Rather than relying on superficial impersonation, the show emphasized historical accuracy and musical fidelity. It was typically divided into three distinct segments:
- Early Johnny Cash years, highlighting his rockabilly roots
- Johnny Cash and June Carter era, emphasizing duets and personal storytelling
- The Folsom Prison concert period, one of the most iconic moments in Cash’s career
This narrative-driven format allowed audiences to experience not just the music, but the evolution of an artist whose work reflected broader American themes such as redemption, rebellion, faith, and social justice.
David Stone: The Creative Force
Central to the show—and heavily featured on the website—is David Stone, a Philadelphia-born musician and performer who built his career around interpreting Johnny Cash’s music.
Stone is repeatedly described not as an impersonator but as a dedicated interpreter of Cash’s work, someone who studied the nuances of Cash’s voice, phrasing, and stage presence to create an experience that felt genuine rather than theatrical in a superficial sense.
His background adds an additional layer of depth. As a military veteran who served in the U.S. Army’s Second Armored Division, Stone brought a sense of discipline and authenticity to his performances—qualities often associated with Johnny Cash himself. This alignment between performer and subject contributed to the show’s credibility and emotional resonance.
Cast and Musical Ensemble
ManInBlackShow.com provides detailed insight into the ensemble behind the production, highlighting a group of seasoned musicians primarily based in the Philadelphia region.
The band included guitarists, drummers, bassists, and rotating performers portraying June Carter Cash. Many members had backgrounds in diverse genres, including classical, rock, bluegrass, and jazz, which enabled the show to faithfully replicate the wide stylistic range of Johnny Cash’s catalog.
This collaborative structure reflects a key characteristic of successful tribute productions: they rely not just on a central figure, but on a tight, musically versatile ensemble capable of recreating complex arrangements across different eras.
Performance Formats and Flexibility
One notable aspect of “The Johnny Cash Experience” was its adaptability. The show offered multiple formats to suit different venues and audiences:
- Full band with June Carter Cash (approximately two hours)
- Early Johnny Cash trio format (around 90 minutes)
- Duet-focused show featuring Johnny Cash and June Carter
This flexibility made the production suitable for a wide range of settings, from theaters and concert halls to special commemorative events. It also reflects a strategic understanding of the live entertainment market, where scalability often determines longevity.
Notable Milestones and Recognition
Among the most significant achievements highlighted on the site is the show’s selection to perform at San Quentin State Prison. This performance marked the 40th anniversary of Johnny Cash’s historic prison concert there in 1969.
Being chosen for such an event—especially over other tribute acts and even original collaborators—underscored the show’s reputation for authenticity and respect for Cash’s legacy. It also linked the production directly to one of the most iconic moments in American music history.
Cultural and Historical Context
To understand the significance of ManInBlackShow.com, it is important to situate it within the broader phenomenon of tribute performances. Following Johnny Cash’s death in 2003, there was a surge in tribute shows aimed at preserving his music for new audiences.
Cash’s work carries enduring cultural weight. His songs addressed issues such as incarceration, morality, love, and spiritual struggle, making him more than just a country artist—he became a cultural storyteller whose influence extended into rock, folk, and even gospel traditions.
Tribute shows like “The Johnny Cash Experience” play a vital role in maintaining this legacy. They allow audiences who never saw Cash perform live to engage with his music in a shared, communal setting, bridging generational gaps.
Audience and Appeal
The website emphasizes that the show was particularly successful in attracting younger audiences—those who were too young to have experienced Johnny Cash during his peak years.
At the same time, it resonated deeply with longtime fans, offering a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection. This dual appeal is a hallmark of effective tribute productions: they must satisfy both historical accuracy for purists and engaging storytelling for newcomers.
Audience reactions often centered on the realism of the performance, with many noting how closely Stone and his band captured the essence of a live Johnny Cash concert.
Mission and Philosophy
A recurring theme throughout ManInBlackShow.com is the show’s commitment to authenticity. The mission was clearly defined: to present a “note-for-note, authentic representation” of Johnny Cash’s music and legacy without resorting to gimmicks or caricature.
This philosophy aligns with a broader trend in high-quality tribute productions, which aim to educate as well as entertain. By structuring the show around different eras of Cash’s career, the production offered audiences a narrative understanding of his artistic journey.
Social Impact and Philanthropy
Beyond entertainment, “The Johnny Cash Experience” also engaged in philanthropic efforts. The site notes that the production helped raise significant funds in support of charitable causes, including efforts related to missing persons cases.
This aspect reinforces the connection between the show and Johnny Cash’s own legacy, as Cash was known for his advocacy and humanitarian work. By aligning itself with similar values, the production extended its impact beyond the stage.
Press, Media, and Public Perception
While ManInBlackShow.com itself serves as a primary source of information about the show, broader media coverage of Johnny Cash tribute acts generally highlights their nostalgic and emotional appeal.
Critics often evaluate such shows based on their ability to balance authenticity with originality. In the case of “The Johnny Cash Experience,” the emphasis on live music, period-specific storytelling, and minimal reliance on technological enhancements positioned it favorably within this landscape.
The show’s reputation was further bolstered by word-of-mouth, particularly among regional audiences in the northeastern United States.
Location and Regional Roots
The production was deeply rooted in the Philadelphia area, with many cast members and performances centered in and around the region. This geographic connection influenced both the show’s development and its audience base.
Philadelphia’s rich music scene, known for its diversity and strong live performance culture, provided an ideal environment for a tribute show seeking to establish credibility and artistic depth.
Legacy and Decline
Like many live performance productions, “The Johnny Cash Experience” eventually saw a decline in activity. By the late 2010s, performances had become less frequent, and the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted live entertainment worldwide.
Today, the website stands as a remnant of that earlier era, preserving not only the details of the show but also the broader cultural moment in which it thrived.
Digital Preservation and Archive Value
ManInBlackShow.com’s continued existence highlights the importance of digital preservation. Through tools like the Wayback Machine, many older websites are accessible, but dedicated domain preservation offers a more curated and stable experience.
For researchers, fans, and historians, the site provides valuable insights into:
- The structure of early 2000s tribute productions
- The marketing and presentation of live music experiences online
- The enduring influence of Johnny Cash on performance culture
Broader Significance of Tribute Shows
Tribute productions occupy a unique space in the entertainment industry. They are not original creations in the traditional sense, yet they require a high level of artistry, discipline, and historical understanding.
In the case of Johnny Cash, whose music continues to resonate across generations, tribute shows serve as living extensions of his legacy. They keep his songs in circulation, introduce them to new audiences, and maintain the emotional and cultural relevance of his work.
ManInBlackShow.com is more than just a website—it is a digital archive of a specific artistic endeavor, capturing the ambition, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of “The Johnny Cash Experience.”
Through its detailed documentation of the show’s structure, performers, and philosophy, the site offers a comprehensive look at how tribute productions can transcend simple imitation to become meaningful artistic expressions in their own right.
In preserving this content, the site ensures that both the tribute show and the legacy of Johnny Cash continue to inspire audiences, even in an era where live performances have evolved and digital media dominates the entertainment landscape.