Johnny Cash and Charlie Feathers
Mt Pleasant, MS

Yesterday I received correspondence from Robin Clayton in Walnut, MS, who as a Gospel and Rockabilly musician himself has visited the site. The timing is perfect since today is the birthday of Johnny Cash, who would have been 81 today, and I thought I'd share some of what he wrote and the photos he sent.

Marshall Grant, Johnny Cash and Luther Perkins in Mt Pleasant, MS - ca.1955
Photo © Frank Feathers courtesy Robin Clayton

Thank you for your insight on Mr. Luther Perkins of Memphis Tennessee / Como Mississippi. You are aware John Luther "Casey" Jones came through Como in 1900 into the History Books. Then John Cash and Luther Perkins kept that train a rollin. I think Casey's vibes jarred into Luther's THUMP. A friend of mine, Brother Frank Feathers of Mt. Pleasant Mississippi let me scan some photos a few years back. Frank Feathers' cousin Charlie Feathers was a Rockabilly.

Marshall Grant, Johnny Cash and Luther Perkins in Mt Pleasant, MS - ca.1955
Photo © Frank Feathers courtesy Robin Clayton

A lot of folks don’t know Charlie and the Feathers family lived in Hudsonville north of Holly Springs. Anyhow, at the end of Charlie's life Frank Feathers, pastor of Holly Hill Baptist Church, baptized Charlie. He later preached Charlie's funeral based on his song "I've Been Deceived." He still pastors Holly Hill Baptist Church in Holly Springs.

Charlie Feathers and band (Joel Chastain on electric guitar) in Mt Pleasant, MS - ca.1955
Photo © Frank Feathers courtesy Robin Clayton

There are three photos, two of Cash, one of Charlie. It was at Mount Pleasant School in Mt. Pleasant Mississippi, east of Memphis hwy 72. I think Sam Phillips' son lived right behind it. It is still standing, a big gate on Hwy 311 and is now a Day Care. It is a WPA built former High School building. That camera was probably a brownie, The original photo was about 4 inches square, the last I sent is the best on the planet now since the original burned 3 Years ago. I hope you like them. Frank Feathers would be tickled to see them used. No one has I reckon. You have my blessings to use them if you like.
This AMENS your I walk the line story.

Robin Clayton - WLRC Gospel Radio Walnut, Mississippi
February 25, 2013

The pictures show Johnny and the Tennessee Two with some of their earliest instruments. Johnny is playing the Martin that he later gave/returned to Marshall Grant and Luther's Silvertone amp is pictured almost out of frame on the right.

page added February 26, 2013

All photos on this site (that we didn't borrow) unless otherwise indicated are the property of either Scotty Moore or James V. Roy and unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.