The Great Eighties Eight

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The Great Eighties Eight (Seven after 1982) was Johnny Cash's band during the 1980s. It was formed after longtime bass player Marshall Grant left the Tennessee Three, and Cash extended his band. The people and number of people changed frequently throughout the 1980s and by 1982 only seven people remained, making the band the Great Eighties Seven. This band was not as popular as the Tennessee Three, and did not have the fanbase that the original Tennessee Two/Three had enjoyed.

[edit] People Involved

In 1974, Jerry Hensely (guitar) joined the Tennessee Three. Later in 1977, Earl Poole Ball (piano) joined, and in 1978, Johnny Cash added Bob Lewin (keyboards/horns) and Jack Hale Jr.(harmonica/horns) to his roadshow. In 1979, Marty Stuart (fiddle/mandolin/guitar) joined the band on recommendation of Bob Wootton. In 1980, Marshall Grant (bass) left the show after 25 years of playing and Cash added Joe Allen (bass), and renaimed the band the Great Eighties Eight. In 1981, Joe Allen (bass) left and Henry Strzelecki (bass) and Chris Powell (bass) play for a short time. By the end of 1981, Marty Stuart is playing bass full time. In 1982, Jerry Hensely (guitar) leaves and Jimmy Tittle (bass) joins, the band is now called the Great Eighties Seven. In 1986, Marty Stuart left and he found Jim Soldi (guitar) to take his place. Also that year, Jimmy Tittle (bass) leaves and Joe Allen (bass) returns for a short while. By 1987 Jimmy Tittle (bass) returns and Joe Allen leaves the Great Eighties Seven. In 1989, Johnny Cash disbanded the Great Eighties Seven. Bob Wootton (guitar, leaves for a short while until 1992). Jim Soldi (guitar), Jimmy Tittle (bass), Bob Lewin(keyboard/horns), and Jack Hale Jr. (harmonica/horns) leave. The band now contains four members, with WS Holland as the only long-standing Tennessee Three member until 1992.

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