My Father and the Man in Black

Saul Holiff:
I brought Johnny in to help publicize the restaurant. We didn't hit it off at ALL. That was 1958. And then I brought him back in 1959 and we had a terrible argument - a horrible argument. And I made some remark to him, that he's "just like the rest of them. And Johnny doesn't like to think of himself as the rest of them. And he suddenly recognized me as an entity rather than just some passing face in the night. I booked him on another tour. And we hit it off. [Original Source: CFPL Radio interview 1976]

Johnny Cash:
It was Saul who pushed me to take my show, and my career, to another level. I was perfectly happy where I was, doing what I loved to do and getting paid for it, but after I got to know Saul I started liking his ideas. INSTEAD of just ballrooms and dance halls around the U.S. and Canada, Saul said I should be aiming at Europe, the Orient, and big places in big cities; Carnegie Hall perhaps, the Hollywood Bowl. And that could be just the beginning. [Original Source: "CASH: The Autobiography," by Johnny Johnny Cash with Patrick Carr HarperCollins, 1997]

Johnny Cash:
In late '61 we played the Big D in Dallas, Texas and my manager, Saul Holiff, said, "We need a girl singer on the show tonight. They want more than just you and your band." And I said, "Well, get one." He said, "What do you think about June Carter?" And I said, "I've always been a fan of hers." And I had, you know. I loved her work. I said, "Get her if you can." So we booked June Carter on the Big D in Dallas and then that night my manager asked if she would work the next tour with us. So she did. [Original Source: Interview with WHN Radio New York, July 4, 1980]

Saul Holiff:
Dear June, It was nice talking with you the other night... even though I acted like a concerned father. This letter confirms your appearance in Des Moines. We have George Jones, Carl Perkins, and Patsy Cline and June "The Heel" Carter. I would also like to confirm you and all your assorted relatives, at Carnegie Hall, for a fee of $500. Yours, Saul. [Original Source: Letter to June Carter, December 25, 1961]

June Carter:
Hi Saul, I signed the contract and returned it. As we discussed on the phone, this is our "tour price," and I was expectin' as many as 4 days. At this rate, we will just about make expenses. Let's hope the other dates come through. When I see you, we will discuss the management deal. Regards to John, Fluke, Marshall and Luther. I love you all. June. [Original Source: Letter to Saul Holiff, January 3, 1962]

Saul Holiff:
Dear Barb, The Hollywood Bowl show and the party was a success beyond my wildest imagination. The food, the view, some fine singing by Johnny... people called it the party of the year! [Original Source: Letter Barbara Robinson, June 28, 1962]

Johnny Cash:
Barbara, I feel my association with Saul these past months is the foundation for the new lease on life I have found. As a matter of fact, I know it. Not only have I begun to enjoy life but I am happy and excited about the way my career is zooming! Johnny. [Original Source: Letter to Barbara Robinson, October 1962]

Saul Holiff:
Dear Small Sad Sam, I'm so pleased with your new attitude toward our future plans. I sincerely believe that you are capable of great things, provided you keep a level head and an even perspective. our Director of Planning, Saul. [Original Source: Letter to Johnny Cash, December 27, 1961]

Saul Holiff:
Dear John Henry, I was proud of you in Daytona... no temperament... sincere effort... composure and maturity. It's clear to me that you're going to re-establish yourself at the top where you belong. Saul. [Original Source: Letter to Johnny Cash, July 13, 1962]

Saul Holiff:
Barbara, Johnny has suddenly decided to end our relationship. I honestly believed that no matter how emotional and irrational he was, he was at least LOYAL. To top it off, we have a HIT RECORD! [Original Source: Letter to Barbara Robinson, July 11, 1963]

Johnny Cash:
Saul, My only cure is solitude. Too many things work against my peace of mind. Only the desert with its purity and silence can help me now. Please tell them I sincerely regret these cancellations, but it's either cancel them, or cancel me for always... J.R. [Original Source: Undated Letter to Saul Holiff, circa 1964]

Johnny Cash:
[On recording "Ira Hayes"] I am more full of piss and vinegar than ever. When I reach the top, I'll build another peak to climb. [Original Source: Letter to Saul Holiff, May 23, 1964]

Johnny Cash:
[On "Ira Hayes" failure to penetrate the Pop Charts] Classify me, categorize me - STIFLE me, but it won't work. This is NOT a country song." [Original Source: TBD magazine ad]

Editor, "Close-Up":
Mr. Cash, I am disgusted with you. You think that people who listen to Country are not intelligent. I am sorry that it was good Country and Hillbilly-type music lovers who put you where you are today. I am also sorry for you, Johnny Cash, that at your age, you have never learned the old lesson, you don't bite the hand that feeds you. You have a lot to learn and may you learn it on the way down. [Original Source: "An Open Letter To Johnny Cash," Close-Up, September, 1964]

Johnny Cash:
Saul, My only cure is solitude. Too many things work against my peace of mind. Only the desert with its purity and silence can help me now. Please tell them I sincerely regret these cancellations, but it's either cancel them, or cancel me for always... J.R. [Original Source: Letter to Saul Holiff, 1964]

Saul Holiff:
It seems that everyone in London is aware of a conversation suggesting a discrepancy in the attendance at the show. This rumour is vicious and has already done much to malign me. [Original Source: Letter to Johnny Cash, February 27, 1965]

Johnny Cash:
Now that you have raked me over the coals, I want to tell you that you are damn sure barking up the wrong tree. Please raise hell with someone else. I've had enough for everybody. [Original Source: Letter to Saul Holiff, March 2, 1965]

Saul Holiff:
Wednesday, March 17: Midnight - Luther called. Johnny's lost his voice - AGAIN!

Saul Holiff:
Thursday, March 18: 1:30 AM - Cancelled Cincinnati due to alleged case of laryngitis afflicting Johnny.

Saul Holiff:
Saturday, March 20: 6:00 PM - Marshall called. Johnny's appearance in Peoria "highly unlikely."

Saul Holiff:
6:15 PM - Called promoter, radio officials, and building management to make excuses.

Saul Holiff:
7:30 PM - Called June. She said Vivian was in Nashville and had been for the last several days.

Saul Holiff:
Sunday, March 21: 1:30 PM - Called Maybelle. Johnny asleep in his office, apparently "out cold."

Saul Holiff:
Monday, March 22: 11:00 AM - Called June. Johnny in no shape to play shows. June is powerless to intercede.

Saul Holiff:
7:00 PM - Cancelled Madison, Rockford and Green Bay. Told promoter I would cover his losses. He said he'd call me back "AFTER speaking to his lawyer."

Saul Holiff:
Tuesday, March 23: Noon - Called Johnny. No answer. Sent two-page telegram by cab. NO ANSWER! [Original Source: Saul Holiff's Phone Log, March 1965]

Saul Holiff:
To Johnny Cash STOP. Confirming Jonathan Joel Holiff at 7 1/4 pounds STOP. Terms - Life Guarantee STOP. One Hundred Percent Top Billing STOP. No Mikes, Spotlights or Extra Talent Required STOP. Admission Free. STOP. Dontcha dare miss him. STOP. Paternally Saul. [Original Source:Telegram to Johnny Cash; June 9, 1965]

Saul Holiff:
If you are concerned about the manner in which I represent you, I would be agreeable to withdrawing as your manager, and concentrate on dates only. [Original Source: Letter to Johnny Cash; July 9, 1965]

Johnny Cash:
What do you mean, "withdraw as my manager?" I want you to represent me. Let's work together and keep phrases like that out of our conversations. Black is black. Day is day. [Original Source: Letter to Saul Holiff; July 14, 1965]

Saul Holiff:
You have never failed to let me know when I have goofed up. And now you're alleging that I signed "chits" at The Mint that came to the grand sum of $100, only to be made aware, after accusing me of such a monumental theft, that I WASN'T EVEN IN LAS VEGAS at the time. [Original Source: Letter to Johnny Cash; August 24, 1965]

Saul Holiff:
[Circa 1965] Suddenly I found myself in this chaotic, unpredictable, terrible atmosphere. nothing could be finalized. Nothing could be definite. The cancellations were awful and I had to make good on them. [Original Source: "A Man Called Cash," by Steve Turner]

Saul Holiff:
[Circa 1965] There was a feeling of anti-Semitism 24 hours a day; it was unmistakable. But it was kind of a na?ve anti-Semitism. Just based on being a "good old southern boy." [Original Source: "Pajama Party" TV Interview 1984]

Johnny Cash:
[On being jailed in El Paso 1965] "I don't ever want out of this cell again. I just want to stay here and die. Because I'm too weak to face everyone. Knowing my family is heart broken, knowing my friends and fans are disappointed. It's more than I can reconcile with them. [Original Source: "Man In Black," by Johnny Cash]

Various Characters:
Dear Saul, I am enclosing, 1. Motion to Allow Petitioner to Leave the Continental United States While on Bond and, 2. Order Granting Permission to John R. Cash to Perform in Canada. Yours Very Truly, Woodrow Bean. [Original Source: Telegram to Saul Holiff; October 18, 1965]

Various Characters:
Saul Holiff, care of Hawaiian Hotel, Hollywood. STOP. Due to unfavourable publicity originating from El Paso, we wish to cancel the Johnny Cash performance scheduled for Texas A&M University. STOP. This is our official notice of cancellation. STOP. J. Wayne Stark, Advisor, Town Hall Committee. [Original Source: Telegram to Saul Holiff; November 12, 1965]

Saul Holiff:
I have given much consideration to the part I've played in your life. There was a period a few years back when you were completely indifferent to your career. I like to think that I helped you to channel and direct your energies back to constructive and creative effort. If this was my only service to you I feel satisfied. However, there were many times that surgical repairs had to be brought into play. I considered it my job to make such repairs. I always respected you as an individualist and a non-conformist, but I don't feel you have recognized my efforts. [Original Source: Letter to Johnny Cash; December 21, 1965]

Saul Holiff:
The situation was that Johnny was on the floor of the motor home totally unconscious. No one could pick up any pulse whatsoever. For all intents and purposes, HE WAS DEAD. Harold Reid had his ear on Cash's chest saying, "I can't hear anything." Another member of the group is saying, "I wonder where he hid the pills;" another is saying, "I'm not going to cross the border, because WE'LL ALL GO TO JAIL." Another is saying, "Wellesley Hospital is right around the corner, why don't we take him there?" It is about ten o'clock. It is snowing by now. The fact is we REALLY didn't know just how ill he was. Do we put him in a hospital in Toronto and cancel the Rochester show and risk physical threats to ourselves? Do we risk the possibility that Customs will search the motor home and find the pills? What really do we do? As far as Barbara and myself, we were concerned about the baby. And, most of all, we were concerned about whether Johnny was going to make it. The decision finally, was go. Go to Rochester and see what would happen. I changed my reservation from the hotel we were supposed to stay at to another one, so the promoter would not know where we were staying, arranged for someone to look after the baby. We made it to Rochester at about 2:30 in the afternoon. We drove down to the Rochester Memorial Auditorium. And this is what we saw: Johnny had REVIVED, was FULL of energy, had made an extraordinary recovery, and he went out, and he did two CLEAR-HEADED, SENSATIONAL, SOLD-OUT SHOWS. I think we even got an honest count from the promoter that night. [Original Source: Saul Holiff Audio Diary 1966]

Johnny Cash:
[Circa 1966] I had become habituated to amphetamines, barbiturates and alcohol... all three at the same time. I got up to a habit of as many as a hundred pills a day and a case of beer. There was a lot of people OD'd on a lot less than that. [Original Source: Johnny Cash interview with WHN Radio New York; July 4, 1980]

Saul Holiff:
He turned from a quiet, benign personality into a monster. [Original Source: TBD]

Various Characters:
[On being divorced by Vivian] Saul, Johnny has not secured the services of an attorney. Apparently, he is leaving this up to you. Anzac Jacobs [Original Source: Letter from Anzac Jacobs to Saul Holiff August 19, 1966]

Johnny Cash:
Dear Saul, we can get more accomplished if you fly into Nashville. I see no need for the trouble I'd find in L.A. I will sit quietly and look at every angle. Please come soon. Johnny. [Original Source - Abridged: Telegram from Johnny Cash to Saul Holiff; September 2, 1966]

Saul Holiff:
Soon after Jonathan was born, I was in Europe. And just prior to Joshua being born, I was in England. And Johnny was going through his "bad-ass" stage, and we had a booking for one night to fly over to Paris to appear at the Olympia. This was a deal I had worked on for a long time. The French were sort of aware of Johnny Cash. This was going to be a significant thing. But when we gathered together to fly over, he was nowhere to be found. It turned out that he had taken off with Dylan on some mad escapade. I got on a plane, first class if you please, and flew home. And a month later, with the sense that my relationship with Johnny was over, that I had initiated, that I just couldn't stand it anymore, I was the father of two small babies, with a mortgage and no prospects. So I wasn't in any condition to enjoy parenthood at that time. [Original Source: Saul Holiff Audio Diary 1998]

Alabaman:
[Quoting the White Citizens' Council, Mobile, Alabama] Johnny Cash has a NEGRESS for a wife and FOUR mongrelized children. THE RACE MIXERS in the record industry CONTINUE to sell his records to YOUR teen-aged children." Original Source: "Hate Groups Gun for Johnny Cash in Racial Error" [Variety, October 5, 1966]

Saul Holiff:
We'll re-possess every thing they own so that lies like this will not grow to such monstrous proportions in the future. [Original Source: Saul Holiff as quoted by "Singer Johnny Cash Fights The Voice of Hate;" New York Post, October 6, 1966]

Johnny Cash:
I didn't want to die, but I'd given up. I'd accepted the fact that I was killing myself, and I was going to try to enjoy it. [Original Source: Johnny Cash interview, The Nashville Tennessean, February 10, 2001]

Saul Holiff:
[On sagging record sales] Johnny, last week we discussed Bob Johnston and Don Law. I have given the situation a lot of thought. I urge you to immediately go with Johnston. No one is perfect, and sometimes you have shown poor judgement. Bob Johnston is creative enough to present exciting ideas. The time is ripe for a change and it should be NOW. I think Johnston can bring you to the next plateau. [Original Source: Letter from Saul Holiff to Johnny Cash; December 29, 1966]

Saul Holiff:
[April 7, 1967] We were in Edmonton and he was on a rampage of pep pills, and he had a Martin, an expensive guitar. And he was in a darkened room, and he hadn't slept for a couple of days, and he's already missed one of the dates. And they're all my dates that I'd set up because nobody wanted to book him. You know, they couldn't trust that he would be there. He took the guitar and smashed it against the wall. I had said things to provoke him. And I guess he just didn't have the nerve to hit me with the guitar so he hit it against the wall and smashed it. [Original Source: Saul Holiff quoted by "Johnny Cash, The Biography," by Michael Streissguth]

Saul Holiff:
After submitting you to every buyer in the business, I was only able to get four dates. Your professional behaviour is totally reprehensible, showing a complete disregard for everyone around you. [Telegram from Saul Holiff to Johnny Cash; May 6, 1967]

Johnny Cash:
Saul, It's hell to realize that today is October 21st, 1967 and that my divorce was officially final yesterday. It was a dream comin' true that June made me hang onto for FIVE years. She's 37, and I'm almost 36. I dropped a terrible marriage, 4 sweet kids, and half my estate-thinkin' June was planning to marry me. Just yesterday she made a definitive statement-she wants to stop our life together just as it starts. I already said I'm goin' into hospital for as long as I can after this tour. But she's plannin' to ditch me next month. I've promised till I'm blue in the face that I'll act right in California. But she says she can't believe me. She knows its betrayal, but she piles up reasons for cutting our relationship off. My manhood has been insulted and debased. Now I retaliate. Sorry to put this load on you Saul, but unless there is an immediate admissal of betrayal, and an apology to me as a good man, she can't be on my show. This will definitely test June's intentions, her kindness, her goodness, as well as make her open up her heart to me, and show me whether or not she'll leave with these lies following. John. [Original Source: Letter from Johnny Cash to Saul Holiff; October 21, 1967]

Saul Holiff:
You missed $40,000 worth of dates in one year! If you continue like this, it will lead to disaster. Your solution is to cut back my commissions. I am willing to do that... but I want your cooperation in cutting your OWN expenses, and in missing NO MORE DATES." [Original Source: Letter from Saul Holiff to Johnny Cash; October 31, 1967]

Myra Richman:
[Miami-Dade Concert 1967] I had never seen Johnny in person and my mother and Saul and Barbara and I all had front row seats, and the curtain went up. He strummed his guitar once and waited a LONG time. I was feeling a little uncomfortable. I remember thinking, "Let's go!" You know, "what's happening here?" And then he looked down, and looked right at Saul, and he said "SAAAUUUUUL, HELP ME!"... in the most pathetic voice, and Saul went TEARING out, stepped on my foot in the process, went running backstage, had the curtain closed, and refunded everybody everybody's money. It was very dramatic, but obviously Johnny was strung out. And I remember feeling really sad for Saul... that he's gotta go pick up all the pieces... clean up after him."

Saul Holiff:
["A Boy named Sue"] We were walking through O'Hare Airport one day, wandering around waiting for a plane, and Shel Silverstein came ambling up. And he had a song. It was crumpled up on a piece of paper, and he handed it to Johnny, and Johnny shoved it down to the bottom of his benny kit. It was "A Boy Named Sue." And a few weeks later, he recorded it, without another take. And that single, THAT 45, sold 6 million records!" [Original Source: CFPL Radio interview 1976]

Johnny Cash:
[Mutiny in Oklahoma] Dear June, By joining the whole cast to do MY show without ME, you are more than even with me for any wrong I've done. If you plan on continuing with this tour, I DEMAND that my name be removed... and I hope you'll be kind enough not to sing our duet with anyone else. I was sincere when I told your father I was going to be the man that you all would be proud of. As for Saul, I am stunned. As for you, I'm hurt worse than you've ever been. For a long time you've been my future and I was yours. It is hard to accept that you would trade this future for a two-week tour. If this is your way of dropping me, you should think about it differently. I won't be unkind about it again, but you will soon see what you have done. John. [Original Source; Letter from Johnny Cash to June Carter and Saul Holiff; Undated 1967]

Saul Holiff:
[On recording San Quentin] In England I set this show - it was an English concept, an English production, an English deal from beginning to end. If it hadn't been for Granada Television, there never would have been a San Quentin LP. [Original Source: CFPL Radio interview 1976]

Johnny Cash:
Saul knows his job and does it perfectly. I never worry that things aren't done. He's a perfectionist. Like my dad useta say, "Whatever you're going to be, be the best in the business. Saul is the best agent in the world. I feel sorry for guys like Presley who don't have an agent like him. [Original Source: "Want Johnny Cash? Call London, Ontario and ask for Saul Holiff;" Canadian Magazine, November, 1970]

Saul Holiff:
The fact is, I couldn't find any way to justify BECOMING Johnny's manager. I thought the only way I could manage him was to come up with things that hadn't been been done before - that was part of the reason he got excited. [Original Source: TBD]

Johnny Cash:
Well, listen Saul. I've got something else on my mind now. Have got it keeping me layin' awake thinkin' about, um, goin' to Israel. I would, uh, do much better, ah, job at, talkin' and showin' about Jesus and his life, you know. I don't know how you go about getting it on the networks, but it seems to me like if I had, um, "Johnny Cash In Israel: Following In the Footsteps of Jesus," you know, for Christmas time.

Saul Holiff:
Now that you have told me, I'll break my ass trying to bring it about.

Johnny Cash:
Well, Saul, make sure they understand... we talked about me bein' an honest performer now. That Johnny Cash is not the same Johnny Cash that is around now, see? If I do a television special on Israel, I should do it about the life of Jesus, right? Don't you think so?

Saul Holiff:
I would say that, in your own way, in a subtle manner, you will follow the footsteps of Jesus... but without hitting them over the head with it.

Johnny Cash:
Right, uh-huh...

Saul Holiff:
I think it should be labeled "Johnny Cash in the Holy Land" rather than "Johnny Cash in Israel."

Johnny Cash:
All right. Okay. Sure.

Saul Holiff:
So, let me go to work on it...

Johnny Cash:
Well, Saul, I really uh, do have a strong conviction. This is the only thing I want to do. [Original Source: Telephone call between Johnny Cash and Saul Holiff, May 1971]

Johnny Cash:
[after proposing to June onstage] I'd never seen Saul as happy as he was that night. 'How long has it been now?' he asked me. 'Three months since I had a pill, Saul,' I said. Then he said, 'Well, I heard that proposal out there and I want to be the first to congratulate you. You've lost a lot of time in the last seven years. You need June, and she needs you. You've proven everybody wrong, including me. I thought you would be dead by now.' And I said, 'I would have been, Saul, if God hadn't saved me.' 'Reconciliation with God doesn't mean reconciliation with man,' Saul said. 'You might consider playing some shows for a couple of promoters who went broke when you cancelled out on them.' 'Arrange them,' I said. [Original Source: "Man In Black," by Johnny Cash]

Johnny Cash:
It seems that Saul, and everyone else, misunderstands my reason for not wanting to perform there. Every time I worked Las Vegas, the environment contributed to tearing me down. I'm not ready to come to Vegas. When I do, I intend to set the town afire, instead of letting it burn me up. I and only I will know when I am ready. [Original Source: Johnny Cash to Joe Dale CC Saul Holiff; May 18, 1971]

Saul Holiff:
We went out to do the Glen Campbell show and I pitched Johnny the idea of playing Las Vegas. We were supposed to go to Australia in March, but he cancelled that for various reasons. I suggested that now was the time to play Vegas. And he said "yes." [Original Source: Saul Holiff Audio Diary, December 1971]

Saul Holiff:
[On route to Las Vegas] "The trip I'm embarking upon has many ramifications. I'm now entering my eleventh year with Johnny. I feel a definite build-up of hostility on his part. He's challenging me endlessly, reversing himself, putting me in an embarrassing position, not advising me of different details, doing the old number on me, of keeping me guessing, making me feel as if I'm calling the shots and then suddenly pulling the rug out from underneath me again, and again, and AGAIN. I have been doing all the work I possibly can do - which is practically nothing. Seem to have lost the desire. [Original Source: Saul's Audio Diary, March 1972]

Saul Holiff:
[On returning from Las Vegas] "I don't want to be the richest man in the cemetery. I want desperately to start spending more time with my family, and I want desperately to start enjoying the things that I worked so GOD-DAMNED HARD for in 10 years, and taken such incredible abuse, and such humiliation so often. I wanna salvage my soul; he robbed it, he robbed me of my soul and now I think he's trying to save it for me - through his fundamentalist Christianity jazz. I find it VERY offensive. And here I am, inundated with it; the VERY thing that I've always objected strenuously to; so I know that the rupture is on the horizon. But if money is a security blanket, we're able to, frankly, phase down into semi-retirement, or for that matter, retirement." Stopped taking tranquillizers... started drinking again. I don't know which is worse. [Original Source: Saul's Audio Diary, April 1972]

Johnny Cash:
Well, I talked to June about those shows, and, uh, just about every show is going to have some work done on it. Uh, I would take out all the cussin' and the "Hells," and the "Damns," and the smart-ass remarks - before I'll ever agree to 'em being re-run.

Saul Holiff:
M-hm.

Johnny Cash:
I want to ask you about a special. Do they want a special with me?

Saul Holiff:
Ah, the letter he wrote simply said, "I've been in discussion with network, to be nameless at the moment, concerning a one-hour Johnny Cash special. I believe it's safe to say that I have an order for a special, subject to the creative theme for the special," um, so whatever he means by that, um, I'm not quite sure.

Johnny Cash:
There's only one that I would like to do. I'd like to do a LIVE Gospel music special. The Jesus movement is really goin' strong for us. I would like to close with about a 10-minute sermon from Jimmy Snow, with an alter call, these people coming down to the altar, praying and raisin' their hands up, and then have the closing song over that, you know?

Saul Holiff:
In other words, to put on film an actual uh, um, um, segment of a real, uh...

Johnny Cash:
A real REVIVAL!

Saul Holiff:
Revival.

Johnny Cash:
I went to church yesterday, and the thing I saw in that church, if we could get that on network television, boy it would REALLY be something. Those women and men comin' on their knees, and raisin' their hands up, you know like they do to Jesus, and tears comin' down their face. It could be like a Johnny Cash Gospel Crusade, you know?

Saul Holiff:
Lemme, lemme try it out on him, and let him go to the network and see if he can create some interest in it. [Original Source: Telephone call between Johnny Cash and Saul Holiff, August 1971]

Johnny Cash:
[Clearing his throat] Now there's a couple of things I want to say to you that I need to clear the air completely with you on.

Saul Holiff:
Uh-huh.

Johnny Cash:
First of all, I knew, way before we even did the film that there's a lot of people - maybe the MAJORITY of the people - are not gonna buy what I am saying in the film or what this film is sayin". So, you see, I don't really have to be told that because I know that.

Saul Holiff:
Well, when I make a statement like that, that's what's known as trying to be honest, because first of all, if you take a hundred people, twenty- five of them are of Christian faith and twenty of them are Moslems, and ten... you know, that's what I meant.

Johnny Cash:
But, but I knew that originally, see?

Saul Holiff:
Yeah.

Johnny Cash:
Well, I just felt like you didn't have a lot of interest in this film.

Saul Holiff:
I'm one of the few people that try to say to you exactly what they think without meaning to be harmful. I'm not trying to break things down, I'm just trying to temper things a little bit by saying, not exactly what people think you want to hear.

Johnny Cash:
Yeah, right.

Saul Holiff:
I find that a lot of people tell you exactly what you want to hear.

Johnny Cash:
Yeah. I know that. I don't need that either.

Saul Holiff:
And that doesn't help.

Johnny Cash:
No it doesn't. [Original Source: Telephone call between Johnny Cash and Saul Holiff, July 1972]

Saul Holiff:
I've kept my running up, and my weight is stable, and I'm now, going on two weeks tomorrow, without drinking any hard liquor. I've done some considerable planning for the fall, and the August and September tours are all set up and, um, emotionally, I'm somewhat confused. I'm still annoyed that I can't get my office work done; don't seem to be motivated enough, or whatever. The Sahara Tahoe date is just three weeks away, which is almost inconceivable. The kids seem to be enjoying being out of school. And I still would like to be able to get out and toss a ball around with them, just can't seem to do. I just need to re-order my priorities and get off my fat ass, and get out with the kids and do things with them, toss a ball around, get involved. Help a little bit around here. I feel guilty about it I guess. [Original Source: Saul's Audio Diary, July 1973]

Barbara Holiff:
[Lake Tahoe] June criticized Saul for being absent whenever Johnny appeared "for free" with the Billy Graham Crusade. She questioned whether he had "something against Jesus," and asked Saul if he was "only interested in money." Saul told June he considered her remark anti-Semitic. He said he shouldn't be required to attend benefits he had not arranged. And then, giving five months' notice, your father resigned.

Saul Holiff:
Here I am being told that all I'm interested in is money. Now that always strikes me as hilarious because the Cashes were always interested in money. And then - this is the strangest part - there was never one ill word, not even a suggestion that I would be leaving. On the contrary, I think they had looked upon me - I'm positive of it - as a good luck charm; it had something to do with being superstitious, I know that. [Original Source: Saul Holiff as quoted by "Johnny Cash, The Biography," by Michael Streissguth]

Johnny Cash:
Saul is a great family man and one of the wisest men I know. We've grown together for 12 years and now Saul plans to turn his back on the future wealth we may have. [Original Source: "True Star: Cash big tree of country music," London Free Press, November 5, 1973]

Johnny Cash:
[Why did you decide to produce a movie about the life of Jesus Christ?] Well, it's a, hmmm, it was a thing that I felt like, that would be the most meaningful, meaningful thing that we could con contribute with our lives. It was our lives have to say. The story of Christ is a story that needed very much to be told, I think, in a way, so people could relate to it. Christ was sent to earth as a human being. And if our film has that one thing, it has Jesus as human and believable.

June Carter Cash:
[June, you had something to do with starting this whole thing in motion. How did that come about?] I had a dream, ha, ha. Well, I dreamed I saw John on top of a mountain, uh, holding a book in his hand, and I believe the book was the Bible, and just told him that dream, and, uh, it's nice now to see it in the film.

Johnny Cash:
Saul, There is one question that burns in our minds. Do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah as prophesied by the Old Testament? Do you believe in His Divinity? [Original Source: Letter from Johnny Cash to Saul Holiff; April 28, 1975]

Saul Holiff:
John, I can't honestly answer your question about Jesus. Years of sounding off about things I haven't fully investigated has resulted in a need for a mental catharsis. [Original Source: Letter from Saul Holiff to Johnny Cash; May 20, 1975]

June Carter Cash:
For Saul, Dear Lord, in your book of predestined, preordained, if it's not there - I wish you'd write down ol' Saul's name. Back when excuses had to fall it was Saul who took the call, and looked you straight in the face and followed Johnny every place, in bars, honky- tonks and ditches - ol' Saul caught the heavy pitches - and threw them back just as hard. He fought to keep John in the yard. [Original Source: Poem June Carter Cash to Saul Holiff, December 25, 1975]

Saul Holiff:
I don't want to sound corny, but, uh, I gave Johnny up, Johnny didn't give me up. This is something that skeptics question because I don't know of any similar situation where someone gives up an act, a superstar. No I left Johnny voluntarily. I wanted to go back to school. I got out because I wanted out. So I could rebuild my self-respect, and be my own person again. [Original Source: CFPL Radio interview, circa 1976]

Johnny Cash:
We had long ago found an understanding friend in Saul. He had suffered much embarrassment because of some of my capers when I was on pills. But he was cool, level-headed, and always handled the most complicated of my business problems, without burdening me down with the details of what he'd gone through in straightening out some of the messes I got myself into from missing show dates. He had never relayed the embarrassing questions he must have had to answer when I'd been in trouble. [Original Source: "Man In Black," by Johnny Cash 1975]

Saul Holiff:
I would say he has all of the faults of a very successful entertainer. A big ego, uh, self-centred, self-serving, uh, I could just go on endlessly. Read "The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau" and you've got it all in one nutshell. And on the other hand, he's, um bright. He respects a job well done. He's very demanding of himself. He's a perfectionist. Uh, he's inordinately clever. He's exceptionally well read, uh, so he's, he's got qualities you can't help but respect and admire. [Original Source: CFPL Radio interview 1976]

Johnny Cash:
Saul suffered much embarrassment when I was on pills. But he was cool, level-headed, and always handled the messes I got myself into. Saul made many of the most significant moves of my career, and I owe him a lot. [Original Source: "CASH: The Autobiography," by Johnny Johnny Cash with Patrick Carr 1997]

Johnny Cash:
Saul stayed pretty well insulated from the fall-out. When I did something that left a mess-things broken, people abused, money squandered, laws broken, jail cells visited-his technique was to simply disappear. [Original Source: "A Man Called Cash," by Steve Turner 2004]

Saul Holiff:
Holiff grins and agrees: "I had one of the best disappearing acts - when I'd had enough. I just felt that there was a dignity involved and I could only go so far. And when I couldn't go any further, I just left. [Original Source: "The Johnny Cash Connection" Country Music News, May 2007]

Saul Holiff:
It has now been twenty years since we parted company, and with the benefit of hindsight, and an awful long time to think, I realize now, more than ever, that if it hadn't been for your confidence, belief and trust in me so many years ago, I would probably still be back in London promoting hamburgers, clothes and mediocre rock and roll acts. Hope all goes well with you and your family. Sincerely, Saul. [Original Source: Letter from Saul Holiff to Johnny Cash; October 16, 1994]

Johnny Cash:
It was so nice to hear from you after all these years. We often reminisce about the years we worked together, and always know that we think well of you, and speak kindly of you. I hope we can see you again. Your friend, Johnny. [Original Source: Letter from Johnny Cash to Saul Holiff; February 6, 1997]

Saul Holiff:
He was as mercurial as they come. He was the quintessential enigmatic everything. He was kind, he was cruel, he was thoughtful, he was selfish. And he was smart! We had endless conflict. I was always guilty of underestimating him. [Original Source: Victoria Times-Colonist, September 13, 2003]

Harvey Glatt:
[the Capitol, Ottawa 1966] Your father and I finally found him in the motor home. And, wow, we, we really had to help him all the way to the microphone!

Robert Shelton:
Mr. Cash came highly endorsed... but the hoarseness of his voice and the incohesiveness of his performance, suggest that another hearing is needed before his name can be mentioned in the company of reputable country minstrels. Robert Shelton, New York Times [Original Source: "Troupe of Country Musicians Gives Program at Carnegie Hall," New York Times, May 11, 1962]

Saul Holiff:
[On Johnny Cash - the person] He's not what he appears to be. In many cases, he's more than he appears to be and, in some cases, possibly less... and the fact that his marriage lasted so long. They had a lovely son together, who has done well. I would have to say overall it's a very happy story, you know, like a guy who prevailed against incredible odds and did extraordinarily well as have the people around him. I mean, I didn't come out of this suffering either. Everyone who knew him might have different views about how situations could have been handled differently but when you have as much power as he had, he was okay with people. He could have been like some of your horror stories you read about. He wasn't like that. On the other hand he'd step out of character and drive a hard bargain when you least expected, and be tough, so you never knew what was coming down. If he thought you were trying to be a smart-ass, it was curtains. [Original Source: "Country Music News" May 2007]

Saul Holiff:
[recalling being terrified of having to tell an unruly crowd in Jacksonville, Florida, Johnny Cash was a no-show] I didn't think I was going to get out of that place alive. [Original Source: Winners Got Scars Too by Christopher Wren]

Johnny Cash:
[Johnny on Saul's resignation] I don't think I wore him out-nobody did; he just had no need to keep working, so he didn't. But I certainly wasn't the easiest of clients. [Original Source: Cash: The Autobiography with Patrick Carr]