Happy 81st Birthday to the Man in Black, Johnny Cash [VIDEO + POLL]

Today would have been the legendary Johnny Cash's 81st birthday. Johnny Cash has to be hands down, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th Century. Johnny played different genres of music from country and rock to blues, folk and gospel. Johnny Cash sang songs of redemption, sadness and humorous songs including "A Boy Named Sue." He also recorded hits with his wife June Carter Cash, like "Jackson."

Other musicians Cash recorded with from the early days at Sun Records in Memphis included Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. Later in 1985, Johnny joined forces with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kirstofferson to form the Highwayman.

If you haven't seen the highly acclaimed 2005 film, "Walk The Line," about the life of Johnny Cash, you should watch it. The film covers the story of Cash from his early days as a cotton farmer in Arkansas to his rise of fame at Sun Records in Memphis. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash and Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash. A a matter of fact, Reese won an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading role for her portrayal of June Carter Cash.

The relationship between Johnny and June was quite tumultuous at times. Johnny was addicted to drugs and booze but with June's help and love she nursed him back to health.

Even though Johnny is gone, his legend and influence remains.

Here are my favorite Johnny Cash tunes.

'Ring of Fire'