Johnny Cash, "The Man in Black" who became a towering figure in American music with such hits as "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line" and "A Boy Named Sue," died Friday.  He was 71. 

Cash died of complications from diabetes that resulted in respiratory failure, his manager, Lou Robin, said in a statement issued by Baptist Hospital in Nashville. Cash died at the hospital at 3 a.m. EDT. 

"I hope that friends and fans of Johnny will pray for the Cash family to find comfort during this very difficult time," Robin said. 

Cash had been released from the hospital Wednesday after a two-week stay for treatment of an unspecified stomach ailment.

He had battled a disease of the nervous system, autonomic neuropathy, and pneumonia in recent years. His second wife, June Carter Cash, who co-wrote Cash's hit "Ring of Fire," died in May.

"More than any single person I can think of, Johnny Cash broadened interest in country music all around the world. He was just a huge star, and became a cultural icon in America," said Ed Benson, executive director of the Country Music Association. "It's extremely sad. He's certainly someone who is irreplaceable in the music business, and in the hearts and minds of many Americans."

For the full story and extended overview of Cash's life and career and the impact he made on popular music, not just country music, visit this link.

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