Johnny Cash's Boyhood Home to Be Restored, Honorary Festival Announced

The childhood home of the late Johnny Cash will be restored after being purchased by Arkansas State University, with proceeds from the newly created Johnny Cash Music Festival set to help fund the project.

"This is an incredible, special, emotional day for the Cash family," Rosanne Cash said during an April 14 press conference in Jonesboro, Arkansas. "Dad always held this area dear to his heart. This will be something that people will be able to see and touch."

According to the New York Examiner, the university recently purchased the home located in Dyess, Arkansas with plans to restore the home's structure and create a museum. The press conference yesterday announced plans for the inaugural Johnny Cash Music Festival slated for August 4 at ASU's Convention Centre.

The university revealed that all of the performers are relatives or friends of the late singer, including Rosanne Cash, John Carter and Laura Cash, Tommy Cash, Rodney Crowell, George Jones, Gary Morris and Kris Kristofferson, among others. More artists may be announced in the coming months, with the goal to make the festival an annual event.

A website has been set up with VIP tickets featuring a meet and greet with the Cash family priced at $150 US, a lower level package at $75 US and concert tickets priced at $37.50 US. According to a Twitter post by Rosanne Cash, tickets go on sale May 2.

Johnny Cash described the home in 'Cash: The Autobiography' as the "Promised Land," with its two big bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, and outside toilet.

"There was no running water, of course, and no electricity; none of us even dreamed of miracles like that," he said in the 1997 book.

The legendary country singer -- who died in 2003 -- moved into the home with his family at an early age and stayed until graduation from high school in 1950.