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Marshall Grant Obituary
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis, Tenn., said Grant died Sunday.
A spokeswoman at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark., did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment and a cause of death was not immediately available.
Funeral services are pending.
Grant had been in Jonesboro for a Johnny Cash Festival also featuring country music stars George Jones, Kris Kristofferson and Cash's children, Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash. The festival, held Thursday, was a fundraiser to help restore Johnny Cash's boyhood home near Dyess in northeast Arkansas. Cash, who died in 2003, was born in Kingsland in south-central Arkansas.
"Grateful I was w/ him last 2 days. Boom Chicka Boom, old friend," Rosanne Cash tweeted Monday. She said in later Twitter messages that she was leaving Arkansas via the Memphis airport and eating barbecue as a comfort food. "He was my 'back-up dad'. Lot of bass players owe him a debt," she said in another post.
Grant and Luther Perkins were guitar-playing auto mechanics when they were introduced to Johnny Cash by Cash's brother, Roy, a fellow mechanic, in Memphis in 1954. He played bass guitar in Cash's band from 1954-80.
Grant then managed The Statler Brothers until they retired in 2002 and later wrote the autobiography "I Was There When It Happened."
He remained active in recent years by raising quarter horses, restoring old cars and spending time with his grandchildren at his home near Hernando, Miss.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
66 Entries
Kevin Carr
July 31, 2017
Marshall,you were the first one in " Nashville" to give me a chance when no one else would and that was doing what I loved doing which was doing lighting for the shows and you made that all possible by give me that chance with "The Statler Brothers" you had heard that I came to Nashville wanting so bad to do lighting and that I was sleeping in my car at the TA truck stop in Nashville because I didn't know anyone or have the money to get a room( I guess I miss those days looking back at them now) ...you made a few calls... next thing I knew I was living on a 60 foot house boat rent free in Hendersonville, Tn and here it is 35 years later still doing lighting(not living out of my car either !) for acts like garth brooks ,alan jackson Backstreet Boys and on a on... you were responsible for making my family have a great life because of given me that chance and making a young man's dreams come true, I know if you were here now you would probably be uneasy to hear me say I love you and I miss you Marshall...
Forever your friend,Kevin Carr
March 6, 2015
Marshall, you were a Giant of a Man! Your book is as good as any I have ever read. The fact it was autographed makes it a real treasure. I know God needed a Bassist and he chose you.
Larry Meyer
Elvis memphis
July 3, 2012
I would Like to send Mr Grants family the words to a song i have written as a tribute to him. I`m play slap bass and guitar and a big fan of Johnnys . I cant seem to find how to get a message to them. email Address is [email protected]. Many thanks RIP
July 3, 2012
I have wrote a tribute to him.Elvis Memphis
How you can show support
A Fan
February 3, 2012
Miss you, Marshall. God Bless.
Susan When She Tried
December 30, 2011
Marshall made my life special from the first time I met him. He was never afraid to say what he thought and I have always valued what he did for me in the world of country music.
Arlene Conover
November 10, 2011
Marshall was a wonderful friend for 25 years. I will miss him forever.
JACK KANE
September 18, 2011
so sad to learn of his death,may he rest in peace,jack kane.
August 30, 2011
A true gentleman, a great entertainer
Thankyou for your contribution to country music
May you be enjoying catching up with John, June, Carl, Luther and Waylon in heaven.
Pamela (Australia)
Marty Wendell
August 29, 2011
To all the members of Marshall's family my deepest sympathy. He was a wonderful man. I was first introduced to Johnny Cash in 1964, and got to be an opening act in 1968. I was introduced to Marshall at that time. Over the years he was with Johnny if I showed up at a concert he would always bring me backstage. In 2006 after I recorded an album called "Rockabilly Heart" with songs I wrote about growing up at the birth of rock & roll,
I sent Marshall a copy and when I spoke with him after he had heard it, he was very complimentary of our attempt to capture the old sound. I was able to see Johnny one last time on his final tour and my son was able to meet him also. I cherish my memories of Marshall and all those good times with the Cash troupe. I know he will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marty Wendell
Valley Falls, NY
Steve Wachholder
August 15, 2011
As a teenager in the Mid 1970s I started listening to Johnny Cash's Greatest Hits on Sun Records and discovered the incredible music that Marshal Grant and Luther Perkins recorded along side Johnny Cash at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis back in the 1950s. Marshal will go down as one of the greatest Bass players in the History of Rockabilly and Country Music. With his unique sound, he inspired a generation of Bass players worldwide. Without Marshall Grant and Luther Perkins there might never have been a Johnny Cash. Hey Marshal, say hello to Carl Perkins for me up there in Rock N Roll Heaven and thanks again for all the great music. A true legend, now you belong to the Ages!
Geneva LeBlanc
August 15, 2011
Jesus called. Rest in pease.
3 days before he passed away. sound check aug 3rd 2011
Larry Bagby
August 14, 2011
Marshall Grant I had the honor of playing you in the movie WALK THE LINE and I was glad i got to see you a few days before you passed to the otherside of heaven. I can say I was there when it happened . I will miss you but you have changed my life forever the day i stepped into those big bass boots to be the rock star boom chick a boom of that train a comin johnny cash so old its new again sound you invented . Your legacy lives on in all of us. Thank you and cant wait to hear you and see you again in honky tonk heaven!
Larry Bagby aka Marshall Grant
tim henslee
August 13, 2011
Thankyou Marshall and God bless you for all you did for us with your music and taking care of John all those years. RIP
August 13, 2011
Thanks for all the memories and the "sound". Say hi to Johnny and Luther for us. Ron Manitowoc Wi.
Shelley Metzler
August 12, 2011
RIP Marshall, it was a pleasure knowing you for many wonderful years on the road with the Statlers
Kenny Nelson
August 12, 2011
Dear Family and Friends of Marshall,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you at this very difficult time.
I thank God for blessing us with Marshall and his enormous talent. "I Was There When It Happened-My Life With Johnny Cash" is a must read for any fan of Johnny Cash; to really understand the impact that Marshall had on the successful career of Johnny Cash and the entire band-Tennessee Two and Tennessee Three.
Marshall is now at rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
connie t
August 12, 2011
rest in peace
frank freeman
August 11, 2011
rip i love people like you who was there america will miss you
Edie & Paul Beaulieu
August 11, 2011
Thank You for making us love you!!! You were such an inspiration to us! God has Blessed You..
Trina
August 11, 2011
May God wipe the tears from your eyes. Rev 21:4
Robert Fricks
August 11, 2011
Rest In Peace Mr. Grant you John June and Luther now playing for the Lord an angels.
Robert McNulty
August 11, 2011
Marshall you are immortal. R.I.P.
jane & john
August 11, 2011
your music is bound to live on forever. heartfelt sympathy to your family.
August 11, 2011
Our prayers are with you and your family. May the God of all comfort be with you.
JOHN MCCULLOCH
August 10, 2011
I KNEW MARSHALL'S BROTHER HERSELL AND THRU HIM I FELT I KNEW MARSHALL TOO BAD JOHNNY CAN'T DELIVER A EULOGY TO MARSHALL AS MARSHALL DID TO JOHNNY-GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Carla Mosteller
August 10, 2011
To the Grant family: I never met Mr. Grant personally only talked to him on the phone making airline reservations, etc for some of his trips.I never knew how famous he was, but I always enjoyed speaking with him. I am so sorry for your sudden loss.
SONDRA WHEELER
August 10, 2011
MY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AT THIS SORROW TIME BUT JUST THINK HE IS WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND PLAYING HIS MUSIC WITH JONNY,JUNE CASH THEY MAY BE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN AND THEY STILL LIVE JUST NOT HERE ON EARTH BUT WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN HEAVEN UNTIL WE ALL MEET AGAIN MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVING ARMS
Robert Fricks
August 10, 2011
Rest In Peace Mr. Grant you John June and Luther back together once again.
Dennis Hester
August 10, 2011
As a teenager I started collecting Johnny Cash albums. His sound is distinct and recognizable at the first few notes - much unlike the "so called country music" of today. I dislike most contemporary country music today that lacks heart and soul. Just because you can wear tight jeans and shake your booty doesn't mean you can sing country music. It's a shame that major main stream country music stations play pop country instead of what made country music classic. There will never be another generation of music by greats such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Charlie Pride, Gene Watson and such. Farewell to Marshall Grant who helped create the Johnny Cash sounds that is still played and appreciated by pure country music fans everywhere. My prayers go out to the Grant family and pray that you will have a great sense of God's love for you at this time of saying goodbye to Marshall.
Dennis Hester
August 10, 2011
As a teenager I started collecting Johnny Cash albums. His sound is distinct and recognizable at the first few notes - much unlike the "so called country music" of today. I dislike most contemporary country music today that lacks heart and soul. Just because you can wear tight jeans and shake your booty doesn't mean you can sing country music. It's a shame that major main stream country music stations play pop country instead of what made country music classic. There will never be another generation of music by greats such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Charlie Pride, Gene Watson and such. Farewell to Marshall Grant who helped create the Johnny Cash sounds that is still played and appreciated by pure country music fans everywhere.My prayers go out to Grant family. God bless you in this time of saying goodbye.
Gale hunt
August 10, 2011
my condolences go out to all the friend's and family of Marshall, and he was my dear friend to, you will be missed so much. rest in peace,
Diane Hendrick
August 10, 2011
Randy, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I certainly know what a difficult time this can be.
BRAD STENDER
August 10, 2011
MR. GRANT HELD JOHNNY CASH AND HIS ENTOURAGE TOGETHER. JUNE CARTER WROTE A POEM CALLED BASS MAN. HE WAS THERE FOR THE GOOD , THE BAD AND THE END.
CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. BASS MEN OWE HIM A LOT.
REST IN PEACE BASS MAN.YOU WERE THE CASH SOUND.
August 10, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Don True
August 10, 2011
My Heart felt Condolences to the family and friends of Marshall Grant, Yes , he was their when it happen, he made music history not only once but many times, he is a man who could not be reproduced. he was original and for that God has taking the best of the best in Country Music, so I add, there must of been something missing in the Heavenly Choir, but now will be tweeked by Marshall, may you rest in peace, dear friend.
August 10, 2011
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Janet & Jody Clements
Nesbit, MS
Patricia Padgitt Walters
August 10, 2011
To the family of Marshall Grant: My heart goes out to you all during your time of loss. Mr. Grant was in the bed next to my father at St. Bernard's and I kept up with his condition. God has added another bright shining star to his universe that will be shining down on all his family in time to come. God Bless all of you.
August 10, 2011
Dear Family,
So sorry for your great loss!
May God be with you during this period of bereavement.
Just like CASH, we've lost another great one!
Jayne Marsh
SMC
Robert Wendt
August 10, 2011
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two are rockin heaven today...with heart felt sympathy on the loss of Marshall and to his family and friends...you sure stood the test of time and you will be missed!
Robert Wendt, London, Ontario, Canada
Jane Spahn
August 9, 2011
Thank you for giving all of us the great sound . Rest in peace.
Staff of Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery & Cemeteries
August 10, 2011
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Denis Colleret
August 9, 2011
In 1973 I got to meet Johnny Cash and had my photo taken with him. Later I noticed Marshall in the photo trying to stay out of the frame. This was for the Gospel Road premiere and I bet Marshall made all the arrangements possible for the appearance but there he was, ducking the limelight. I wish now I'd recognized him and his accomplishments in person. Rest well, Marshall, job well done, I'll be listening to your bass as long as I'm around.
cash fan
August 9, 2011
none better. period.
Terry Lee Goffee
August 9, 2011
Rest in peace Mr. Grant. Thanks for the music.
Glen Loy
August 9, 2011
Thanks for your kindness when meeting with the Statler Brothers and allowing us (Vietnam Vets) to present them with an award.
Frankie "Cookie" Carroll
August 9, 2011
God bless you Bessemer City will miss you.
john thomas
August 9, 2011
the band is back together member 257 nashville ,.
tina steinmann
August 9, 2011
i know your family and friends are going to miss you and your smile but they will remember you in there heart's may you rest in pease
tina steinmann
August 9, 2011
at last you are in peace and with your friends jonny cash and june cater cash rest in peace
Col. Robert Hanger
August 9, 2011
As a RET DJ/MC I knew Mashall both with
Cash & Statlers. He was an amazing talent
& major component of Cash's famed band.
We will all miss him, in the biz & as fans. Condolences to the family too.
Randy Pope
August 9, 2011
Just want to say,when i was growing up,other kids were playing ball,i got an electric guitar and a amp for $25 i think it was ,while kids played i was trying to master that guitar.If it had not been for johnny and the tennessee 2 i would never had tryed,you all had a sound that has tryed to be copyed for yrs,no one even professionals can get that lick that luther had,or the lick you had on that bull base,i am sure you and johnny as he said are getting rythm in heaven,god bless your family,i sure mis those days,God bless you all again. RP.
AG
August 9, 2011
Mr. Grant, I can see Johnny now as you join him in Heaven. Between you, him and June, you all can make the music once again for all the angels helping God and looking over us here on earth. Thank you for all those wonderful toons.
Les Breese
August 9, 2011
Marshall Grant's trademark "Boom Chicka Boom" backup on bass was a hard-driving force in the "sound" that punctuated the music of Johnny Cash. What a gifted and talented musician Mr. Grant was! My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans.
Sharon Hogan
August 9, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Grant family during this difficult time.
Sharon Reeves Hogan
Virginia Gex
August 9, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are extended to the Grant family. Marshall was a light and inspiration to so many through his years with Johnny Cash and the Statler Brothers. He will be missed.
August 9, 2011
"Our condolence to the family ,may the God of all comfort comfort the family
Bill Clark
August 9, 2011
My condolence to his family and friends, He will be missed by all. May God Bless all of you.
R Golay
August 9, 2011
To the the family of Marshall Grant - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Victoria&Andrew
August 9, 2011
Our Condolences
to the Grant Family
Johnny Lawson
August 8, 2011
My heart goes out to the family of a great and wonderful man, I was raised up listen to him and Johnny for a lot of years. May he now be at rest with his Lord Jesus.
Jeff Zarch
August 8, 2011
The Tennessee Three are united, once again and making hevenly music.Marshal will be missed. Condolences to the Grant Family
August 8, 2011
Condolences to the Grant family. May the God of all comfort be with you.
August 8, 2011
So very sad to see the great ones pass,My condolences to
the familey and friends.
Jim Hefferon
Port St. Lucie FL.
Paul Gardner
August 8, 2011
Indeed you were there when it happened .... and an unbelievably big part of it. You had a full life, doing everything you wanted. Rest in peace Mr. Grant. My condolences to your family.
Joe McPartlin
August 8, 2011
We got rhythm courtesy of Mr Grant and his wonderful talent. The main core of Johnny's trio now belongs to the ages. A job well done Marshall. Kick back and let the angels sing to you.
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