USPS pays tribute to Johnny Cash
Companies that use mailing address software to reach customers often look forward to placing unique stamps on their direct mail campaigns to make mailing materials stand out in the mailbox. Marketers can now place Johnny Cash on their marketing campaigns, thanks to the U.S. Postal Service.
Stamp honors music legend
Released on June 4, the late Johnny Cash is the second American singer to grace a Forever stamp for USPS's Music Icon stamp collection. The Johnny Cash stamp was based on a photo shot by Frank Benz from a photography session for Cash's 1963 "Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash" album and depicts his well-known brooding expression, according to the USPS. Greg Breeding designed the stamp to resemble a 45 rpm record sleeve, and the stamp has a black background to coincide with Cash's nickname: the Man in Black.
The stamp was released during a free public concert celebrating Cash's legacy at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Johnny Cash's son, John Carter Cash, said the stamp is a tribute to his father's legacy.
"It is an amazing blessing that my father, Johnny Cash be honored with this stamp," Cash said. "I can think of no better way to pay due respect to his legacy than through the release of this stamp ... It is a joy to know that generations will use this stamp, and my father will forever be where he loved to be: traveling the world."
Cash topped the American music charts in the 60s with his unusual blend country, rock 'n' roll and blues and had a six-decade long career until his death in 2003. Cash is perhaps best known for his songs of love, redemption and loss as well as for his deep baritone voice.
According to Fox News, the Johnny Cash stamp is set to become a best-seller for the USPS. The postal service timed the release of the stamp with a celebration that started in the spring to preserve Cash's legacy. Fox News reports that the Johnny Cash Museum opened its doors in downtown Nashville in late May and currently there are conservation efforts to save Cash's childhood home in Arkansas.
The Johnny Cash Forever stamp may be in high-demand among collectors, consumers and direct mail marketers. The stamp will come in sheets of 16, but companies that use address validation software may want to consider acquiring the stamp early to avoid missing out.