The Kismet Between Johnny Cash and Ozzy Osbourne (RIP)

The Prince of Darkness has passed on, leaving an irreplaceable legacy in the history of popular music. From revolutionizing rock with his brothers in Black Sabbath, to his solo career and work with Randy Rhoads, Ozzy Osborne instilled a Gothic power in music that previously was only the domain of ancient symphonies and operatic movements.

People loved to buy into the mess and the mythology of Ozzy Osborne. Yet despite the wild stories of snorting ants or biting the heads off of bats, the Ozzy Osborne legacy was one of speaking out against war and injustice through music, of using a strong Christian faith to overcome personal demons, and specifically, a story of addiction and recovery. It also happens to be that a country music legend played a role in that story.

Ozzy Osborne never wanted anything to do with country music, and not in a way a country fan would find insulting, but in a way that was endearing. He had too much respect for country music and himself to prop a cowboy hat on his head and act like he had any business being a country artist—a philosophy we wish some pop and rock stars of today would adopt.

In 2016 amid Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler’s “country” foray, Osborne was asked about “going country” and said,

“Not me, thank you. Personally, I think you should stick to what you know best. If Steven [Tyler]’s having a good time with it, who am I to complain? But it would be absurd for me to do that. I don’t mind country, but the ‘Prince of Darkness’ with a cowboy hat? I’m a rock & roller, not a fucking country bumpkin.”

Ozzy’s take was so refreshing, you didn’t even take offense to the country bumpkin remark.

Osborne might have never made country, but he definitely made an impact on the genre as an influence. Carrie Underwood is known for covering “Mama, I’m Coming Home” in concert since the song comports with Underwood’s Christian faith.

Just last week, independent country artist Alex Williams released an album of metal covers done country style called Space Brain, and leading the album off is a cover of “Flying High Again” with fellow country artist Cody Jinks. Many modern Outlaw country artists have heavy metal in their DNA, and look at Ozzy as an influence or hero. But only one could call him a peer and friend. It happens to be that the Prince of Darkness was an acquaintance of The Man in Black.

There were many similarities between Ozzy Osborne and Johnny Cash. They both were troubled souls. They both took a dark approach to their music and their stage attire. The were both devout Christians. And they both struggled with addiction, with each doing multiple stints at the Betty Ford Clinic trying to get clean. In 1986, they both ended up in the clinic together, and struck up a friendship.

Ozzy once said of Johnny, “I met Johnny Cash in rehab, and he was just so cool. I mean, here’s this guy who’s done everything I’ve done—drugs, booze—but he still had this aura about him. He gave me hope.”

It’s often the most troubled of artists who also give rise to the most inspired art. They’ve experienced the darkness in themselves, and in the universe. But just like Johnny Cash, the story of Ozzy Osborne was one of redemption. Johnny got his swan song recording with Rick Rubin, and being introduced to an entire new generation of fans. Just a couple of weeks ago, Ozzy Osborne reunited with Black Sabbath, and played a final farewell concert that was viewed by millions.

It wasn’t just the music that intrigued us about these two men. It was the men themselves, and how they walked through the darkness of life, and turned it into light through music.

Ozzy Osborne passed away at the age of 76 on Tuesday, July 22nd. He’d been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.

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