On February 22, 1968, Johnny Cash proposed to June Carter on-stage during a concert at the London Gardens in London, Ontario.
“Johnny & June” is now a three-story mural on the north side of Canada Life Place that celebrates an iconic moment in London’s music history.
Johnny & June Mural at Canada Life Place
ABOUT THE MURAL
Johnny Cash, a global music icon, is famous for his countless hit songs, memorable live performances and long-time musical partnership with, and marriage to, June Carter. Interestingly, Cash and Carter have a timeless and significant link to London, Ontario.
On February 22, 1968, Johnny Cash proposed to June Carter on-stage during a concert at the London Gardens. By all accounts, the seven thousand fans in attendance were stunned, although calls of ‘say yes’ could be heard in the crowd.
We know the rest of the story. The pair got married and became one of the leading couples of country music, gradually transcending all categorizations and simply becoming music icons. Their love endured, despite some reported ups and downs. Perhaps the fact that the relationship was imperfect, but lasting, was what made fans feel such a strong connection to the couple.
The connections to London run deeper still. From 1961 to 1973, Cash was managed by Saul Holiff, once-upon-a-time a fruit vendor in the Forest City. Holiff recruited June Carter to sing with Cash in 1961 and dealt with the ups and downs of the ‘Man in Black’ throughout those years. And so, London is tied inextricably to Cash and Carter.
June Carter died on May 15, 2003. Johnny Cash passed away shortly thereafter on September 12, 2003. With this new work by artist Kevin Ledo, the connection between the couple and London will be highlighted in grand fashion.
As Canada’s first and only UNESCO City of Music, this new mural serves as a reminder of a fascinating moment in London’s music history while simultaneously adding depth and beauty to London’s core.
