New Johnny Cash Documentary to Air in September

A new Johnny Cash documentary, honoring the country music legend's extraordinary life and career, is being released to commemorate the 12th anniversary of his death.

Johnny Cash: American Rebel will make its debut on Sept. 12 at 9PM ET on CMT. The documentary "celebrates the life and artistry of the late Man in Black, as captured through the unique perspective of his greatest songs," according to CMT.

The film delves into the Man in Black's history through the lens of 12 of his tunes, including "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire" and "Jackson," using each song to illustrate a new chapter of his life. Johnny Cash: American Rebel will feature new interviews with some of Cash's closest friends and family -- including John Carter Cash, Rosanne Cash and Carlene Carter, as well as Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Eric Church, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, John Mellencamp, Rodney Crowell and others -- plus archival concert footage, photos and artifacts from the Cash family. It will be the first time that Cash's children and June Carter's daughter appear together in a film about the country legend.

“There were so many different facets to him, such an undefinable depth to his character," says John Carter Cash. "You could see it in his eyes, and it brought on mystery, and it brought on a need for, perhaps, understanding him in a deeper way, and this is part of the appeal of who the man was."

Johnny Cash: American Rebel was executive produced by Derik Murray and Paul Gertz from Network Entertainment, as well as Jayson Dinsmore, Lewis Bogach and John Miller-Monzon for CMT, and co-directed by Jordan Tappis and Murray. It is the newest in a series of original documentaries from the TV network. A trailer for the film is available to watch on CMT's website.

Cash is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, released nearly 100 albums and received dozens of industry awards throughout his incredible career, which spanned more than 50 years. The country legend passed away on Sept. 12, 2003, at the age of 71, from complications from diabetes.

Country Stars Who Suffered Terrible Tragedies