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Fifty… not out!

Peter, I want to congratulate you on the 50th edition of the fanzine. You have done an incredible job of gathering together not only detailed information on the careers of Johnny Cash and June Carter, but have also interviewed people that were close to them and have not been as available to relate their memories as others. Johnny and June always enjoyed reading the fanzine, as did the various members of the organization. You have done masterfully to keep the Cash music and image alive through your efforts. I shall continue to eagerly await each of the forthcoming issues until the number gets to 100, at which time we will celebrate again. Best Wishes. — Lou Robin (Manager- Johnny and June, 1972- 2003. Mgr. Business Affairs, Johnny Cash Estate, 2003- Present.)

Peter Lewry’s golden anniversary issue is a milestone not only for him, but for Johnny Cash students and fans everywhere.  He has faithfully and fervently chronicled the Cash legacy, bringing us the faces and voices of so many involved in the epic redemption story of our times. Every issue adds to the record, and so this is not ‘just’ a fanzine, but a historical document.  Such an undertaking may be a labor of love (and it is obviously so with Peter), but it is as much labor as it is love. For 50 issues he has raced the clock, chased down fascinating interview subjects and been the authoritative voice for Johnny Cash news around the world.  (If it weren’t for those tell-tale U’s inserted into words like ‘honor,’ and the fact we pay for our subscriptions in pounds sterling, we would never guess he is thousands of miles from Nashville, such is his universality.)  He does this not for money, certainly not for himself.  He may do it for John, or us, but I just appreciate that he does it. In doing so, Peter allows us all to be part of Johnny Cash’s heritage. — Mark Stielper

Sometime in 1994 Peter Lewry contacted me and asked what I thought of the idea of another fan club publication on Johnny Cash.  The fan club organization here in the States was just coming to an end and Peter felt some kind of ‘fanzine’ documenting the continuing career of the Man In Black should be available to Cash fans around the world.  And while I must admit to a little skepticism I never-the-less told him to give it a try.  And, man, did he! This milestone, the 50th issue of the Man In Black, will certainly attest to that.  Peter has filled the issues with record reviews, interviews with important figures in the music industry, book reviews and he has done it in style.  Through photographs, both old and new, old news clippings, reprinting articles from the past and present, the publication has done a remarkable job in detailing the career of Johnny Cash.  I know John was very aware of the work Peter has done and told me on a number of occasions how grateful he was to be represented in such a great publication. Since John’s passing a few years ago Peter has continued to keep his memory alive through the pages of the fanzine.  And it has been a pleasure for me to see the fruits of Peter’s labors and the recognition he has received because of it.  For those of us that were fortunate enough to have known John R. Cash on a personal level each issue of the fanzine holds a special place in our memories.  Number 50!  I’m already looking ahead to Number 100! Peter, you are to be congratulated on your devotion to the magazine and the hard work that is evident in each issue. Keep it up! — John L. Smith

Peter, congratulations on the milestone of producing the 50th issue of the Man In Black fanzine. This accomplishment is certainly a reflection on your commitment and determination to uphold the memory of Johnny Cash and to provide a valuable service to his fans around the world. I salute you and your efforts and hope to be around to help celebrate the release of your 100th issue! Thanks for all you do. — Bill Miller

Congratulations Peter, 50 issues, 12 years and still going strong. The iconic legacy of Johnny Cash continues to be of interest and his music is enjoyed and revered by many across the universe. The music of Johnny Cash stands the testament of time and will be rediscovered and unearthed by future generations. — Alan Messer (Photographer - Nashville, Tennessee)

Congratulations on chalking up half a century of magazines! Well done for helping to keep the legacy alive and long may you continue to do so. I look forward to reading each issue and you do a great job in keeping us all informed. Big pats on the back all round! — Trevor Cajiao (editor Now Dig This)

Peter has worked overtime thru the years to make The Man In Black truly a fine publication that all Johnny Cash fans would want to read and keep. Congratulations Peter and I am looking forward to the next 50! — Johnny Western (Wichita, Kansas, 10 January 2007)

Congratulations on the publication of your fiftieth issue and your continuing contributions to the preservation of the Cash legacy. - Robert Sullivan

Peter, thanks so much for all the Cash coverage in these 50 issues. It keeps me informed of all the wonderful people I met and events still ongoing in the world of Johnny and June and the extended family they created. Thank you for the interview you did on me, I am honored you asked. — Earl Poole Ball

Congratulations on the 50th issue of the Fanzine!  Having been a Johnny Cash fan for over 35 years, I’ve never seen a more comprehensive, honorable, and loving tribute to the wonderful singer, talented songwriter, superb entertainer, and great human being that John R. Cash was and still is in our hearts.  The professionalism in your product is second to none and it is always a pleasant surprise when a new copy arrives in my mailbox.  Although I’ve been fortunate to know and perform with folks like Tommy Cash, W.S. Holland, and Earl Ball, I never knew John personally.  But, I feel that I get to know him just a little bit better with each issue of the Fanzine.  I think I can speak for all the fans out there who have the utmost respect and appreciation for you and what you have accomplished when I say “Job well done my friend!” — Andy Novak

When JC passed away it flashed through my mind how Elvis Monthly soon went to the dogs after 77, full of maudlin sentiment and awful poems/tribute acts. Decades later it was thankfully replaced by superior UK fanzines. However, under the editor's steady hand, Man In Black has continued to be the most consistently informative magazine (devoted to a single artist) around, up to date, unbiased and informative reviews, wide ranging and incisive interviews giving us a high quality product as befitting an artist of Johnny’s stature. — Phil Davies

Congrats on your 50th issue of Johnny Cash-The Man in Black Fanzine. Thanks for keeping the memories alive. The interviews and articles keep me in touch with some people I would otherwise lose touch with. Thanks and keep up the great work! — Jerry Hensley

It takes real dedication, alongside considerable knowledge and insight, to publish a magazine centering upon one artist - but that’s what Peter has achieved with 50 issues of The Man in Black. A great source of reference for Johnny Cash news, past and present… with the future assured as the Cash status as a music icon will ensure that news will continue to flow. Congratulations and here's to the next 50 editions. — Tony Byworth (journalist and historian)