When Walk the Line debuted in 2005, David James had no idea the impact it would have on his life.
The movie tells the story of the late Johnny Cash and his remarkable music career.
“It’s all Joaquin Phoenix’s fault,” said James, who now leads a Cash tribute act, referring to the actor who portrayed the
musician.
James, a BC native, took to the RH Channing Auditorium stage last Wednesday night,
Oct. 29.
Accompanied by his band, Big River, he belted out classics from the Man in Black such as “Ring of Fire” and “A Boy Named Sue”.
James began singing Cash’s songs following the release of Walk the Line and hasn’t looked back since.
“I was watching the movie and my girlfriend couldn’t believe how close [I sounded] to [Cash],” said James, now 47.
Singing wasn’t new to James, as he was a member of a rock band as a guitarist and backup singer.
He says he always had a low country voice and should have made the switch sooner.
“Really, I should have been in country a long time ago,” he admits.
Playing tunes
After seeing Walk the Line, James started playing Cash’s tunes with his band.
“We saw how much of a hit it was and so I formed Big River,” he said.
James and Big River included Flin Flon on their tour list, belting out the familiar tunes to a nearly sold-out crowd.
Flin Flon was one of eight Manitoba stops for the tribute act.
“We’re going to keep touring this country until there ain’t no country roads left,” said James, summoning a tone similar to that of Cash. “We’re going to keep improving the show and adding songs.”
Approaching 50,
James admits he’s a little “late in the game to hope to [become] a country superstar,” but he will continue doing what he loves.
“I’m just going to keep bringing Johnny’s music to everyone,” he said. “They seem to like it and I love it.”
