David Stone, of Media, recently performed a unique portrayal of entertainer Johnny Cash at Alburtis Tavern and Lodge.

In addition to singing, Stone told the life story of Johnny Cash throughout his performance by telling a story about every song before he sang it. Stone also included the love story of Johnny Cash and June Carter and Leighann Burke from the Wilkes-Barre area joined him on the stage as June Carter.

Stone has been a Cash fan and admirer since his childhood. He made up his mind to learn every Cash song and learn all he could about his life.

“When I was eight years old I was doomed to a year of piano lessons. My older brother hated it, but it was the rule in the house so I took the lessons,” Stone said.

It was in the early 1970’s when Stone begged his parents for a guitar because he fell in love with Johnny Cash and his songs and wanted to learn them.

“Johnny Cash had a lot of discontent and integrity in his life. He was the sort of person you could make a hero out of,” Stone said.

Stone followed Cash throughout his career and started doing his show right after Cash died. He did it mostly for fun because people said he sounded and looked like Cash, but he does not think he sounds like Cash. He wants people to hear the historical stories he tells before each song. This sets Stone’’s performance apart from other shows.

When Stone got his band together he modeled his show after Beatlemania, the original Beatles tribute show. He has played all over the country including New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York. He also played at San Quentin State Prison in California in 2009 for a 40th anniversary commemorative concert, celebrating Johnny Cash’s famous performance there in 1969.

Stone has been doing the show for nine years. He does his show for the history and dignity that is in it and feels it is important for people to know about Johnny Cash and his life.