Cash bassist Marshall Grant dies

Grant was the upright bassist and electric bassist of singer Cash's original backing duo, the Tennessee Two along with electric guitarist Luther Perkins. The group became known as The Tennessee Three in 1960, with the addition of drummer W. S. Holland. Grant also was road manager for Cash and his touring show company.

Grant lived in Hernando, Miss. and was in Jonesboro for a Johnny Cash Festival last week with George Jones, Kris Kristofferson and Cash's son and daughter - Roseanne Cash and John Carter Cash.

Grant was born May 5, 1928 and grew up in Bessemer City, N.C., 1 of 12 children born of Willie Leander and Mary Elizabeth Grant. Grant and his wife settled in Memphis 1947 where he worked as a mechanic. During the time he worked for Automobile Sales Co., he met Perkins and Roy Cash Sr., Johnny's older brother.

When Johnny Cash returned to Memphis after his stint with U.S. Air Force, Cash, Perkins and Grant played together as three rhythm guitarists along with steel guitar player A. W. Kernodle. Grant later learned taught himself to play bass.

The relationship between Grant and Cash was not always smooth. Cash's recurring drug problems eventually led to Grant being fired by Cash. Grant allegedly learned Cash embezzled retirement funds set aside for he and Perkins. In 1980, Grant sued Cash for wrongful dismissal and for embezzlement of retirement funds. Perkins' daughters from his first marriage filed suit against Cash for embezzlement of retirement funds. Both lawsuits were settled out-of-court.

Grant and Cash later reconciled. Grant helped Cash when Cash's drug problems threatened his career. Grant made a final appearance onstage with Cash in 1999. Grant managed the Statler Brothers until their retirement in 2002.