The iconic Triple Johnny Cash Poster is more than just a piece of art; it’s a tribute to the celebrated pop artist Andy Warhol and a testament to Hatch Show Print’s rich history and enduring connections with its patrons. This unique design emerged from a serendipitous moment during a shop tour, highlighting the intricate artistry of letterpress printing.
The Genesis of a Masterpiece
The story unfolds in the mid-1990s during a visit from a troop of cub scouts. Jim Sherraden, the shop’s manager, took the opportunity to educate the young visitors on the meticulous process of “making ready.” This involves the careful and gradual addition of thin paper shims beneath type or photo plates to achieve a satisfactory print quality and ensure proper alignment within the overall design.
While one of the staff members was in the process of printing a restrike of “The Johnny Cash Show Poster,” Sherraden intentionally placed the photoplate of Johnny Cash in an incorrect position on the press. He then pulled a print and, for comparison, held it against a sample poster. The cub scouts, observing the discrepancy, unanimously agreed that Johnny Cash needed to be shifted to the right on the print. In the context of the printing press, this translated to sliding the photoplate to the left. Sherraden then proceeded to adjust the plate, secure it to prevent movement during printing, and pulled the same print again. The result was a striking image featuring two Johnnys side by side.
Not long after this accidental creation, a third Johnny was incorporated, along with a background block of solid gold, completing the distinctive “Triple Johnny Cash Poster.”
Designer’s Notes and Craftsmanship
The Triple Johnny Cash Poster is a testament to the enduring craft of letterpress printing.
- Approximate Size: 14″ x 22″ (Actual size may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of the product.)
- Printing Method: Letterpress print.
- Presses Used: Printed on a Vandercook SP-15, Universal III, or Miehle 29.
- Origin: Handmade in Nashville, Tennessee.
This poster is also available with a frame, offering a complete and polished presentation for collectors.
A Legacy in Print
Hatch Show Print, a Nashville icon since 1879, has a storied history of creating visually stunning posters for countless musicians, concerts, and events. The Triple Johnny Cash Poster stands as a proud example of their commitment to artistry, innovation, and preserving the legacy of music through the tangible medium of letterpress. The poster’s homage to Andy Warhol further cements its place in the intersection of music and visual art, celebrating a period of significant cultural and artistic exchange.
The inclusion of multiple Johnny Cashes not only creates a dynamic visual impact but also subtly nods to the multifaceted nature of the artist himself and his enduring influence across genres and generations. This piece is a must-have for fans of Johnny Cash, letterpress art, and the rich history of American music.
References
Hatch Show Print. “Triple Johnny Cash Poster.” Accessed January 13, 2026. https://shop.hatchshowprint.com/collections/music-posters/products/triple-johnny-hatch-pos-350
Hatch Show Print. “Framed Triple Johnny Cash Poster.” Accessed January 13, 2026. https://shop.hatchshowprint.com/collections/music-posters/products/framed-triple-johnny-hatch-pos-350
“Hatch Show Print.” Wikipedia. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatch_Show_Print
“Johnny Cash.” Wikipedia. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Cash