KINGWOOD — Do you remember the songs “A Boy Named Sue” and “I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash? If you like Johnny Cash, you shouldn’t miss the upcoming concert at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Preston Community Arts Center at 123 South Price St., Kingwood. Award-winning tribute artist, Jed Duvall, will perform Cash’s hits.
Born on a tobacco farm in southern Maryland in the 1960s, Duvall grew up with music all around him; from the hymns at church to the country music from the pickup truck radio. He can remember his dad singing country while working in the barn — Jimmy Rogers, Mac Wiseman, Eddie Arnold and especially Hank Williams.
When Duvall was 5 when his father bought his mother a hi-fi record player for her birthday, and one of the first albums he remembers was “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.”
“Even at that age, I remember the excitement from the recording,” Duvall said. “And Johnny; he was on fire that day.”
Duvall’s own music endeavors took back seat to his desire to be a professional actor. He was accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and graduated in 1986. He worked odd jobs in New York to support himself, and even worked for a time as an Elvis tribute artist (something he still does today).
In 1989, he appeared on “The Vole Show,” a cult New York television show, singing, “The Long Black Veil.”
Returning to Maryland in the early ’90s, Duvall became a DJ at an oldies club in Ocean City, and studied computer animation at UMBC. It was then he met his wife Kim, and they married in 1996. Duvall became an “instant parent” to Kim’s children, and between work, kids and responsibilities, he put aside his performing.
In 2005, Duvall entered an Elvis competition, his first in 10 years, and started working again as an Elvis tribute artist. At the urging of a promoter, he performed as Johnny Cash at a benefit in 2007.
“I had people come up to me that day and say, ‘I really enjoyed your Elvis, but your Johnny Cash just blew my mind.’ It really was a thrill to move people that much,” he said.
“Johnny was such an interesting guy. He had a lot of demons to deal with, but unlike a lot of us, he really faced them and for the most part, chased them down. He fought hard for forgiveness, not only from those he hurt, but from himself. Forgiving yourself — that’s got to be one of the hardest things a man has to do.”
Prices are $15 for adults and $7.50 for students through high school at the door. Seating is limited to the first 150 people. The door opens at 6:30 p.m.
Brew Ha Ha, is next to the Preston Community Art Center, for those interested in dinner and drinks. Brew Ha Ha features Screech Owl beer, a craft beer from Bruceton Mills, and a variety of wines. The bar will be open throughout the concert.
Info: 304-329-6336.
