Johnny Cash was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1956.
The induction took place on July 7, 1956, only a few years after Cash began recording professionally. By then, his early Sun Records hits—including "I Walk the Line"—had established him as one of country music's rising stars. Membership in the Opry was a major recognition because the Nashville institution was central to country music's national identity.
Cash's relationship with the Opry later became complicated. In 1965, he was expelled after breaking stage lights with his microphone stand during a performance. The incident became part of his rebellious public image, but it did not permanently sever his connection with the institution. He reconciled with the Opry in 1968 and remained a member for the rest of his life.
The year is sometimes confused with 1965, which is associated with his expulsion rather than his induction. The other options—1961 and 1958—do not match the documented July 1956 induction date. Cash's Opry membership also connected him with artists such as June Carter, whose family had deep roots in the program.