Which record label did Johnny Cash first record for?

Johnny Cash first recorded for Sun Records. He began working with the Memphis label in 1955 after auditioning for founder and producer Sam Phillips, initially hoping to record gospel music.

Sun Records helped launch Cash's career during the early rockabilly era. His first single for the label, "Cry! Cry! Cry!" backed with "Hey Porter," appeared in 1955. Cash's rhythmic guitar, deep voice, and spare backing created the distinctive sound that later became closely associated with him.

Cash recorded for Sun from the mid-1950s until 1958. During that period, he released songs including "I Walk the Line," which became his first major hit. He also recorded with Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant, later known as the Tennessee Three.

A common mix-up is Columbia Records, where Cash moved in 1958 and remained for much of his career. Columbia released major albums such as At Folsom Prison, but Sun Records was his first record label.