We welcome to our family one of the most legendary guitarists of American music,
Bob Wooton. He joined Johnny Cash's backing band,
The Tennessee Three, after original lead guitarist, Luther Perkins, died in a house fire. Bob had been a lifelong fan of Cash's and played his songs religiously until he had perfected the boom-chicka-boom style known as Cash's unique sound. At one of Cash's shows, a flight cancellation left only Cash and drummer W.S. Holland onstage, and Bob was asked to fill in and stunned the audience, particularly Cash himself, with perfect renditions of every song. Cash mentioned in passing that he might one day call on Wootton again, but within days asked him to join the tour as new lead guitarist. One of the next performances, perhaps the most notable of Bob's career, was at San Quentin State Prison where Cash's live album was recorded. Bob continued in the band with only a brief respite until Cash retired in 1997. From 2006 to 2007, he performed with Cash's original drummer, W.S. Holland, his wife Vicky and daughter, Scarlett Wootton, as
The Tennessee Three. In 2006 the band released their first album since Cash's death, a loving tribute titled "The Sound Must Go On."
The Tennessee Three was scheduled to perform at Folsom Prison in January 2008, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Cash's Folsom show. Bob eventually withdrew from the concert project, which was later scrapped following disputes between prison officials and show promoters. Bob continues his touring as
The Tennessee Three with drummer Derrick McCullough, Vicky, Scarlett, and Montana Wootton to appreciative crowds across the globe.
As tribute to Bob's lifetime work, Fernandes made him a custom black Retrorocket guitar, same specs as Deluxe model, except featuring The Tennessee Three logo, Bob's name on the truss rod cover, TN3 inlay in the 12th fret and Seymour Duncan NS/APS/NS pickups.
