Johnny Cash, the iconic “Man in Black,” is remembered for his legendary contributions to music and his struggles with addiction. However, a lesser-known chapter in Cash’s life involves a bizarre and dangerous encounter with an ostrich on his own property in 1981. This overlooked incident sheds light on Cash’s tumultuous life during a period when he battled not only his personal demons but also a formidable foe in the form of an enraged ostrich named Waldo.
The House of Cash Menagerie:
In 1981, Johnny Cash’s career had slowed down, leading him to spend more time at the “House of Cash” in Hendersonville, Tennessee. This sprawling property served as both a residence and a haven for Cash’s creative endeavors, boasting a museum, recording studios, and a farm complete with exotic animals, including a pair of ostriches.
The Ostrich Uprising:
The winter of 1981 was especially harsh, leading to the unfortunate death of the female ostrich. This event seemed to trigger a dramatic change in Waldo, the surviving male ostrich, who had previously been pleasant towards Cash. A seemingly innocent walk through the compound turned perilous when Waldo, hissing and wings spread wide, confronted Cash, ready to attack.
Johnny’s Defensive Strategy:
Johnny Cash, recognizing the need for a defensive strategy, armed himself with a six-foot stick during subsequent encounters with the aggressive ostrich. The clash reached its peak when Waldo launched a karate kick, breaking two of Cash’s ribs, splitting his stomach open, and causing three additional rib fractures from the fall.
The Heroic Belt Buckle:
Cash’s resilient belt buckle played a crucial role in preventing a more severe injury, keeping Waldo’s talons at bay. The belt buckle, according to Cash, saved him from having his guts “spilled” by the ostrich. Despite the injuries sustained, Cash managed to fend off the bird momentarily, striking one of Waldo’s legs with the stick.
The Aftermath:
While the incident initially seemed too “dumb” for Cash to share, news of the bizarre battle eventually leaked to the local newspaper. The injuries inflicted by Waldo contributed to another bout of addiction for Cash, leading to multiple stints in rehab before his death in 2003.
Waldo’s Fate:
Remarkably, Cash allowed Waldo to stay on his farm until he found the aggressive bird a new home in a zoo. The hope was that the ostrich wouldn’t pose a threat to anyone else.