The UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture unveils a brand-new exhibit about one of Arkansas' greatest musical legends, Johnny Cash. Opening in downtown Little Rock's Underground Gallery in the Arkansas Studies Institute this Friday, Oct. 10, "Johnny Cash: Arkansas Icon" illustrates the profound ways in which Arkansas affected Cash's music.

The exhibit explores the life of the Man in Black through never-before-seen photographs, newspaper images, historical documents, audio recordings and other memorabilia. Visitors will discover Cash's Arkansas connections over the decades, from his 1930s childhood in Dyess to his comeback in his later years.

The exhibit's opening day celebrates Cash's music with three concerts on Oct. 10, including Billy Nesbitt's performance for local schools (10:30 a.m.). As part of Second Friday Art Night, the Shape Note Singers from Mountain Home will perform at the exhibit reception from 5-8 p.m. And at 6:45 p.m., Jeff Coleman and the Feeders will bring their sound to the Ron Robinson Theater, to be followed by W.S. Holland Band at 7:30 p.m. All performances are free, but seating is limited.

The exhibit will be open for field trips; click here for more information. Teachers can also access lesson plans and educational materials to before and after visiting the exhibit; click here for teacher resources.

"Johnny Cash: Arkansas Icon" will be open from Oct. 10-Jan. 24. The Underground Gallery at the Arkansas Studies Institute is located at 401 President Clinton Ave. in downtown Little Rock. The gallery is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

For more info, visit UALRExhibits.org/Cash.

Pictured above: Cash strums his guitar on stage in Hot Springs, October 1968. Courtesy: UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture.