Johnny Cash and comedic genius don’t seem immediately synonymous. Throughout his career, Cash gained a reputation as the Man in Black, a hardscrabble country troubadour who sang of hard times and tough living. However, his duties as host of Saturday Night Live on this day (April 17) in 1982, proved just how funny the oh-so-serious country star could be.
Cash pulled double duty in a sense, showing off his musical skills in his monologue set to “Man in Black.” Elton John was billed as the night’s musical guest, but who says no to a quick Cash classic-turned-parody?
Videos by American Songwriter
The host appeared in several sketches like a faux ad for dandruff, in which a head is shaken over the Man in Black to test for a flaky scalp. He also took on the role of train poet that found him aboard a commuter train spouting vague, but prose-filled wisdom. One sketch also featured the singer alongside the then-budding comedian Eddie Murphy.
Check out the Tegrim dandruff “commercial” below.
Cash, however, stole the show when, ahead of John’s performance, he stepped into view wearing an over-the-top costume courtesy of the “Rocket Man” artist himself. Donning a feather boa and floor-length sequin cape, Cash caused an uproar from the audience. Glimmering in shades of gold and pink, the former Man in Black spoke from behind a full face of bug-eyed spectacles and even more feathers, introducing John for his set.
“Working with our special guest has been a big thrill for me,” Cash told the audience, holding back laughter. “He’s a wonderful entertainer and you can’t work with a guy like Elton John without having his showmanship and flash rub off on you.”
With that introduction, the camera panned to reveal a cowboy hat-crowned John, seated at the piano in a subdued black get-up in the quintessential Cash fashion.
See the exchange below.
Courtesy of The John R Cash Trust / Shorefire Media
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Musician Bruce Springsteen performs during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in the Jackson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Intended as a celebration of the progress embodied by the nation's first Black leader, its Juneteenth unveiling comes at a time when his agenda – and broader diversity initiatives – are wilting from a decade of concerted attack. Photographer: Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images -
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns -
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Mike McCready of Pearl Jam performs onstage with Thunderpussy at The Showbox on December 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images) -
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Luke Bryan answers holds a Super Bowl LI football during the Super Bowl LI Pregame press conference on February 02, 2017, at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 15: Abe Olman Publishing Award winner, Caroline Bienstock poses backstage at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 48th Annual Induction and Awards at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame) -
Carrie Underwood at the "Alan Jackson: The Last Show" concert special red carpet held at Nissan Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jamie Schramm/Variety via Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Singer Gavin Adcock performs on the Palomino Stage during day 2 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach) -
Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images