PHILIP Bauer grew up watching Johnny Cash on the small screen.
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"I used to watch his TV shows; I watched all of his movies on the television," he said.
"He was a great storyteller and he was a song stylist; he had a voice that was easily recognisable.
"I loved his authenticity; I loved his whole vibe."
Born in Minneapolis, Bauer developed a talent for impersonating voices through his music.
Bauer as Johnny Cash has been recreating the sound and the look since 1985.
"I was a sales and marketing rep by day and a singer in bars at night," he said.
"I made a YouTube video singing Johnny Cash (in 2008) and it went off; I thought maybe I've got something here."
Three months later Bauer was able to quit his day job, touring the US and the world under various Johnny Cash acts ever since.
Bauer will bring the music of Johnny Cash to the Border next month as part of The Kings of Country tour, which also features the music of Willie Nelson and John Denver.
Bauer's uncanny resemblance and his stage presence leaves his audiences spellbound as he recreates the era of Jackson, Folsom Prison Blues and the songs that made Johnny Cash the King of Country music.
He is joined by Michael Moore, the world's leading Willie Nelson tribute artist.
Moore developed an affinity with Willie that has led to a life-long career as a tribute performer.
Ted Vigil, as John Denver, has just been awarded the Rising Legend Award by the American Country Music Association.
He is also an accomplished drummer and singer but has made a career performing as Denver.
MORE THINGS TO DO:
A songwriter in his own right, Bauer has had his own original music played on more than 300 radio stations across Europe.
Selective Records out of Nashville marketed his songs to the European market.
Bauer was an honoured member of the Oklahoma Rodeo Opry from 1995 to 2000.
During that time he won many awards including Male Vocalist Of The Year and Entertainer Of The Year.
He travels across the US, Canada and Mexico performing The Legend of Johnny Cash Show to soldout audiences.
Bauer, who has a sister living on the Gold Coast, looked forward to returning to Australia to perform.
"Australian crowds are great. You always let us know you're feeling happy; it's a different vibe in Australia."
THE LOWDOWN
WHAT: The Kings of Country Tour
WHEN: The Commercial Club Albury, Friday, May 17, 8pm
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