‘Ring of Fire’ A Reason To Smile DAN RATHER AND TEAM STEADY JUN 23 Credit: Getty Images I make no secret of my love of old-time country music, and Johnny Cash is among my favorite artists. I am also partial to June Carter Cash, who married Johnny on March 1, 1968. While that was a momentous day for the couple, she had already given him a precious gift: the song “Ring of Fire.”  Today’s reason to smile is a little background on the iconic song on what would have been June’s 95th birthday. She co-wrote the love song in 1962. Her sister Anita was the first to record it. But it was Johnny, and those mariachi-style trumpets, that made it one of the most well-known songs in American country music. She drew on her growing feelings for Johnny as they were falling in love as inspiration for the lyrics. This version of the song was recorded at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville around the time Johnny and June were married. That’s June and her pink-clad family singing background vocals.  A member of the Carter Family, known as the first family of country music, June was an accomplished musician, singer, and songwriter long before she met Johnny. The five-time Grammy winner was also an actress, author, and humanitarian.  June and Johnny’s love burned for more than 35 years. They died just four months apart in 2003.