Johnny Cash Hospitalized Again

Country music legend Johnny Cash has returned to hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, his sixth hospital visit since 1998.

Cash, 69, suffers from autonomic neuropathy, a degenerative disease which makes him susceptible to pneumonia and bronchitis.

A spokeswoman for Baptist Hospital said they were not concerned at his condition. "He's doing well and we expect him to be out shortly," said Jessica Etz.

Cash was last hospitalized on October 7th with bronchitis and discharged on October 22nd, and this illness is a recurrence of that attack.

Known as the Man in Black – due to his favored color of clothing – Cash is considered the inspiration for a generation of country music singers.

His hits include A Boy Named Sue, Ring of Fire and A Thing Called Love. He has sold more than 50 million records during a career spanning five decades. He has also won eight Grammy Awards.

Born into a poor family in Arkansas in 1932, Cash claims to have only ever had one singing lesson, in which he was given the advice: "Never change your voice."