He joined Johnny Cash's backing band, the Tennessee Three, after original lead guitarist Luther Perkins died in a house fire.

In 1961, Wootton joined the U.S army, and served for 3 years, including 15 months in Korea.

On September 17, 1968, Cash was performing in Fayetteville, Arkansas, at a campaign rally for Governor Winthrop Rockefeller.

An airline delay left only Johnny Cash and drummer W. S. Holland onstage.

He worked as a tour bus driver, including a stint for the Smashing Pumpkins.

Wootton eventually withdrew from the concert project, which was later scrapped following disputes between prison officials and show promoters.