Tennessee Ernie Ford
February 13, 1919 – October 17, 1991
Tennessee Ernie Ford was a multi-faceted entertainer who found success as a country and gospel singer as well as a radio and television personality during the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Over the course of his career, Ford released numerous country, gospel and pop hits, many defining their genres. One in particular, a cover of Merle Travis’ “Sixteen Tons,” became his signature song after it spent nearly a dozen weeks at the top of the country charts and over two months atop the pop charts. No honest country collection of the era is complete without it. Ford soon became a household name and a familiar face in people’s living rooms thanks to television. He was cast as the semi-regular guest, Cousin Ernie on I Love Lucy and hosted his own Tennesse Ernie Ford Show. Tennessee Ernie Ford was 72 years old when he died of liver failure. It was the 36th anniversary of the release of “Sixteen Tons.”
What You Should Own
I remember fondly listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford in my younger years. My mom loved Gospel music and lucky for me, I was constantly surrounded with Christian Music from many genres. Thanks for bringing back the memories.
Sharron from Christian Praise Blog
Ernie Ford died the day i was born.