Tennessee Ernie Ford
Ernest Jennings Ford, known professionally as Tennessee Ernie Ford, was born on February 13, 1919, in Bristol, Tennessee, to Maud and Clarence Thomas Ford. He developed an early interest in country and western music, which he listened to both live and on the radio. Ford began his career in radio as an announcer at WOPI in 1937 and later pursued classical music studies at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. During World War II, he served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps, working as a bombardier and instructor.
After the war, Ford returned to radio, working at stations in San Bernardino and Pasadena, California. At KFXM in San Bernardino, he created the character "Tennessee Ernie," a comedic hillbilly persona that gained popularity and led to his hiring at KXLA in Pasadena. Ford's talent was recognized by Capitol Records, leading to a recording contract in 1949. He became a local television star on the Hometown Jamboree show and released numerous country singles, including hits like "The Shotgun Boogie" and "Blackberry Boogie."
Ford's fame further expanded with his appearances as "Cousin Ernie" on the popular television show I Love Lucy in the mid-1950s. He continued to enjoy success in various musical genres, including country, pop, and gospel, and is best remembered for his hit recording of "Sixteen Tons." Tennessee Ernie Ford passed away on October 17, 1991, in Reston, Virginia, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved musician and television host.
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