This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. You could sense Jeffrey Buckner Buck Ford smiling through the phone Monday from nearly 3,000 miles away in Los Angeles at the mention of his little brother, Brion. As an entertainer he had a mischievous grin, a folksy, homespun style and an affable good-old-boy manner that made his audiences feel as if he were talking to each of them personally. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. His unprecedented achievements earned him numerous accolades, including:three stars in The Hollywood Walk of Fame--for Radio, RecordsandTelevision. cemeteries found in Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. [5], Ford was married to Betty Heminger from September 18, 1942, until her death on February 26, 1989. He also made records with many other singers, including Kay Starr, Helen O'Connell, Betty Hutton and Ella Mae Morse. Throughout his legendary careerspanning over 50 years, Ernie Ford's early successes as a radio personality led to his signing with Capitol Records in 1949. Try again later. Tennessee Ernie Fords lifetime: Thursday, February 13th, 1919 to Thursday, October 17th, 1991, was 26,544 days, equaling 3,792 weeks exactly. He became a local TV star as the star of Stone's popular Southern California Hometown Jamboree show. The show's title referred not to the singer but to the Ford Motor Company, the sponsor. Tennessee Ernie Ford. Try again later. He continued recording into the 1970s. . Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Ford was the spokesman for the Pontiac Furniture Company in Pontiac, Illinois, in the 1970s. Noted for his rich bass-baritone voice and down-home humor, he is remembered for his hit recordings of "The Shotgun Boogie" and "Sixteen Tons". We wish we could extend a happy birthday wish to him, but it's been more than 20 years since he died at age 72. He was 72 years old and lived in Portola Valley, near Palo Alto, Calif. Mr. Ford became ill at Dulles International Airport on Sept. 28 and was taken to Reston Hospital. Occasionally they also babysat the Ford boys. He also did musical tours. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. The Story of Christmas Tennessee Ernie Ford. He was born in Bristol, Tennessee, sang in the school choirs and played the trombone in the band. Ford died in H. C. A. Reston Hospital Center, in Reston, Virginia, on October 17. Initially, Ford appeared on Stone's Hometown Jamboree, which started on radio and moved to television later in the 1940s, and in 1948 Stone brought him to Capitol Records, the beginning of a relationship that would last for 40 years, covering the rest of the singer's life. Tennessee Ernie Ford, a radio DJ turned country singer turned TV star, ended all his shows with a hymn. In high school he sang in school stage productions and in a glee club, and he spent so much of his spare time at the local radio station, WOPI, that after his high school graduation in 1937 he was hired as a disc jockey. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. Tennessee Ernie Ford, as he came to be known, was an ordinary man but his overwhelming success later led to his downfall. based on information from your browser. CD: $113.59. In 1956 Mr. Ford was hired by NBC-TV to be the host of "The Ford Show" on Thursday nights. By the beginning of 1953, although Ford wasn't having as many hits, he remained popular in America and also in England. Brion Leonard Ford, youngest son of Bristol, Tenn., native and country music legend Tennessee Ernie Ford, died Friday at his home in White House, Tenn., of lung cancer at age 56. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. The Bristol, Tennessee native who was once a golden-voiced radio, quickly moved into a long, fruitful recording career. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Mr. Schoepe moved to the Washington area after the war, and he went to work at the State Department about 1950. Known professionally as Tennessee Ernie Ford, he began his rise to fame in1948 with Capital Records. HOMETOWN Bristol, TN, United States of America BORN February 13, 1919 Similar Artists Roger Wagner Chorale Jimmy Dean Funeral services for him will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. CST at Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 533 Hwy. Ernest Jennings Ford was born 13 February 1919 in Bristol, Tennessee. Tennessee Ernie Ford first charted in 1949. This browser does not support getting your location. He would never record for a major label again.[14]. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. [10] The song's fatalistic tone and bleak imagery were in stark contrast to some sugary pop ballads and rock & roll also on the charts in 1955: You load sixteen tons, what do you get? Brion was full of mischief., There was an indefatigable sense of life in Brion, Buck Ford said. Tennessee Ernie Ford, 72, the country and western singer who was best known for his recordings of gospel hymns and the coal mining ballad "Sixteen Tons," died of liver ailments Oct. 17 at Reston Hospital. Dirty Linen: "After more than 40 years, these albums remain as fitting testaments to the music of that pivotal time in American history. The musical variety program was a staple of the NBC schedule until 1961. He earned the nickname "The Ol' Pea-Picker" due to his catchphrase, "Bless your pea-pickin' heart!" My Christmas Favorites Ford, Tennessee Ernie (See all 72 albums) Songs . He was a featured announcer and celebrity guest at the annual CAF Airshow in Harlingen, Texas, from 1976 to 1988. Ford would have turned 94 years old today. His first album of inspirational music, entitled simply, "Hymns" -released in 1956- remained on Billboard magazine's Top Pop Albums chart an unbelievable277 consecutive weeks. 01 Stand By Me When God Dips His Love In My Heart He Knows What I Need Others What A Friend We Have In Jesus . You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Like his later gospel recordings, these early sides are classics, including the #1 hit "Sixteen Tons." Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. American Country Musician Tennessee Ernie Ford was born Ernest Jennings Ford on 13th February, 1919 in Bristol, Tennessee, USA and passed away on 17th Oct 1991 Reston, Virginia, USA aged 72. The Tennessee Ernie Show (The 1953 Radio Shows), Volume Two. After the war, Ford -- who had married while serving in the military -- moved his family to San Bernardino, CA, and took a DJ job on a local radio station. He is survived by his second wife, Beverly; two sons from his first marriage, Jeffrey and Brian, and a stepdaughter, Stevie. He appeared at the London Palladium, and made many records. A native of Tacoma, Wash., Mrs. Woolnough moved to the Washington area in 1964. In retirement, Mr. Doney built and flew model airplanes, and he organized and played in billiard tournaments. 3 Copy quote. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/3806/ernie-ford. Ernest Jennings Ford was born on Feb. 13, 1919, in Bristol, Tenn. As a child he entertained at family gatherings and sang in the Methodist Church choir. Her marriage to Marion Joseph Perry ended in divorce. Santa Claus Meets The Purple People Eater, Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera), What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For, Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weeny Yellow Polkadot Bikini, Ain't Nobody's Business But My Own (feat. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. In 1980 Ford lived in the Smoke Tree neighborhood of Palm Springs, California. Tennessee Ernie Ford was born in Bristol, Tennessee in 1919. Soon NBC hired him to MC the television game show the Kollege of Musical Knowledge, and also to host his own weekday program, The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show (19561961). My brother was my sense of humor.. His album "Great Gospel Songs" won a Grammy in 1964. American recording artist and television host Tennessee Ernie Ford became a staple on the Grand Ole Opry and had many crossover hits, including "Sixteen Tons" and "Ballad of Davy Crockett." She attended Strayer Business College and the Washington School of Ballet. Ford eventually ended his KXLA morning show and in the early 1950s, moved on from Hometown Jamboree. He began working with Cliffie Stone's son Steve Stone early in that decade, which led to a revival of his presence on the sales charts with Country Morning, released in 1973, which yielded a brace of new singles including one hit, "Printers Alley Stars." [1][2] Ford was interred at Alta Mesa Memorial Park, Palo Alto, California. Burial. Ford's last name allowed the show title to carry a unique double entendre by selling the naming rights to the Ford Motor Company (Ford had no known relation to the Ford family that founded that company). Growing up in Bristol, Ford also pursued his radio personality from the same place. Ford had two Top Ten country hits in 1955 with "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" and his biggest success, "Sixteen Tons," which spent ten weeks at number one on the country charts and eight weeks at number one on the pop charts. It was there that he first took on the name "Tennessee Ernie," which became the focus of his comedic on-air persona, a kind of good-hearted bumpkin who was smarter than he let on and funnier (and more eccentric) than he seemingly knew; in some respects, "Tennessee Ernie" was a bit like some of the more benign rural characters that had been essayed in the movies by Walter Brennan. : Ernest Jennings Ford. He appeared at the London Palladium, and made many records. [6], He released almost 50 country singles through the early 1950s, several of which made the Billboard charts. With Ford's snapping fingers[11][12] and a unique clarinet-driven pop arrangement by Ford's music director, Jack Fascinato, "Sixteen Tons" spent ten weeks at number one on the country chart and seven weeks at number one on the pop chart. [18], Less than four months after Betty's death in 1989, Ford married again. For the time, it was a bold and powerful statement for a popular entertainer of Ford's stature to be making on live television, especially in the face of the initial objections from Madison Avenue and the network. Listen to Sixteen Tons, Union Dixie and more from Tennessee Ernie Ford. Please enter your email and password to sign in. As a child, Brion Ford was a lightning bolt of energy. He served in the Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II. 01 Stand By Me 00:0002 When God Dips His Love In My Heart 03:0403 He Knows What I Need 05:2204 Others 07:5205 What A Friend We Have In Jesus 09:4706 Sweet Ho. Those who own one or more of Tennessee Ernie Ford's collections of sacred songs most likely have the seven included in the Ultimate Collection. RAMONA CHAPMAN OBITUARY. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. I Fall To Pieces Tracks of Disc 2 16. RESTON, Va. - Tennessee Ernie Ford, whose bass voice boomed out on the multimillion-selling record "Sixteen Tons" and on his TV variety show spanning two decades, died today after a long illness. He recorded more than 80 albums during his singing career and sold more than 24 million albums of his gospel music. Merle Travis had first recorded it in 1946. Ford joined the ranks of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1990, at age 71. Dec 10, 2015 - His best selling album to date from the Grammy winner. Survivors include four children, Christine Schoepe-Wright of Vienna, Barbara E. Willt of Fairfax, Carl J. Schoepe Jr. of Herndon and Andrea Sallberg of Chantilly; a brother, Richard Schoepe of Cleveland; a sister, Peggy DeFrancis of Hollywood, Fla.; and five grandchildren. ; . [3] He was also a bombing instructor at George Air Force Base, in Victorville, California. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Find similar music that you'll enjoy, only at Last.fm. Then, in September of 1955, Ford Motor Company announced it would be sponsoring its own prime-time variety show on NBC, and the search for a star to host the show was on. He also owned a cattle ranch in California. 2 on the, "Colorado Country Morning" peaked at No. Ernest Jennings Ford, known professionally as Tennessee Ernie Ford, was an American singer and television host who enjoyed success in the country and western, pop, and gospel musical genres. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). "I'll Never Be Free", a duet pairing Ford with Capitol Records pop singer Kay Starr,[7] became a huge country and pop crossover hit in 1950. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. He was almost a one-man radio network and cast at one point on KXLA, and drawing an ever-larger audience. I owe my soul to the company store[11][12]. She began her real estate career in 1967, and she had been working for Mount Vernon Realty for about 10 years at the time of her death. Tennessee Ernie Ford, the homespun television host and country and Western crooner whose 1955 recording of "16 Tons" became one of the biggest-selling records of all time, died yesterday at. Bowie was doing a lot of drugs at the time and later said, "I have only flashes of making it." Achy Breaky Heart Billy Ray Cyrus Please try again later. "It caught on to every working man in the world, I guess.". A collection of past stories on Bristol, Tennessee, native Tennessee Ernie Ford. We provide a variety of service offerings designed to meet your family's customs and traditions, including: Traditional funerals. He possessed a tremendous amount of emotion and range as a singer.. Hello Walls 8. 0 cemeteries found in Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California, USA. He was born Ernest Jennings Ford on February 13, 1919 in Bristol, Tennessee to Clarence Thomas Ford and Maud Long. 2 on the Capitol Records' "Top Country & Hillbilly" best sellers list in 1952, "Sing We Now of Christmas" peaked at No. After the war he worked briefly at radio stations in San Bernardino, Calif. and Reno, Nev., then in 1948 was hired as a hillbilly disc jockey and newscaster at station KXLA in Pasadena, Calif. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care. If you see me coming, better step aside. We Gather Together, a 1963 release made with the San Quentin Prison Choir, was the first recording ever made at the prison. . To differentiate himself, he created the personality of "Tennessee Ernie", a wild, madcap, exaggerated hillbilly. Running, Gun, Dancing. After that, his work consisted primarily of recordings, touring and occasional television specials and guest appearances. In 1949, while still doing his morning show, he signed a contract with Capitol. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Son of Clarence Thomas Ford and Maud Lee Ford [9] He became a household name in the U.S., largely as a result of his portrayal in 1954 of the 'country bumpkin', "Cousin Ernie", in three episodes of I Love Lucy. He is most remembered for 16 Tons. "Americais a nation richer in spirit because ofTennesseeErnie Ford", 2020by TEF Enterprises, LP. [4][5], At KXLA, Ford continued doing the same show and also joined the cast of Cliffie Stone's popular live KXLA country show Dinner Bell Roundup as a vocalist while still doing the early morning broadcast. ", His rich bass-baritone, personable drawl, ingratiating smile and unhurried manner made him a popular network television star in the 1950's and 60's. [Verse 2] I was born one morning when the sun didn't shine I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine I loaded sixteen tons of number 9 coal And the straw boss said, "Well-a bless my soul . Year should not be greater than current year. Ford's experiences as a navigator and bombardier in World War II led to his involvement with the Confederate Air Force (now the Commemorative Air Force), a war plane preservation group in Texas. 76, White House, Tenn. (615) 672-5000. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Failed to remove flower. A resident of Fairfax, he was on vacation when stricken. Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses 18. Verify and try again. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. A resident of this area since 1969, he lived in Fort Washington. He can be reached at features@bristolnews.com. Man in the Saddle. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. On October 17, 1991-36 years to the day after the release ofSixteen Tons- the world lost this legendary star. Earlier he was a retail manager for Giant Food, a distribution clerk for the Postal Service and a building supervisor for the Fairfax County Department of Recreation. A duet with Ella Mae Morse, "False Hearted Girl" was a top seller for the Capitol Country and Hillbilly division.[8]. : Born : February 13, 1919 // Bristol, TN, United States Died : October 17, 1991 // Reston, VA, United States Tennessee Ernie Ford, was a pioneering U.S. recording artist and television host who enjoyed success in . Geni requires JavaScript! His talent wasn't dormant during this period, and he was able to participate in various special services entertainment programs. Survivors include a sister, Grace M. Griffin of Silver Spring. Please reset your password. Kay Starr), What This Country Needs (Is a Good Old Fashioned Talk with the Lord), I've Got The Milk 'Em In The Morning Blues, I've Got The Feed 'Em In The Mornin' (Change 'Em) Feed 'Em In The Evenin' Blues, What This Country Needs (Is A Good Old Fashioned Talk With The Lord), The Death Hug / The Ballad of Davy Crockett / A Sensible Varmint, Crockett's Opinion of A Thunderstorm / Farewell, Call Me Darlin', Call Me Sweetheart, Call Me Dear, Ain't Nobody's Business Taylor But My Own, Black Is The Color of My True Love's Hair, If You've Got The Money I've Got The Time, Marching Song (Of the First Arkansas Negro Regiment), A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation), When Its Springtime In Alaska (Its Forty Below), Blues Stay Away from Me - (featuring Merle Travis), Ain't Nobody's Business but My Own - (featuring Kay Starr), I'll Never Be Free - (featuring Kay Starr), Tailor Made Woman - (featuring Joe "Fingers" Carr), Hey Good Lookin' - (featuring Helen O'Connell), Rock City Boogie - (featuring The Dinning Sisters), False Hearted Girl - (featuring Ella Mae Morse), Don't Start Courtin' in a Hot Rod - (featuring Molly Bee), Honeymoon's Over - (featuring Betty Hutton), I Can't Dance (I've Got Ants In My Pants), Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball, Say Down Yonder In New Orleans, Freddy Cannon, What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For, If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time), Smokey Mountain Boogie - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ern, Country Junction - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ern, Tailor Made Woman - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Bryant, Jimmy [1], I Got the Milk 'Em in the Mornin', Feed 'Em, Milk 'Em in the Evenin' Bl - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ern, Anticipation Blues - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ern, Feed 'Em in the Mornin', Change 'Em, Feed 'Em in the Evenin' Blues - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ern, Ain't Nobody's Business But My Own - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Taylor, Irving, Blues Stay Away from Me - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Delmore, Alton, I'll Never Be Free - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Benjamin, Bennie, I Ain't Gonna Let It Happen No More - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ern, The Mule Train - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Glickman, Fred, Donkey Serenade - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Forrest, George, Mister and Mississippi - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Gordon, Irving, The My Hobby - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ern, The Cry of the Wild Goose - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Gilkyson, Terry, Lord's Lariat - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ern, Tennessee Border No. God Bless The U.S.A. 17. Try again later. He was assigned to host an early morning country music disc jockey program, Bar Nothin' Ranch Time. It would earn him the distinction of almost single-handedly bringing inspirational music into the mainstream of American entertainmentan enduring legacy of the lasting impact that one man's expression of faith can have on millions of people. He belonged to Allen Chapel AME Church in Washington and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Oops, something didn't work. Jesus welcomed Ramona Chapman into his arms Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Composer, singer and author, educated at the Cincinnati Conservatory. CD: $9.98. Tennessee Ernie Ford Ernest Jennings Ford :: a biography Born Ernest Jennings Ford on February 13th, 1919 in Bristol, Tennessee, Tennessee Ernie Ford has made an indelible impact on America and the world through his unparalleled accomplishments in radio, records and television. Tennessee Ernie Ford. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1990. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. After Betty committed suicide in 1989 because of prescription drug abuse, Ernie's liver problems, diagnosed years earlier, became more apparent, but he refused to reduce his drinking despite repeated doctors' warnings. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. You can cancel at any time. The mouse narrator seen at the beginning of the special, William the Churchmouse, was a caricature of Ford, in keeping with a Rankin/Bass tradition. 1 1955 Country. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Love is not easily put into words, and she was the "Love" of our lives! Walk On By 9. He started singing as a boy and, after graduating from high school, became a voice student at Virginia Intermount College. Following America's entry into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ford enlisted in the United States Army in early 1942 and was assigned to the U.S. Army Air Corps, which kept him stateside, serving in Alabama and later in California, where he was posted to a bomberdier school. Ford fell ill in after leaving a state dinner at the White House hosted by President George H. W. Bush, and died of advanced liver disease in Reston, Virginia on October 17, 1991, exactly thirty-six years after "Sixteen Tons" was released and one day shy of the first anniversary of his induction into the Hall of Fame. He was born on February 13th, 1919. We have set your language to This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. He had worked for the police department laboratory since then. Noted for his rich bass-baritone voice and down-home humor, he is remembered for his hit recordings of "The Shotgun Boogie" and "Sixteen Tons". See the article in its original context from. He also became the spokesman for Martha White brand flour in 1972. It is kind of amazing that so many of the stars of yesteryear are nearly forgotten within a generation or two. All I Have To Do Is Dream 7. The family asks that memorial gifts be given to a cancer center of the donors choice. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Feb 26, 2017 Updated Apr 18, 2019. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. By that time the quality of his country albums had become uneven and none of his releases were selling well. His Western songs and boogie-flavored numbers offered an energy level and sexual suggestiveness that made them rock & roll in all but name, and his recordings featured the fabulous instrumental talents of Merle Travis on guitar and Speedy West on pedal steel. Brion Ford, son of Tennessee Ernie Ford, died Friday at age 56. . Ford, who died Thursday at age 72, was given a military funeral with an honor guard in Palo Alto, Calif. Friends and colleagues praised Ford's rich baritone and his loyalty, honesty, patriotism and "homespun philosophy. "Tennessee Ernie Ford"Beloved Husband of Beverly, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Ford, and two sons of his first marriage, Jeffrey Bucknew Ford and Brion Ford. Through 1976, he released a total of eighty-three albums on the label--and literally scores of single records, including his classic version of Merle Travis' timeless anthem to the working man, "Sixteen Tons"at the time of its release, the fastest selling single in Capitol's history.To date, it is estimatedthat Ford has sold more than 400 million records worldwide--an astonishing number, even by today's standards. His most enduring album of the decade, however, was Ernie Sings & Glen Picks, released in 1975; cut with Glen Campbell, it was similar to Country Hits - Feelin' Blue from 12 years before as a stripped-down country effort, and it not only sold well at the time but found a new audience as a CD in the 1990s. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. She said when he would return to Bristol, he often brought his two sons along. Composer, singer and author, educated at the Cincinnati Conservatory. He was married for almost 50 years to Betty Heminger, who died in the late 1980s. His parents were Clarence Thomas Ford and Maud Long. "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" is a traditional gospel song and jazz standard that has been performed and recorded by many artists.

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