Hear Tennessee Ernie Ford Sing “Shenandoah” on The Ford Show, March 9, 1961 (Video)

Re-posted by Nicholas Stix

As old readers will have noticed, “Shenandoah” is my current musical obsession. As it was for many of the world’s greatest singers.


3,495,122 views May 29, 2007 #tennesseeernieford #shenandoah #thefordshow

“Tennessee Ernie Ford sings the classic folk song, ‘Shenandoah’ on The Ford Show, March 9, 1961.

“Many artists have covered the song, but Tennessee Ernie Ford released the most notable and popular version on his 1959 album, Shenandoah.

“This live version from The Ford Show is heartfelt and inspiring. This live recording appeared prominently in the popular video game Fallout 76. The game also included Ford’s renditions of the miner’s anthems “Dark as a Dungeon” and “Sixteen Tons.”

“All three songs play on the game’s Appalachia Radio. Ford’s original recording also appeared prominently on American Dad, Season 11, Episode 10, “The Two Hundred.”


“About Tennessee Ernie Ford

“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.

“Throughout his legendary career spanning over 50 years, Ernie Ford’s early successes as a radio personality led to his signing with Capitol Records in 1949. 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.


About The Ford Show

On Thursday night, October 4th, 1956, NBC premiered The Ford Show Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford.

As prime-time’s #1 half-hour variety show for five years, The Ford Show featured all the ingredients of the top variety shows of the day; Hollywood's greatest guest stars, top-of-the-line production, and terrific music. But one simple element separated it from all others...Ernie closed virtually every show with a hymn, a spiritual, or a song of faith. 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. But it was a statement that would become the trademark of his career, and in many ways, the mark of his life. It would earn him the distinction of almost single-handedly bringing inspirational music into the mainstream of American entertainment...an enduring legacy of the lasting impact that one man’s expression of faith can have on millions of people.

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