Song of the Day: Tennessee Ernie Ford, “Shenandoah”

Song of the Day 1 Minute

Bless his pea-pickin’ heart, country and Western, pop and gospel singer and TV show host Tennessee Ernie Ford would be 102 today. "Shenandoah" (also known as "Oh Shenandoah" or "Across The Wide Missouri") is a traditional folk song dating to the early 19th century. There are many sets of lyrics to the song, and by the mid-19th century it was being sung as a sea shanty.

Published by John Holton

Internet disc jockey, lover of old TV (especially the commercials), inveterate wise guy.

Published

17 thoughts on “Song of the Day: Tennessee Ernie Ford, “Shenandoah””

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  6. He had a great voice, such a nice baritone. He was so good in I Love Lucy, so funny, you would never know he had this great voice.

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  7. There has never been a voice quite like Tennessee Ernie’s and of course growing up where I did, the song is one we sang a lot. I wrote about Tennessee Ernie and the distant ties to my grandmother just a few weeks ago.

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  8. To be honest I have never heard of Tennessee Ernie Ford, and after listening to his voice, I will be looking for more of hs songs. My parents are of this era and would enjoy his style. Is it similar to Howard Keel, as they like his music?

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    1. A little more country than Howard, who I generally associate with the musicals he was in. Your parents might have watched his show in the ’50’s and ’60’s… He’s best known for “Sixteen Tons,” and he did a lot of gospel as well.

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  9. Hi John – thanks for this … love his voice and the song … old fashioned, but just what we need at this time … slow and peaceful … all the best – Hilary

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