TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD

Born Ernest Jennings Ford on February 13, 1919. A native of Bristol, Tennessee. Ford began his radio career as an announcer at station WOPI. He left Bristol in 1939 to study classical music and voice at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.Following America's entry into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ford enlisted in the United States Army in early 1942. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Air Corps. Ford served in World War II as the bombardier on a B-29 Superfortress flying missions over Japan. Later he was posted in California, where he instructed at a bombardier school. His talent wasn't dormant during this period, and he was able to participate in various entertainment programs.Ernie Ford’s early success as a radio personality led to his signing with Capitol Records in 1949. He released a total of eighty~three recordings on the label. Durring this time he recorded a classic version of Merle Travis’ timeless anthem to the working man, “Sixteen Tons”. It was the fastest selling single in Capitol’s history at the time of its release.Tennessee Ernie Fords half century legacy is staggering. His unprecedented achievements earned him three stars on the Hollywood walk of fame for Radio, Records, and Television. On March 26th, 1984 President Ronald Reagan presented Ernie with The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a sitting President can bestow upon a civilian on behalf of his country. A simple yet eloquent man left a legacy to America and the world.