Tennessee Ernie Ford - Greatest Hits

 (15 customer reviews)

One reviewer stops just short of calling Ernie Ford a "hick" and questions the appeal of the songs represented in this little album, claiming to have never heard of them. Well, let's look at the facts.

Yes he did sell millions of gospel/hymn LPs and EPs over the years and, for that reason, to many people whose musical tastes don't go beyond that genre this is the type of music for which he is best remembered. But the reality is, Ernie Ford appealed to a wide spectrum of musical preferences and that is born out by the fact that he also put 29 selections onto the Country singles charts, and 21 onto the pop charts between 1949 and 1976.

And here you get all three of his # 1 hits - Mule Train which reached # 1 Country [4 weeks at that spot] and # 9 Pop in 1949, the hilarious Shotgun Boogie which stayed at # 1 Country for FOURTEEN weeks in late 1950/early 1951 and reached # 14 Pop, and Sixteen Tons, TEN weeks at # 1 Country and EIGHT weeks at # 1 Billboard Pop Top 100...Read more

I grew up listening to this singer's popular music (anyone out there know where to find his song "One Suit"?) but my husband didn't and he likes it too now. Some songs may be "rural" sounding but some numbers have a great sort of big band swing and a lot are just fun. His voice is surprisingly veratile and the arrangements are well done. Every song on here may not be my style but they aren't all the sometimes sappy hymn-style either. If you like his gospel songs that is no guarantee you'll like this for sure but if you just like his voice this will expand your appreciation of his abilities. And my kids really do like it.

Not only do you get Sixteen Tons but there is also Shotgun Boogie and the Ballad of Davey Crockett. No wonder Mr. Ford was popular during the golden age of pop singers, the 1950's because as this CD shows his songs were fun and there is a feeling of joy in his voice.