- Born
- Died
- Birth nameErnest Jennings Ford
- Height1.78 m
- Tennessee Ernie Fords lifetime: Thursday, February 13th, 1919 to Thursday, October 17th, 1991, was 26,544 days, equaling 3,792 weeks exactly. Composer, singer and author, educated at the Cincinnati Conservatory. He appeared at the London Palladium, and made many records. He also owned a cattle ranch in California. Joining ASCAP in 1958, his popular-song compositions include "Softly and Tenderly" (Christian). Three others, 2 country "Hogtied Over You" and "Kiss Me Big" + 1 rock 'n roll, "Sixteen Tons".- IMDb mini biography by: Hup234!
- SpousesBeverly Wood(June 11, 1989 - October 17, 1991) (his death)Betty Heminger(September 18, 1942 - February 26, 1989) (her death, 2 children)
- Deep south country accent & slang terminolgist
- While it never affected his professional work, nor was it ever publicized (for fear of how it would impact his career), Ford battled all his life with a drinking problem, something which ultimately undermined his health. In October, 1991, he collapsed after leaving a White House dinner and died at an area hospital a few days later, exactly one year to the day after being elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Used his influence to give many young performers their first break in show business, including San Francisco-area disk jockey turned TV personality Jim Lange (later of "The Dating Game"), and most notably, the singing duo the Everly Brothers.
- Made the first tour of the Soviet Union with a country-western stage show (including Roy Clark) in 1974.
- His biggest hit "Sixteen Tons" was credited as being the first Rock and Roll big hit and for kicking off the Rock and Roll era of the 1950s.
- He was awarded 3 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 1600 Vine Street, for Recording at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard, and for Television at 6311 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
- Bless your little pea-pickin' hearts.
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