Tennessee Ernie Ford was one of country music’s defining voices of the 1950s. He reached crossover appeal with his cover of Merle Travis’s pensive tune, “Sixteen Tons,” which chronicled the life of a coal miner. Ford’s snappy version became a crossover hit after its 1955 release, topping both country and pop charts. He enjoyed success in the country and pop worlds, but he found a home in gospel music.
The baritone crooner released many faith-based recording projects during his career, establishing himself as a worthy contemporary steward of sacred music—music he encountered in his earliest days in the Tennessee farmlands. The popularity of the performer’s first gospel album, “Hymns,” made it a bestseller. Late in his career, a compilation released by Curb Records showcased Ford’s devotion to sacred music and the depth of his gospel recordings.
