How Great Thou Art | Tennessee Ernie Ford | May 18, 1961

In response to viewer requests, Ernie sings the beloved hymn How Great Thou Art on May 18, 1961.

About Tennessee Ernie Ford

Born Ernest Jennings Ford on February 13th, 1919 in Bristol, Tennessee, Tennessee Ernie Ford has made an indelible impact on America and the world through his unparalleled accomplishments in radio, records and television.

Throughout his legendary career spanning over 50 years, Ernie Ford's early successes as a radio personality led to his signing with Capitol Records in 1949. Through 1976, he released a total of eighty-three albums on the label--and literally scores of single records, including his classic version of Merle Travis' timeless anthem to the working man, "Sixteen Tons"...at the time of its release, the fastest selling single in Capitol's history.

About The Ford Show

On Thursday night, October 4th, 1956, NBC premiered The Ford Show Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford.

As prime-time's # 1 half-hour variety show for five years, The Ford Show featured all the ingredients of the top variety shows of the day; Hollywood's greatest guest stars, top-of-the-line production, and terrific music. But one simple element separated it from all others...Ernie closed virtually every show with a hymn, a spiritual or a song of faith. For the time, it was a bold and powerful statement for a popular entertainer of Ford's stature to be making on live television, especially in the face of the initial objections from Madison Avenue and the network. But it was a statement that would become the trademark of his career, and in many ways, the mark of his life. It would earn him the distinction of almost single-handedly bringing inspirational music into the mainstream of American entertainment...an enduring legacy of the lasting impact that one man's expression of faith can have on millions of people.

#tennesseeernieford #thefordshow #hymn

[judyhalsell]

Oh how I miss this. When GOD was glorified and worshiped in this country.❤

[newyorknight]

It's ashame that we don't find this on TV anymore.
A timeless classic🎵🎶🙏

[michaelmelcher]

What a beautiful hymn. Ernie Ford was blessed with a beautiful voice. Rest in peace with Jesus Ernie 💟✝️

[bonniemoyers]

My absolute favorite version of this hymn! Listened to it with my aunt Ethel as a little girl before bed, when I stayed with her ❤ ✝️

[michellepost]

He was a very good singer, and good looking. He was funny on I Love Lucy and The Lucy Show.

[Kiamichi-Okie]

I miss this show, we need more tv shows like this.

[musicalsymbol]

25 year old, just found this. Hands down amongst the best, dare I say the best recordings of old classic hymns to date!

T.H.F is the realest tho.

[HEILIGERRomer]

I love singing along to these, mr. Ford was a magnificent person... Rest in peace ♥️

[larrygrant-hysk]

I used to sing in church until one day i was told that it was not good enough to make a joyful noise and was asked to leave the choir. Funny, but hypocrites were everwhere.

[dominicr]

That voice! Definitely one of a kind! Rest in peace Ernie!

[FredPickett]

One of My favorte all time hyms By One of thr best/R.I.P. Mr. Ford.

[RalphMay-ut]

The bible speaks that when we die our memory slowly fades into the past, mr. Ford seams to fade more slowly than most.

[curtisunit]

I like how he mysteriously moves from one side of the stage to the other. Talk about being lifted by the spirit.

Ernie was class.

[troythorpe]

Oh Lord, My God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the World, Thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the Rolling Thunder
Thy Power, throughout the Universe displayed
Then sings my Soul, my Saviour, God, to Thee
How Great Thou Art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

[getschwifty]

Listening with my Grandma while she transitions to her Heavenly home. Thank you for uploading this

[mhazel]

i grew up seeing him on tv hearing him singing love this

[chanb]

Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

[pennycasey]

My favorite He singing it beautifully ❤

[mademoiselledusfonctionell]

A Swedish pianist, Per-Erik Hallin, told Elvis Presley
that this is a Swedish song (which it is), but he wasn't convinced.

[jim]

Yes. Network TV still had some value in 1961...