Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Ernie Ford sings John Henry on The Ford Show starring Tennessee Ernie Ford, November 7, 1957.
“John Henry,” an American folk ballad, recounts the legendary tale of a railroad worker who defied the encroachment of steam-powered drills by racing against one. Despite his victory, John Henry’s relentless hammering ultimately cost him his life. The song immortalizes his strength, determination, and tragic fate, echoing through history as a testament to human resilience in the face of industrial progress.
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
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.
Subscribe To Tennessee Ernie Ford TV:
youtube.com/@TennesseeErnieFordTV/?sub_confirmation=1
ernieford.com
facebook.com/tennesseeernieford
#tennesseeernieford #JohnHenry
Ernie Ford sings John Henry on The Ford Show starring Tennessee Ernie Ford, November 7, 1957.
“John Henry,” an American folk ballad, recounts the legendary tale of a railroad worker who defied the encroachment of steam-powered drills by racing against one. Despite his victory, John Henry’s relentless hammering ultimately cost him his life. The song immortalizes his strength, determination, and tragic fate, echoing through history as a testament to human resilience in the face of industrial progress.
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
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.
Subscribe To Tennessee Ernie Ford TV:
youtube.com/@TennesseeErnieFordTV/?sub_confirmation=1
ernieford.com
facebook.com/tennesseeernieford
#tennesseeernieford #JohnHenry
