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Friday, February 15, 2008

A New Tradition

I'm thinking about starting a new tradition on this blog. Since my dad worked the evening shift, I was at the mercy of whatever my mother wanted to watch on television each night. There were only three channels, so it's not like there was much choice. Mom loved Perry Como, Andy Williams, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dean Martin, Ed Sullivan, Red Skelton, and Jack Benny. Those names are probably not familar to many of you, but they were the pioneers of variety shows on television in the late 50's and early 60's. I remember when I was a kid that two of these televison variety shows ended each week with a special feature. Perry Como and Tennesse Ernie Ford would always end the broadcast with an inspirational song. Regardless of what other acts may have been on the show that night, the last few minutes were devoted to something for the soul, a spiritual or hymn. Ernie Ford was the best, but there are very few videos of him to share.
Those of you that read my Thursday 13 a couple of weeks ago know how much I love inspirational music. I especially love the hymns of the Faith. I may not do this at the end of every post, but for a while I will look for a hymn to close the post. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I believe I may end each week with such a post. Friday's would be a good time for a little "Soul Music". I hope they make your day a little better.
I am going to start with the best of the best, Tennessee Ernie Ford. The video is not the best quality, nor is the sound, but this voice is timeless. Enjoy.

4 comments:

Sandee said...

Looks like we grew up in the same era. I understood everything you said about the 50s and 60s. Excellent choice to start off this new trend. What a voice. Have a great day and weekend. :)

Anonymous said...

well, this era was before my time but I love the idea of ending the week with a song!

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

oh I am way too familiar with every name you mentioned...the era of black and white TV...6 channels (hey I was in the NY market) and the National Anthem and the flag waving as the networks went off the air around midnight or 1:00 am each day.

"This concludes our broadcast day...."

Joyce said...

That was awesome, thank you for posting that. I too, grew up with all those wonderful singers you mentioned. My mother listened to them all day long. I'm grateful now because I have an appreciation for them and for that style of music.

And bond (above), it was exactly the same in Los Angeles! Great memories!