The Albums | Tennessee Ernie Ford (2024)

Released December, 1949.

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Shotgun Boogie

Smoky Mountain Boogie

Blackberry Boogie

Anticipation Blues

Released August, 1951

I'll Never Be Free

You're My Sugar

Ocean of Tears

Ain't Nobody's Business But My Own

Note: Ernie regarded his duets with Kay Starr as one of the high points of his recording career, which, at the time "I'll Never Be Free" was released, was only two years old. "She was one of pop music's biggest stars", Ernie recalled. "I couldn't believe I was given the opportunity to record with her."

Released January 1954

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His Hands

Somebody Bigger Than You and I

I Am A Pilgrim

There Is Beauty in Everything

Released January, 1956

Sixteen Tons

River Of No Return

You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry

Give Me Your Word

Note: Somebody at Capitol thought it would be cute if they took one of Ernie's stock press shots, re-did it as a pencil sketch, and put him in a miner's hard-hat. Bad idea, bad cover. Bad Capitol

Released March, 1956

The Death Hug

The Ballad Of Davy Crockett

A Sensible Varmint

Crockett's Opinion Of A Thunderstorm

Farewell

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Note: This rare EP featured more than just Ernie singing about Davy; three of the five tracks are narratives--adapted directly from a journal kept by Crockett while living in Kentucky--narrated, of course, as only a Tennessean could. This is a rare find for the serious collector of 50's memorabilia.

Capitol # T-700 // Released March 5, 1956

John Henry

Trouble In Mind

Dark As A Dungeon

False Hearted Girl

Chicken Road

Who Will Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot?The Rovin' Gambler

In The Pines

I Gave My Love A Cherry

Nine Pound Hammer

Gaily The Troubadour

The Last Letter

Capitol # T-841 // Released March, 1957

The Watermelon Song

One Suit

Have You Seen Her

Call Me Darlin, Call Me Sweetheart

That's All

Sixteen Tons

River Of No Return

You Don'tHave To Be A Baby To Cry

First Born

Give Me Your Word

Capitol # T-756 // Released October, 1956

Note: Thislandmark LP remained on the Billboard Pop Charts for an unprecedented 277 consecutive weeks, breaking all records, and firmly establishing Ernie as almost single-handedly bringing gospel and inspirational music into the mainstream of American entertainment. In 1963, 'Hymns' was honored by Capitol as being the most successful LP ever recorded by a Capitol artist.

Who At My Door Is Standing

Rock Of Ages

Softly And Tenderly

Sweet HourOf Prayer

My Task

Let The Lower Lights Be Burning

The Ninety And Nine

The Old RuggedCross

When They Ring Those Golden Bells

n The Garden

Ivory Palaces

Others

Capitol # T-888// Released Sept30, 1957

Note: Incredibly, after strong chart hits with nearly all of these great, original Ernie Ford-penned songs, somebody at Capitol decided it would be a good idea to re-record all of them, but with new arrangements. The result? A bad idea...butgreatvocals from Ernie !

Milk'Em In The Morning Blues

Catfish Boogie

Anticipation Blues

Country Junction

Shotgun Boogie

She's My Baby

Blackberry Boogie

Kiss Me Big

Ain't Nobodys Business But My Own

Smokey Mountain Boogie

I Ain't A-Gonna Let It Happen No More The Lord's Lariat

Capitol # T-818 // Released April 1, 1957

Just A Closer Walk With Thee

I Want To Be Ready

Take My Hand, Precious Lord

Stand By Me

When God Dips His Pen Of Love In My Heart

Get On Board Little Children

Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord

Were You There

Peace In The Valley

Know The Lord Laid His Hands On Me

Wayfaring Pilgrim

He'll Understand And SayWell Done

Capitol #T-1071 // Released Oct20, l958

Note: Ernie's first Christmas LP, this classic was re-released on CD December, 1988

Joy To The World

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

The Star Carol

Hark,The Herald Angels Sing

Some Children See Him

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

O Harken Ye

Adeste Fideles

The First Noel

We Three Kings

It Came UponA Midnight Clear

Silent Night

Capitol #T-1005 // Released March, 1959

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

His EyeIs On The Sparrow

Beautiful Isle Of Somewhere

Now The Day Is Over

Nearer My God To Thee

Sweet Peace, The Gift Of God's Love Whispering Hope

Lord, I'm Coming Home

I Need Thee Every Hour

Take Time To Be Holy

God Be With You

Capitol #T-1227 // Released July 20,1959

Brown's Ferry Blues

Black Is The Color

Old Blue

Freight Train Blues

The Night Herding Song

Darby's Ram

Pretty Little Pink

Barbara Allen

Look Down

My Grandfather's Clock

Twenty-One Years

I Left My Gal In The Mountains

Capitol # T-1272// Released Nov16 1959

Note: Ernie's first collaboration with the legendary Jordanaires

No Tears In Heaven

Precious Memories

When I Reach That City

An Empty Mansion

Where Could I Go But To The Lord

O Come Angel Band

Hold To God's Unchanging Hand

Wondrous Love

Life's RailwayTo Heaven

Goodnight And Good Morning

Drifting Too Far From The Shore

My Jesus As Thou Wilt

Capitol # T-1332//Released March 1960

Onward Christian Soldiers

Oh How I Love Jesus

The ChurchIn The Wildwood

I Love To Tell The Story

The Home Over There

Count Your Blessings

All Hail The Power

There Is Power In The Blood

When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

Shall We Gather At The River

Bringing In The Sheaves

Brighten The CornerWhere You Are Jesus Loves Me

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

Capitol # T-1380 //Released May 2, 1960

Note: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the release of the single, Sixteen Tons,this great LP was re-released as a special Commemorative Edition CD by Capitolin November, 1995

Sixteen Tons

Shotgun Boogie

Bright Lights & Blond Haired Women

Cry Of The Wild Goose

Milk'Em In The Morning Blues

Catfish Boogie

Mule Train

Smoky Mountain Boogie

Philadelphia Lawyer

Country Junction

Anticipation Blues

Blackberry Boogie

Capitol # TAO-1434/ Released July 1960

O Mary, Don't You Weep

I Want To Be Ready

I KnowThe Lord Laid His Hand On Me

Steal Away

Old Time Religion

Go Down, Moses

Ain't Gonna Study War No More

Joshua Fit The Battle

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Were You There

Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen

Roll, Jordan, Roll

Hold On,Keep Your Hand On The Plow

Standin' In The Need Of Prayer

Capitol # T-1473// Released Dec 1,1960

Note: Recorded live at the Indiana State Fair, this is the only live LP Ernie ever recorded, and features the only live version of Sixteen Tons ever released by Ernie during his 27 years with Capitol.

Back Home Again In Indiana

Bill Bailey

Medley: Your Cheatin' Heart ~He'll Have To Go ~ You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You

Tennessee Waltz

Sixteen Tons

Poem: I Asked God

Take My Hand Precious Lord

If I Can Help Somebody

Capitol # ST-1542 // Released May 1,1961

Molly Darling

Cold, Cold Heart

Bouquet Of Roses

I Forgot More ThanYou'll Ever Know

I Can't Help It

Don't Rob Another Man's Castle

I Love You So Much It Hurts

Jealous Heart

I Gotta Have My Baby Back

Take Me In Your Arms & Hold Me

I Really Don't Want To Know

Half As Much

Capitol # ST-1539 // Released July, 1961

The Army Of The Free

Virginia's Bloody Soil

Marching Song(Of The First Arkansas Negro Regiment)

The Why And Wherefore

The Vacant Chair

The Fall Of Charleston

The New York Volunteer

The Faded Coat Of Blue

Marching Through Georgia

Just Before The Battle, Mother

The Girl I Left Behind Me

Union Dixie

Capitol # ST-1540 // Released July, 1961

Stonewall Jackson's Way

Lorena

Riding A Raid

Maryland, My Maryland

Goober Peas

I Can Whip The Scoundrel

The Bonnie Blue Flag

The Valiant Conscript

The Rebel Soldier

The Southern Wagon

Flight Of The Doodles

Dixie

Capitol # ST-1751/Released Aug 11962

Note: This was the first LP Ernie recorded following his move from Hollywood in 1961,and features vocal back-up from three of the members of his San Francisco morning show on ABC; Dick Noel, Hank Jones and Dean Kay. In addition, each song is prefaced by a narrative, performed by Ernie, and written thenight before the session, by his long-time conductor, Jack Fascinato.

Saved By Grace

I Love To Tell The Story

Asleep In Jesus

My Task

Blessed Assurance

Face To Face

Give To The Winds Thy Fears

Farther Along

Fairest Lord Jesus

Others

How Great Thou Art

If I Can Help Somebody

Capitol # 1964// Released Sept. 30, 1963

Note: Ernie's second Christmas album, this classic featured The Roger Wagner Chorale and narratives written especially for the project by renowned author Charles Tazewell ("The Littlest Angel").

Opening Medley: Joy To The World/ O Tannenbaum/ Oh Holy Night/Some Children See Him/ Xhosa Lullaby/ El Rorro / Cherry Flower/ Little Grey Donkey /Medley: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear/ He Is Born~Deck The Halls /God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Adeste Fideles

The Story of the Christmas Tree (Narration) / O Tannenbaum (reprise) /We Three Kings / O Little Town Of Bethlehem / Medley: Gesu Bambino /O Come, All Ye Faithful / Angels We Have Heard / Virgin's Slumber Song / Joy To The World

Capitol # ST-2296 // Released April 1965

Let Me Walk With Thee

Still, Still With Thee

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

I Would Be True

My Father's World

Sun Of My Soul

O God, Our Help In Ages Past

O, For A Thousand Tongues

For The Beauty Of The Earth

Saviour, Again To Thy Dear Name

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Capitol # ST-2557// Released July1966

Crown Him With Many Crowns

Wonderful Peace

Beneath The Cross Of Jesus

Come Thou, Almighty King

I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

The Beautiful Garden Of Prayer

Lead, Kindly Light

Grace, Greater Than Our Sin

The Name Of Jesus

Jesus, Lover Of My Soul

Saviour, Again To Thy Dear Name

Capitol # ST-2845// Released Jan 1968

Nearer, Still Nearer

Come Holy Spirit

Whispering Hope

Lead Me, Saviour

Who At My Door Is Standing

All The Way My Saviour Leads Me

In The Garden

More Love To Thee, O Christ

Softly And Tenderly

Hear Thou My Prayer

Morning Prayer Hymn

Capitol # ST-127// Released Feb 1969

Note: Ernie's concept from start to finish, this LP was exactly what the title said it was: songs Ernie liked to sing. Other than two newer tunes, it's the standards that Ernie delivers here, layered with Jack Fascinato's easy arrangements, that make this one the most overlooked, stand-out efforts of his career.

When It's Sleepy Time Down South

I'll Never Smile Again

By The Time I Get To Phoenix

P.S. I Love You

It's All In The Game

Moonlight In Vermont

Little Green Apples

I Can't Get Started

It Was A Very Good Year

My Funny Valentine

Autumn Leaves

Capitol # STAO-412// Released Feb 1970

Note: This LP was later re-released with a different cover, and marketed as Capitol'sBicentennial Album

Battle Hymn Of The Republic

America

This Land Is Your Land

This Is My Country

The Star-Spangled Banner

America The Beautiful

The Pledge Of Allegiance

America, I Love You

God Bless America

Our Land, O Lord

Capitol # ST-833// Released Oct1971

Note: In a rare departure from his own personal philosophy of introducing his sons into the business, this LP featured Ernie's youngest son, Brion (then 19) accompanying his Dadonone track in this contemporary folk LP; "Cotton Fields"

If I Had A Hammer

Who Will Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot False Hearted Girl

I Gave My Love A Cherry

Nine Pound Hammer

Life's Railway To Heaven

Shenandoah

Cotton Fields

Cotton Dress

Hush, Little Baby

Capitol # ST-11205// Released July 1973

Note: Of the 51 LP's released up to this point in his career, this album yielded more singles than any previously recorded album by Ernie. Of the 10 tracks here, seven became singles, with the track. "PrintersAlley Stars" once again putting Ernie in Billboard's top Twenty

Farther Down The River

Baby

I'd Like To Be

Daddy Usta Say

Thanks For The Memories

Colorado Country Morning

Printers Alley Stars

Sweet Child Of Sunshine

That Good Old Time Religion Thing

You've Still Got Love All Over You

Capitol # ST-11389 // Released May 1975

Note: This album was the concept of producer Steve Stone, who set out to recapture the intimacy, and solid, uncluttered sound that Ernie achieved in 1963 with his Country Hits ~ Feelin' Blue LP. With a group of strong, traditional country standards, and a few from the newer writers on Music Row, Stone's brilliance in conceiving this project wasonly heightened by recruiting Ernie's friend, and one of music's most versatile artists, Glen Campbell, to handle the acoustic guitar work and harmonies alongside Ernie.

Trouble In Mind

A Legend In My Time

There Goes My Everything

She Called Me Baby

Here Comes My Baby

I Gotta Have My Baby Back

Nobody Wins

Loving' Her Was Easier

I Really Don't Want To Know

For The Good Times

Capitol # ST-1604// Released Dec 2, 1961

Note: One of Ernie's favorites, this LP was recorded on location in Bristol, Tennessee,at the Anderson Street Methodist Church, where Ernie sang as a child. The Choir isactually made up of Ernie's kin, recruited just for this project.

Sweet Hour Of Prayer

My Jesus, I Love Thee

Day Is Dying In The West

Break Thou The Bread Of Life

Did You Think To Pray?

Blest Be The Tie That Binds

Amazing Grace

My Faith Looks Up To Thee

Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide

Jesus Paid It All

It Is Well With My Soul

I'm Comin' Home

Capitol # ST-1684// Released April 1962

Waiting For The Robert E. Lee

The Band Played On

Mary's A Grand Old Name

Take Your Girlie To The Movies

A Straw Hat And A Cane

There'll Be No New TunesOn This Old Piano

Paddlin' Madeline Home

The Old Piano Roll Blues

Row, Row, Row

In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree

Soft Shoe Song

Floatin' Down To Cotton Town

Capitol # ST-1875 // Released April1963

Long, Long Ago

Silver Threads Among The Gold

Home, Sweet Home

Juanita

n The Gloaming

The Old Oaken Bucket

When You And I Were Young, Maggie

Flow Gently, Sweet Afton

The Cradle Song

Love's Old Sweet Song

Sweet And Low

Smilin' Through

Capitol # ST-1937// Released July 1963

Note: An astonishing record -and Ernie's concept from start to finish- this wasthe first entire LP by any artist ever recorded on location at the infamousSan Quentin Prison in California.

Lead On, O King Eternal

Are Ye Able, Said The Master

Somebody Did AGolden Deed

Higher Ground

God Of Our Fathers

Whiter Than Snow

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone

Dear LordAnd Father Of Mankind

Come, Thou Font

We Gather Together

O Worship The King

Capitol # ST-2026// Released Feb31964

Note: Ernie's second LP with The Jordanaires; this was 1964's Grammy Winner forBest Inspirational Recording.

Just Over In Gloryland

Hide Me, Rock Of Ages

I'll Have A New Life

He Knows What I Need

A Beautiful Life

Daniel Prayed

I Can Tell You The Time

Just A Little Talk With Jesus

Peace Like A River

We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles

On The Jericho Road

Give The World

Capitol # ST-2394// Released Oct1965

Sing We Now Of Christmas

Oh, Christmas Tree

Little Drummer Boy

Angels We Have Heard On High

Caroling, Caroling

Little Grey Donkey

Good King Wenceslas

Virgin's Slumber Song

The Twelve Days Of Christmas

What Child Is This

Away In A Manger

Capitol # ST-2681 // Released Feb1967

Note: This LP was Ernie's idea, and as a tip-of-the hat to the Aloha State, it was also recorded there.

Sweet Someone

I'll Remember You

Beyond The Reef

Sweet Leilani

Hawaiian Paradise

The Hawaiian Wedding Song

Pearly Shells

Love Song Of Kalua

Lahaina Luna

To You, Sweetheart, Aloha

Aloha Oe

Capitol # ST-2896// Released April 1968

What A Wonderful World

Yesterday

Talk To The Animals

Only You (And You Alone)

Step To The Rear

Make The World Go Away

Detroit City

Old Cape Cod

Cabaret

There Goes My Everything

Capitol # ST-2097// Released June1964

Note: One of Ernie's favorite LP's (and perhaps the best of his career) this entire record of country standards was recorded with back-up provided by just two musicians; guitarist Billy Strange (one of the members of Cliffie Stone's Hometown Jamboree band) and bassist John Mosher. A Classic in every sense of the word.

Take Me Back (And Try Me One More Time)

No Letter Today

Born To Lose

Don't Rob Another Man's Castle

There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight

I Don't Hurt Anymore

Worried Mind

No One Will Ever Know

Funny How Time Slips Away

Sweet Dreams

Tears On My Pillow

May You Never Be Alone

Capitol # ST-2444 // Released March 1966

Hello, Dolly

I Can't Stop Loving You

King Of The Road

Dear Heart

I Left My Heart In San Francisco

My Favorite Things

Red Roses For A Blue Lady

Today

Turn Around

Try A Little Tenderness

Love (L-O-V-E)

Capitol # 2761// Released Aug 1967

Faith Of Our Fathers

Pass Me Not

A Child Of The King

The Solid Rock

One Sweetly, Solemn Thought

Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide

Break Thou The Bread Of Life

Jesus, I Come

He Alone Can Save Me

Almost Persuaded

Home Of The Soul

Capitol # 2968// Released Nov 1968

O Come All Ye Faithful

Little Boy King

Slumber Song Of The Infant Jesus

Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

Good Christian Men Rejoice

As Lately We Watched

The Wassail Song

The Friendly Beasts

He Is Born, The Holy Child

White Christmas

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Capitol # ST-218// Released May 5, 1969

Good Morning Dear

Cab Driver

Wichita Lineman

Little Girl

Mary In The Morning

Words

Honey Eyed Girl

(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay

Green, Green Grass Of Home

1432 Franklin Pike Circle Hero

It's Such A Pretty World Today

Capitol # ST-334// Released Oct 6, 1969

Holy, Holy, Holy

I've Found A Friend

There Is A Fountain

A Charge To Keep I Have

Take Up Thy Cross

Close To Thee

Saviour, More Than Life

Take My Life And Let It Be

Capitol # ST-583// Released Sept 8, 1970

Let The Lovelight In Your Eyes Lead Me On

Everything Is Beautiful

Rainy Night In Georgia

Work Song

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Let It Be

Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show

My Old Kentucky Home

We Need Love

And When I Die

Capitol # ST-730// Released March 1971

Abide With Me

Be Still My Soul

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Spirit Of God Descend Upon My Heart God Will Take Care Of You

No Night There

Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life Prayer Is The Soul's Sincere Desire

Near To The Heart Of God

God Bless Our Native Land

Capitol # ST-11001 // Released Feb1971

Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)

West Texas Highway

Put Your Hand In The Hand

Take Me Home, Country Roads

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Big Mable Murphy

Turn Your Radio On

Mobile

Okie From Muskogee

Mr. Words And Music

Capitol # ST-11092 // Released Sept 1972

The Pea-Pickin' Cook

Sunday's Still A Special Day To Me

In The Eyes Of My People

Granny Dips Snuff

Yours And Mine

I Don't Know

A Poor Man's Gold

It's Good To Be Home Again

Song ( Mama's Song)

Be Gentle With Yourself

Capitol # ST-11232// Released Sept 1973

Take Up Thy Cross

Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross

Asleep In Jesus

My Jesus As Thou Wilt

The Name Of Jesus

Jesus Saviour Pilot Me

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

Jesus Paid It All

Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone?

Almost Persuaded

Capitol # ST-11290 // Released April 1974

I Find No Fault In Him

May I Introduce You To A Friend?

Reach Out To Jesus

He's Listening To You

Come On Down

I Love You

've Got Confidence

It Won't Be Long

I Wish We'd All Been Ready

Alleluia

Capitol # ST-11561// Released Aug1976

Sing His Great Love

Nothing Between

Holy Holy

The Haven Of Rest

Sweet Sweet Spirit

Beulah Land

He Is Here

Peace, Wonderful Peace

Does Jesus Care

My Tribute

Capitol # ST-11561// Released August 9, 1976

Note: The last LP Ernie recorded for Capitol Records.

I Been To Georgia On A Fast Train

Cowboy

Daddy, What's A Tree?

I've Been There Too

Ain't Goin' Down In The Ground Before My Time

Sweet Feelin's

The Dogs And Sheriff John

I've Been Through The Mill

Good Friends And Fireplaces

Everybody Needs A Rainbow