The booming baritone voice of Tennessee Ernie Ford was best known for his 1955 cover of Merle Travis' grim coal-mining song "Sixteen Tons," watered down by the dulcet strains of a Hollywood studio orchestra but retaining its innate seriousness thanks to the sheer power of Ford's singing. But there was more to Tennessee Ernie Ford than that. Over... [+] Read More

The booming baritone voice of Tennessee Ernie Ford was best known for his 1955 cover of Merle Travis' grim coal-mining song "Sixteen Tons," watered down by the dulcet strains of a Hollywood studio orchestra but retaining its innate seriousness thanks to the sheer power of Ford's singing. But there was more to Tennessee Ernie Ford than that. Over his long career, Ford sang everything from proto-rock & roll to gospel, recorded over 100 albums, and earned numerous honors and awards, including the Medal of Freedom. A native of Bristol, TN, he began his career a DJ on local radio station WOAI. He sang in high-school choirs, and in the late '30s he left to study voice at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He held radio jobs in Atlanta and Knoxville between 1939 and 1941 and then joined the U.S. Air Force during World War II. After the war, Ford moved his family to San Bernardino, CA, and took a DJ job on a local radio station. It was there that he first took on the name "Tennessee Ernie."

Ford later moved to Pasadena's KXLA, where Los Angeles producer and media host Cliffie Stone heard his jocular "bless your little pea-pickin' hearts" routine and was impressed by his voice. Stone paved the way increasingly frequent appearances by Ford on Los Angeles radio and television. He was signed to Capitol Records in 1948. Five singles had been released by late 1949, including "Tennessee Border" and "Smokey Mountain Boogie" (both Top Ten) and his first number one single, "Mule Train." On both Western songs and boogie-flavored numbers that in their energy and sexual suggestiveness were really rock & roll in all but name, Ford's recordings featured the fabulous instrumental talents of Travis on guitar and Speedy West on pedal steel. Early in 1951, "Shotgun Boogie" became his second number one, spending 14 weeks at the top of the country charts. By the beginning of 1953, although Ford wasn't having as many hits, he remained popular in America and also in England. He became a television quizmaster in 1954, hosting NBC's Kollege of Musical Knowledge. He also had his own daily show and continued recording.

Ford had two Top Ten country hits in 1955 with "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" and his biggest success, "Sixteen Tons," which spent ten weeks at number one on the country charts and eight weeks at number one on the pop charts. From 1956 to 1965 he was a prime-time network television host, making "Bless your little pea-pickin' hearts" a household catchphrase and providing powerful exposure for Ford's increasingly middle-of-the-road music. His voice was ideally suited to big arrangements of traditional hymns, and his first gospel album, Hymns (1956), became the first religious album to go gold. Ford's second gospel album, Great Gospel Songs, earned him a Grammy. In 1965, he had his last chart entry with the Top Ten single "Hicktown," but he continued to record gospel music; his large catalog of LPs on Capitol remained in print and sold well. Ford joined the ranks of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1990, a year before he died of liver failure. ~ James Manheim, All Music Guide [-] Hide

One of the longer-lived family harmony groups in country music, the Whites started out as a bluegrass group, enjoyed a period as country hitmakers in the '80s, and later concentrated on gospel music. Buck White (vocals, piano, mandolin) and his daughters Sharon (vocals, guitar) and Cheryl (vocals, bass) officially comprised the group, but their... [+] Read More

One of the longer-lived family harmony groups in country music, the Whites started out as a bluegrass group, enjoyed a period as country hitmakers in the '80s, and later concentrated on gospel music. Buck White (vocals, piano, mandolin) and his daughters Sharon (vocals, guitar) and Cheryl (vocals, bass) officially comprised the group, but their roots dated back to Buck's first band in 1947. He went on to play bluegrass, honky tonk, and Western swing with a variety of bands in the '50s, most notably the Blue Sage Boys, and moved his family to Arkansas in 1961. Not long after, he and his wife Pat formed the Down Home Folks with another musical couple, Arnold and Peggy Johnston. Later on, Sharon and Cheryl started performing with the Johnstons' two sons as the Down Home Kids, and when the family moved to Nashville in 1971, they were integrated into the regular Down Home Folks lineup.

The Down Home Folks recorded five bluegrass albums during the '70s, with Pat retiring from the group in 1973. They caught a break when Emmylou Harris featured them on her 1979 album Blue Kentucky Girl and brought them out on tour with her as an opening act. Changing their name to the Whites to emphasize their family ties, Buck, Sharon, and Cheryl turned their attention to the country mainstream and had their first charting single in 1981 with a version of "Send Me the Pillow That You Dream On." They scored a Top Ten country hit in 1982 with "You Put the Blue in Me," the same year Sharon married Ricky Skaggs. The next year, they issued their first album as the Whites, Old Familiar Feeling, on Warner Brothers and welcomed dobro virtuoso Jerry Douglas into their backing band. "Hangin' Around" and "I Wonder Who's Holding My Baby Tonight" both went Top Ten in 1983, as did "Give Me Back That Old Familiar Feeling" and "Pins" the following year. The Whites moved over to MCA and issued three albums from 1984-1987, just missing the Top Ten with the single "If It Ain't Love (Let's Leave It Alone)." In 1988, they made the switch to gospel music with Doing It by the Book, which appeared on the Word label. They spent much of the '90s without a record deal but returned in 1996 with Give a Little Back on the small Step One label. Another Whites album, A Lifetime in the Making, appeared on Skaggs' Ceili imprint in 2000. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide [-] Hide

Husband-and-wife team E.C. and Orna Ball never matched groups like the Carter Family in popularity, but the Balls nonetheless made a significant, though quieter, contribution to the development of old-timey music and gospel. Unlike the Carters, the Balls seldom ventured far from their home on the Virginia-North Carolina boarder (in Rugby, VA)... [+] Read More

Husband-and-wife team E.C. and Orna Ball never matched groups like the Carter Family in popularity, but the Balls nonetheless made a significant, though quieter, contribution to the development of old-timey music and gospel. Unlike the Carters, the Balls seldom ventured far from their home on the Virginia-North Carolina boarder (in Rugby, VA) where they owned a general store and service station. At 12, E.C. Ball (1913-1978) learned to play fingerstyle guitar and joined the Rugby Gully Jumpers. Ball met Alan Lomax at the Galax Fiddler's Convention (which was only 30 miles from Rugby), which led to a recording session in 1941 (though the recordings may have been completed as early as 1938 at the Balls' Rugby home). These recordings would later be released as E.C. Ball by County in 1997 and include songs like "Sweet Bye and Bye" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Lomax recorded both E.C. and Orna Ball (who played accordion) in 1959 and 1960 when he returned from England. In his liner notes to E.C. Ball With Orna Ball, Frank Weston recalled hearing these recordings broadcast on the BBC: "I couldn't understand how a musician of that caliber should have to drive a bus for a living." The Balls recorded again for County in the late '60s, with E.C. Ball With Orna Ball & the Friendly Gospel Singers , and again for Rounder in the early '70s on an album that also included secular material. Many of E.C. Ball's songs would later be recorded by Peter Rowen, Jerry Douglas, Ginny Hawker, and Robin & Linda Williams. E.C. Ball died in 1978. Husband and wife, E.C. and Orna Ball are one of the great singing duos of old-time and traditional music," wrote Steve Gardner in Music Hound Folk. ~ Ronald D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide [-] Hide

The Blackwood Brothers sang gospel for over 60 years, and from the 1950s to the '70s, they were one of the most popular gospel groups in the U.S. One of their biggest fans was a young Elvis Presley, who auditioned -- and was turned down -- for the group in 1953. The quartet was formed in 1934 by brothers Roy (b. December 24, 1900, Fentress, MS;... [+] Read More

The Blackwood Brothers sang gospel for over 60 years, and from the 1950s to the '70s, they were one of the most popular gospel groups in the U.S. One of their biggest fans was a young Elvis Presley, who auditioned -- and was turned down -- for the group in 1953. The quartet was formed in 1934 by brothers Roy (b. December 24, 1900, Fentress, MS; d. March 21, 1971), Doyle (b. August 22, 1911, Ackerman, MS), and James Blackwood (b. August 4, 1919, Ackerman, MS; d. February 3, 2002, Memphis, TN), along with Roy's 13-year-old son R.W. Blackwood (b. October 23, 1921, Ackerman, MS; d. June 30, 1954, Clanton, AL). The Blackwoods sang at churches around their base of Ackerman, MS, during the mid-'30s. By 1937, however, they began working a radio show in Kosciusko, MS. The quartet moved to WJDX in Jackson later that year, singing pop and country in addition to gospel. After two years in Jackson, they were popular enough to move to KWKH in Shreveport, LA, a regional superstation that broadcast over much of the South.

While working in Shreveport, the Blackwood Brothers were signed by V.O. Stamps, the largest Southern gospel publisher of the 1930s. The group worked for Stamps during the late '30s and early '40s, but broke up during World War II. When they re-formed in 1946 -- without the Stamps affiliation -- Doyle Blackwood had been replaced by Don Smith. The Blackwoods began their own record company, and became so popular that Doyle soon returned to start another group, the Blackwood Gospel Quartet.

By 1950, Roy had retired and was replaced by Bill Lyles. The Blackwoods then moved to Memphis and signed a contract with RCA Victor. They began recording in 1952, and the increased exposure led to national recognition and a spot on Arthur Godfrey's TV show in 1954. Less than a month later, however, R.W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles were killed in a plane crash. The Blackwoods immediately disbanded and vowed to never perform again. Fortunately, they returned several years later, gradually adding J.D. Sumner (as a replacement for Lyles) plus Roy's son Cecil Blackwood (b. October 28, 1934, Ackerman, MS; d. November 13, 2000) and James' son Jimmy Blackwood (b. July 31, 1943, San Diego).

The Blackwoods entered the LP era during the mid-'50s and eventually recorded many albums for RCA and Skylite throughout the 1950s and '60s. They won the first of their eight Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Performance in 1966, and James Blackwood won seven Dove Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year during the '70s. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1974 and was known as "Mr. Gospel Singer of America" for years thereafter. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide [-] Hide

Although the Chuck Wagon Gang has been around since 1936 -- undergoing many personnel changes over the years -- its sound and devotion to old-fashioned gospel has remained much the same. Their greatest significance is that the band provides an important link between country music and traditional sacred songs of the South.

The... [+] Read More

Although the Chuck Wagon Gang has been around since 1936 -- undergoing many personnel changes over the years -- its sound and devotion to old-fashioned gospel has remained much the same. Their greatest significance is that the band provides an important link between country music and traditional sacred songs of the South.

The original incarnation of the Chuck Wagon Gang was made up of four members of the Carter family -- no relation to the Carter Family. They were Dad Carter (David Parker Carter), his son Jim (born Ernest), daughter Rose (born Rosa Lola), and his daughter Effie. Dad Carter was born in Kentucky, but was raised in Clay County, Texas. He was enrolled in a singing school there when he met Carrie Brooks, whom he married in 1909. They had eight children, and to support them, Carter worked for the Rock Island Railroad in 1927. At other times, he and the family also picked cotton. The band formed around 1935 after one of the children became deathly ill and the family was left destitute; for additional income, Dad Carter talked the management at station KFYO Lubbock into hiring him as a host for a daily radio program. The original group was called the Carter Quartet, in which Dad sang tenor, Jim sang bass and played guitar, while Rose and Effie sang soprano and alto. They became popular and soon began earning $15 per week. The following year, the Carters moved to WBAP and billed themselves as the Chuck Wagon Gang; they sang a variety of secular and sometimes sacred songs. Their earliest recording session for ARC produced country singles, rather than gospel. As the years passed, they gradually became more gospel-oriented, and by the early '40s had switched over completely. In 1942, they spent a few months at a Tulsa radio station.

The Chucks broke up for the duration of World War II. Afterward, they reunited and returned to WBAP, remaining primarily a radio band. They began recording again in 1948 for Columbia. Two years later, Wally Fowler had them perform at one of his All-Night Singing Conventions in Augusta, Georgia; they then became a full-time touring band.

In 1953, they underwent the first of many subsequent membership changes when Jim left and was replaced by Howard Gordon; he remained with the Chucks until his death in 1967. Another brother, Roy, also joined and sang bass in Jim's stead. Dad Carter retired in 1955 and was at first replaced by Eddie Carter. In the late '50s, non-family members such as Alynn Billodeau, Patrick McKeehan, Ronnie Page, and Ronnie Crittenden spent time with the Chuck Wagon Gang. Through it all, the band kept touring part-time and making records -- 408 masters by 1975. After three years of inactivity, the group began recording for the Copperfield label. The Chuck Wagon Gang continued on in a similar vein until 1987, when they once again became a full-time band with new members joining the last of the Carters, Roy and his sister Ruth Ellen Yates. In 1984, Dad Carter (who had died in 1963) was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

By the late '80s, the Chuck Wagon Gang had been named Gospel Artist or Group of the Year by Music City News five years in a row. In 1990, Bob Terrell published an authorized history of the group, The Chuck Wagon Gang: A Legend Lives On. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Music Guide [-] Hide

Gospel Classic Series is a budget-line series from RCA that was designed to showcase great gospel recordings from individual artists that had yet to appear on compact disc. The Blackwood Brothers were one of the most popular gospel groups of the '50s and '60s, but their recordings were out of print for years. Although it isn't a perfect... [+] Read More

Gospel Classic Series is a budget-line series from RCA that was designed to showcase great gospel recordings from individual artists that had yet to appear on compact disc. The Blackwood Brothers were one of the most popular gospel groups of the '50s and '60s, but their recordings were out of print for years. Although it isn't a perfect collection, this budget-line collection is a good overview of their most popular recordings, featuring such songs as "The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference," "Because He Lives," "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," "How Great Thou Art," "Precious Memories" and "Amazing Grace." It's a nice introduction to the group, even if it is a little brief. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide [-] Hide

What has always set Doyle Lawson's groups apart from other progressive bluegrass outfits is their equal focus on both vocal and instrumental virtuosity. Where colleagues like the Country Gentlemen, the Seldom Scene, and the New Grass Revival tended to emphasize unusual repertoire and instrumental pyrotechnics, Lawson's band, even with its... [+] Read More

What has always set Doyle Lawson's groups apart from other progressive bluegrass outfits is their equal focus on both vocal and instrumental virtuosity. Where colleagues like the Country Gentlemen, the Seldom Scene, and the New Grass Revival tended to emphasize unusual repertoire and instrumental pyrotechnics, Lawson's band, even with its kaleidoscopically shifting membership, has always maintained a consistent dual focus on fiery playing and tight, rich, gospel-flavored harmonies. The Original Band compiles the first two albums (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and Quicksilver Rides Again) that Lawson made with his own group after leaving the Country Gentlemen in 1979, and it will probably stand as the definitive document of his early work as a bandleader. There are blistering versions of Bill Monroe's "On and On" and the traditional "Shady Grove," the forward-looking "A Touch of Pennsylvania," and several absolutely stunning gospel numbers, including the standard "He Put a Rainbow in the Clouds for Me" and "Calm the Storm." If you had to limit your bluegrass collection to only 20 discs, this would have to be one of them. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide [-] Hide

Tender Moments, Vol. 1: Echoes of My Soul is a selection of 18 gospel standards that are among George Beverly Shea's favorites, including "The Wonder of It All," "Steal Away," "O Savior Thou Art Mine," "O Love Let Me Go," "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story," "God Leads His Dear Children Along" and "How Great Thou Art." Although Shea recorded this... [+] Read More

Tender Moments, Vol. 1: Echoes of My Soul is a selection of 18 gospel standards that are among George Beverly Shea's favorites, including "The Wonder of It All," "Steal Away," "O Savior Thou Art Mine," "O Love Let Me Go," "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story," "God Leads His Dear Children Along" and "How Great Thou Art." Although Shea recorded this album many decades into his career, his voice remains rich and inviting, which makes it a warm, comforting album. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide [-] Hide

Ricky Skaggs' Ceili label has quickly gained a reputation for quality recordings, and the Whites' A Lifetime in the Making is no exception. The stars of this disc are vocalist and guitarist Sharon White, vocalist and bass player Cheryl White, and vocalist and mandolinist Buck White. This album offers what listeners have come to expect from the... [+] Read More

Ricky Skaggs' Ceili label has quickly gained a reputation for quality recordings, and the Whites' A Lifetime in the Making is no exception. The stars of this disc are vocalist and guitarist Sharon White, vocalist and bass player Cheryl White, and vocalist and mandolinist Buck White. This album offers what listeners have come to expect from the Whites: beautiful harmony, good song choices, and great acoustic accompaniment. Jerry Douglas has produced this album with a steady hand, and also adds his always tasteful dobro playing. Songs like "Before the Prairie Met the Plow" and "Always Coming Home" will probably be described as bluegrass, but the smooth harmonies and relaxed pace seems to share more with country and folk. This folk connection is strengthened by the inclusion of songs like "Fair and Tender Ladies." This song has a lovely arrangement and includes harmony and lead vocals by Emmylou Harris. While a melancholy air occasionally enters songs like, "I Miss Who I Was (With You)," A Lifetime in the Making, like all of the Whites' music, is filled with joy. "Key to the Kingdom" and "Jesus is the Missing Piece" are cheerful, swinging gospel songs, more likely to inspire hand clapping than religious reflection. It should be noted that while the Whites are often listed as a gospel group, religious songs only represent one aspect of this recording. A Lifetime in the Making is a fine album, sure to please old and new fans alike. ~ Ronnie Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide [-] Hide

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