Tennessee Ernie Ford

While it never affected his professional work, nor was it ever publicized (for fear of how it would impact his career), Ford battled all his life with a drinking problem, something which ultimately undermined his health. In October, 1991, he collapsed after leaving a White House dinner and died at an area hospital a few days later, exactly one year to the day after being elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1990.

Made the first tour of the Soviet Union with a country-western stage show (including Roy Clark) in 1974.

His book "Tennessee Ernie Ford's Book of Favorite Hymns" was a best-seller in its fleid when it was published in 1962, and a companion record album on Capitol Records was released later that same year.

His many albums of hymns and sacred music for Capitol and Ranwood records were among the top-sellers in their field, with "Hymns" (1957) and "Sing a Hymn with Me" (1961) both achieving Gold Record status.

The album "Hymns" (1956) was on the USA Billboard Album charts for 350 consecutive weeks.

He also sang the title song in the movie River of No Return (1954) starring Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe. It was released as a single and did well on the record charts.

His biggest hit "Sixteen Tons" was credited as being the first Rock and Roll big hit and for kicking off the Rock and Roll era of the 1950s.

Tennessee Ernie Fords lifetime: Thursday, February 13th, 1919 to Thursday, October 17th, 1991, was 26,544 days, equaling 3,792 weeks exactly. Composer, singer and author, educated at the Cincinnati Conservatory. He appeared at the London Palladium, and made many records. He also owned a cattle ranch in California.

He was awarded 3 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 1600 Vine Street, for Recording at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard, and for Television at 6311 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.