Stand By Me | Tennessee Ernie Ford | The Ford Show, Feb 23, 1961

Tennessee Ernie Ford performs the gospel hymn Stand By Me on The Ford Show, Feb 23, 1961.

The hymn "Stand by Me," written by Charles Albert Tindley in 1905, is a gospel song offering comfort and support in times of hardship. It pleads for divine guidance through life's storms, trials, and misunderstandings. Though often covered by secular artists, it remains a powerful hymn of faith.

Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" was inspired by the gospel hymn of the same name. King himself has said the title and concept were influenced by the hymn.

The hymn has been covered by many artists including Tennessee Ernie Ford, Mahalia Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin.

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

On Thursday night, October 4th, 1956, NBC premiered The Ford Show Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford.

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. But one simple element separated it from all others...Ernie closed virtually every show with a hymn, a spiritual or a song of faith. For the time, it was a bold and powerful statement for a popular entertainer of Ford's stature to be making on live television, especially in the face of the initial objections from Madison Avenue and the network. But it was a statement that would become the trademark of his career, and in many ways, the mark of his life. It would earn him the distinction of almost single-handedly bringing inspirational music into the mainstream of American entertainment...an enduring legacy of the lasting impact that one man's expression of faith can have on millions of people.

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