Tennessee Ernie Ford's warm, commanding baritone lives on most dramatically in his vivid rendition of the Merle Travis-penned coal miner's song "Sixteen Tons," which topped the national charts in 1955. But by the 1960s, Fo... more »rd, a leading entertainer in his time and host of an NBC-TV variety show that ran from 1956 to 1961, had turned heavily to sacred music. By the time of his death in 1991, he'd recorded no fewer than 81 albums of gospel and spiritual music. Some of Ford's most memorable hymns are collected in this ample set, which includes both the familiar ("How Great Thou Art," "Rock of Ages") and the relatively obscure ("When God Dips His Pen of Love in My Heart," "Blessed Assurance"). Across the years, Ford's voice continues to echo with heartfelt earnestness and warm reassurance that soothes the soul and transcends the test of time as he magnificently makes these gospel masterpieces his own. --Bob Allen« less
Tennessee Ernie Ford's warm, commanding baritone lives on most dramatically in his vivid rendition of the Merle Travis-penned coal miner's song "Sixteen Tons," which topped the national charts in 1955. But by the 1960s, Ford, a leading entertainer in his time and host of an NBC-TV variety show that ran from 1956 to 1961, had turned heavily to sacred music. By the time of his death in 1991, he'd recorded no fewer than 81 albums of gospel and spiritual music. Some of Ford's most memorable hymns are collected in this ample set, which includes both the familiar ("How Great Thou Art," "Rock of Ages") and the relatively obscure ("When God Dips His Pen of Love in My Heart," "Blessed Assurance"). Across the years, Ford's voice continues to echo with heartfelt earnestness and warm reassurance that soothes the soul and transcends the test of time as he magnificently makes these gospel masterpieces his own. --Bob Allen
"I received Mr. Ford's Amazing Grace: 40 Treasured Hymns and have found the cd's to be best that I have ever heard. As a child. I remember listening to Mr. Ford every evening on the radio. I stongly recommend this purchase to anyone who is seeking to remember your childhood and the fantastic love that is presented by this music. One can almost see heaven while listening to music that tells us the pleasures of a dedicated Christian life."
2nd Greatest Religous Compilation.
Timothy A. Womac | Calhoun, TN United States | 06/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hats off to Bill Gaither and Ford Brothers for the beatifully packaged, 2 cd set of Ernie's music. The hymns, spirituals, and gospel song found here represent Ernie at his full capablities. From favorites such as "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Rock of Ages" found on his 1956 smash hit album "Hymns" to contempary Christian forerunners, such as "I Find No Fault in Him" and "Come on Down" from his 1974 album "Make a Joyful Noise", these selections represent the enduring influence that faith had on a man, and the enduring influence of a man's faith had on the world. You won't a better bargain for your buck, or a better collection for your hour of devotion."
A blessing to all who enjoy great southern gospel hymns.
Timothy A. Womac | 01/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tennessee Ernie Ford was given a gift from God to share his faith and the message of God's grace through song. His renditions of "Have a Little Talk with Jesus" and other old southern gospel hymns bring us back to sitting in church with our parents as a child. They bless and refresh this 31 year old Pentecostal girl and bring to rememberence the former days which continue to bless my soul. Thank you for this fine collections of memoriable favorites."
A Match Made in Heaven
KZR | Georgetown, TX | 09/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mr. Ford's voice and the hymns featured on this album are a match made in heaven. 2 of my biggest regrets in life are not having seen Elvis or Tennessee Ernie Ford in concert while they drew breath upon this earth. If I bump into them in heaven the 1st thing I'll do is ask them to sing some hymns for me. These songs continue to inspire me every time I pop the CD in the drive. His compassion and belief radiate from his songs. Great stuff!"
One of the best!
Timothy A. Womac | Calhoun, TN United States | 06/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 2 cd set is beautifully packaged and presented. The linear notes give a brief bio of Ernie with some great pictures. The selections are great. With "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Rock of Ages" from his smash hit 1956 album, "Hymns" to the mordern beat of "I Find No Fault in Him" and "Come on Down" of his 1974 contempary Christian album, "Make A Joyful Noise", this set gives an overview of Ford's career of religous songs for Capital Records. You won't find a better bargain for your buck or a better set for your hour of devotion. For those who are only aquainted with Ernie's "Sixteen Tons" and boogie songs, this album will be a real surprise."