Tennessee Ernie Ford: Amazing Grace

Proving that White Men Can Sing Gospel, the late Tennessee Ernie Ford's mellifluous voice is showcased in this compilation of clips of Ernie singing 22 hymns on The Ford Show, which ran on NBC from 1956-1961. Although the network initially balked, Ford's request to end each show with a hymn was eventually granted, and the segment quickly became the most popular feature of the program. In addition to such spiritual favorites as "Old Rugged Cross," "Rock of Ages," and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," Ford performs, among others, "Children Go Where I Send Thee," "Peace in the Valley," and (the "rollicking spiritual") "Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord," backed by a distinctly white not-quite-rollicking chorus (while the program eventually shifted from black and white to color, the chorus did not--although black gospel singers such as Odetta were guests on the show). Including brief interview clips with Rosemary Clooney, Della Reese, son Brion Ford, and others, Tennessee Ernie Ford: Amazing Grace (which, oddly, doesn't include the title song) will be appreciated by fans of the man who used to say "bless your little pea-pickin' hearts." Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)