Tennessee Ernie Ford
Tennessee Ernie Ford-The Complete Capitol Discography
Part Two ::: The Albums ::: 1955 - 1976
The EP's (Extended Play)
Backwoods Boogie & Blues
Released December, 1949.
Shotgun Boogie
Smoky Mountain Boogie
Blackberry Boogie
Anticipation Blues
The EP's
Released over five years, from 1949 - 1956, these five extended play albums featured twenty of Ernie's biggest singles, including Sixteen Tons, River of No Return and more
Kay Starr and Tennessee Ernie Ford
Released August, 1951
I'll Never Be Free
You're My Sugar
Ocean of Tears
Ain't Nobody's Business But My Own
Note: Ernie regarded his duets with Kay Starr as one of the high points of his recording career, which, at the time "I'll Never Be Free" was released, was only two years old. "She was one of pop music's biggest stars", Ernie recalled. "I couldn't believe I was given the opportunity to record with her."
Tennessee Ernie Ford
Released January 1954
His Hands
Somebody Bigger Than You and I
I Am A Pilgrim
There Is Beauty in Everything
16 Tons
Released January, 1956
Sixteen Tons
River Of No Return
You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry
Give Me Your Word
Note: Somebody at Capitol thought it would be cute if they took one of Ernie's stock press shots, re-did it as a pencil sketch, and put him in a miner's hard-hat. Bad idea, bad cover. Bad Capitol
Tales of Davy Crockett
Released March, 1956
The Death Hug
The Ballad Of Davy Crockett
A Sensible Varmint
Crockett's Opinion Of A Thunderstorm
Farewell
Note: This rare EP featured more than just Ernie singing about Davy; three of the five tracks are narratives--adapted directly from a journal kept by Crockett while living in Kentucky--narrated, of course, as only a Tennessean could. This is a rare find for the serious collector of 50's memorabilia.
The LP's (Long Playing)
This Lusty Land
Capitol # T-700 // Released March 5, 1956
John Henry
Trouble In Mind
Dark As A Dungeon
False Hearted Girl
Chicken Road
Who Will Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot?The Rovin' Gambler
In The Pines
I Gave My Love A Cherry
Nine Pound Hammer
Gaily The Troubadour
The Last Letter
Ford Favorites
Capitol # T-841 // Released March, 1957
The Watermelon Song
One Suit
Have You Seen Her
Call Me Darlin, Call Me Sweetheart
That's All
Sixteen Tons
River Of No Return
You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry
First Born
Give Me Your Word
Hymns
Capitol # T-756 // Released October, 1956
Note: This landmark LP remained on the Billboard Pop Charts for an unprecedented 277 consecutive weeks, breaking all records, and firmly establishing Ernie as almost single-handedly bringing gospel and inspirational music into the mainstream of American entertainment. In 1963, 'Hymns' was honored by Capitol as being the most successful LP ever recorded by a Capitol artist.
Who At My Door Is Standing
Rock Of Ages
Softly And Tenderly
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
My Task
Let The Lower Lights Be Burning
The Ninety And Nine
The Old Rugged Cross
When They Ring Those Golden Bells
n The Garden
Ivory Palaces
Others
Ol' Rockin' Ern
Capitol # T-888 // Released Sept 30, 1957
Note: Incredibly, after strong chart hits with nearly all of these great, original Ernie Ford-penned songs, somebody at Capitol decided it would be a good idea to re-record all of them, but with new arrangements. The result? A bad idea...but great vocals from Ernie !
Milk'Em In The Morning Blues
Catfish Boogie
Anticipation Blues
Country Junction
Shotgun Boogie
She's My Baby
Blackberry Boogie
Kiss Me Big
Ain't Nobodys Business But My Own
Smokey Mountain Boogie
I Ain't A-Gonna Let It Happen No More The Lord's Lariat
Spirituals
Capitol # T-818 // Released April 1, 1957
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
I Want To Be Ready
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Stand By Me
When God Dips His Pen Of Love In My Heart
Get On Board Little Children
Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
Were You There
Peace In The Valley
Know The Lord Laid His Hands On Me
Wayfaring Pilgrim
He'll Understand And Say Well Done
The Star Carol
Capitol #T-1071 // Released Oct 20, l958
Note: Ernie's first Christmas LP, this classic was re-released on CD December, 1988
Joy To The World
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The Star Carol
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Some Children See Him
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
O Harken Ye
Adeste Fideles
The First Noel
We Three Kings
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Silent Night
Nearer The Cross
Capitol #T-1005 // Released March, 1959
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Beautiful Isle Of Somewhere
Now The Day Is Over
Nearer My God To Thee
Sweet Peace, The Gift Of God's Love Whispering Hope
Lord, I'm Coming Home
I Need Thee Every Hour
Take Time To Be Holy
God Be With You
Gather 'Round
Capitol #T-1227 // Released July 20,1959
Brown's Ferry Blues
Black Is The Color
Old Blue
Freight Train Blues
The Night Herding Song
Darby's Ram
Pretty Little Pink
Barbara Allen
Look Down
My Grandfather's Clock
Twenty-One Years
I Left My Gal In The Mountains
A Friend We Have
Capitol # T-1272 // Released Nov 16 1959
Note: Ernie's first collaboration with the legendary Jordanaires
No Tears In Heaven
Precious Memories
When I Reach That City
An Empty Mansion
Where Could I Go But To The Lord
O Come Angel Band
Hold To God's Unchanging Hand
Wondrous Love
Life's Railway To Heaven
Goodnight And Good Morning
Drifting Too Far From The Shore
My Jesus As Thou Wilt
Sing A Hymn With Me
Capitol # T-1332 //Released March 1960
Onward Christian Soldiers
Oh How I Love Jesus
The Church In The Wildwood
I Love To Tell The Story
The Home Over There
Count Your Blessings
All Hail The Power
There Is Power In The Blood
When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
Shall We Gather At The River
Bringing In The Sheaves
Brighten The Corner Where You Are Jesus Loves Me
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Sixteen Tons
Capitol # T-1380 //Released May 2, 1960
Note: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the release of the single, Sixteen Tons, this great LP was re-released as a special Commemorative Edition CD by Capitol in November, 1995
Sixteen Tons
Shotgun Boogie
Bright Lights & Blond Haired Women
Cry Of The Wild Goose
Milk'Em In The Morning Blues
Catfish Boogie
Mule Train
Smoky Mountain Boogie
Philadelphia Lawyer
Country Junction
Anticipation Blues
Blackberry Boogie
Sing A Spiritual With Me
Capitol # TAO-1434 / Released July 1960
O Mary, Don't You Weep
I Want To Be Ready
I Know The Lord Laid His Hand On Me
Steal Away
Old Time Religion
Go Down, Moses
Ain't Gonna Study War No More
Joshua Fit The Battle
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Were You There
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
Roll, Jordan, Roll
Hold On, Keep Your Hand On The Plow
Standin' In The Need Of Prayer
Come To The Fair
Capitol # T-1473 // Released Dec 1,1960
Note: Recorded live at the Indiana State Fair, this is the only live LP Ernie ever recorded, and features the only live version of Sixteen Tons ever released by Ernie during his 27 years with Capitol.
Back Home Again In Indiana
Bill Bailey
Medley: Your Cheatin' Heart ~He'll Have To Go ~ You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
Tennessee Waltz
Sixteen Tons
Poem: I Asked God
Take My Hand Precious Lord
If I Can Help Somebody
Ernie Looks At Love
Capitol # ST-1542 // Released May 1,1961
Molly Darling
Cold, Cold Heart
Bouquet Of Roses
I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
I Can't Help It
Don't Rob Another Man's Castle
I Love You So Much It Hurts
Jealous Heart
I Gotta Have My Baby Back
Take Me In Your Arms & Hold Me
I Really Don't Want To Know
Half As Much
Civil War Songs of The North
Capitol # ST-1539 // Released July, 1961
The Army Of The Free
Virginia's Bloody Soil
Marching Song (Of The First Arkansas Negro Regiment)
The Why And Wherefore
The Vacant Chair
The Fall Of Charleston
The New York Volunteer
The Faded Coat Of Blue
Marching Through Georgia
Just Before The Battle, Mother
The Girl I Left Behind Me
Union Dixie
Civil War Songs of The South
Capitol # ST-1540 // Released July, 1961
Stonewall Jackson's Way
Lorena
Riding A Raid
Maryland, My Maryland
Goober Peas
I Can Whip The Scoundrel
The Bonnie Blue Flag
The Valiant Conscript
The Rebel Soldier
The Southern Wagon
Flight Of The Doodles
Dixie
I Love To Tell The Story
Capitol # ST-1751 / Released Aug 1 1962
Note: This was the first LP Ernie recorded following his move from Hollywood in 1961,and features vocal back-up from three of the members of his San Francisco morning show on ABC; Dick Noel, Hank Jones and Dean Kay. In addition, each song is prefaced by a narrative, performed by Ernie, and written the night before the session, by his long-time conductor, Jack Fascinato.
Saved By Grace
I Love To Tell The Story
Asleep In Jesus
My Task
Blessed Assurance
Face To Face
Give To The Winds Thy Fears
Farther Along
Fairest Lord Jesus
Others
How Great Thou Art
If I Can Help Somebody
The Story of Christmas
Capitol # 1964 // Released Sept. 30, 1963
Note: Ernie's second Christmas album, this classic featured The Roger Wagner Chorale and narratives written especially for the project by renowned author Charles Tazewell ("The Littlest Angel").
Opening Medley: Joy To The World/ O Tannenbaum / Oh Holy Night / Some Children See Him / Xhosa Lullaby / El Rorro / Cherry Flower / Little Grey Donkey / Medley: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear / He Is Born~Deck The Halls / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Adeste Fideles
The Story of the Christmas Tree (Narration) / O Tannenbaum (reprise) / We Three Kings / O Little Town Of Bethlehem / Medley: Gesu Bambino / O Come, All Ye Faithful / Angels We Have Heard / Virgin's Slumber Song / Joy To The World
Let Me Walk With Thee
Capitol # ST-2296 // Released April 1965
Let Me Walk With Thee
Still, Still With Thee
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
I Would Be True
My Father's World
Sun Of My Soul
O God, Our Help In Ages Past
O, For A Thousand Tongues
For The Beauty Of The Earth
Saviour, Again To Thy Dear Name
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Wonderful Peace
Capitol # ST-2557 // Released July 1966
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Wonderful Peace
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus
Come Thou, Almighty King
I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
The Beautiful Garden Of Prayer
Lead, Kindly Light
Grace, Greater Than Our Sin
The Name Of Jesus
Jesus, Lover Of My Soul
Saviour, Again To Thy Dear Name
Our Garden of Hymns
With Marilyn Horne
Capitol # ST-2845 // Released Jan 1968
Nearer, Still Nearer
Come Holy Spirit
Whispering Hope
Lead Me, Saviour
Who At My Door Is Standing
All The Way My Saviour Leads Me
In The Garden
More Love To Thee, O Christ
Softly And Tenderly
Hear Thou My Prayer
Morning Prayer Hymn
Songs I Like To Sing
Capitol # ST-127 // Released Feb 1969
Note: Ernie's concept from start to finish, this LP was exactly what the title said it was: songs Ernie liked to sing. Other than two newer tunes, it's the standards that Ernie delivers here, layered with Jack Fascinato's easy arrangements, that make this one the most overlooked, stand-out efforts of his career.
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
I'll Never Smile Again
By The Time I Get To Phoenix
P.S. I Love You
It's All In The Game
Moonlight In Vermont
Little Green Apples
I Can't Get Started
It Was A Very Good Year
My Funny Valentine
Autumn Leaves
America The Beautiful
Capitol # STAO-412 // Released Feb 1970
Note: This LP was later re-released with a different cover, and marketed as Capitol's Bicentennial Album
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
America
This Land Is Your Land
This Is My Country
The Star-Spangled Banner
America The Beautiful
The Pledge Of Allegiance
America, I Love You
God Bless America
Our Land, O Lord
The Folk Album
Capitol # ST-833 // Released Oct 1971
Note: In a rare departure from his own personal philosophy of introducing his sons into the business, this LP featured Ernie's youngest son, Brion (then 19) accompanying his Dad on one track in this contemporary folk LP; "Cotton Fields"
If I Had A Hammer
Who Will Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot False Hearted Girl
I Gave My Love A Cherry
Nine Pound Hammer
Life's Railway To Heaven
Shenandoah
Cotton Fields
Cotton Dress
Hush, Little Baby
Country Morning
Capitol # ST-11205 // Released July 1973
Note: Of the 51 LP's released up to this point in his career, this album yielded more singles than any previously recorded album by Ernie. Of the 10 tracks here, seven became singles, with the track. "Printers Alley Stars" once again putting Ernie in Billboard's top Twenty
Farther Down The River
Baby
I'd Like To Be
Daddy Usta Say
Thanks For The Memories
Colorado Country Morning
Printers Alley Stars
Sweet Child Of Sunshine
That Good Old Time Religion Thing
You've Still Got Love All Over You
Ernie Sings and Glen Picks
Capitol # ST-11389 // Released May 1975
Note: This album was the concept of producer Steve Stone, who set out to recapture the intimacy, and solid, uncluttered sound that Ernie achieved in 1963 with his Country Hits ~ Feelin' Blue LP. With a group of strong, traditional country standards, and a few from the newer writers on Music Row, Stone's brilliance in conceiving this project was only heightened by recruiting Ernie's friend, and one of music's most versatile artists, Glen Campbell, to handle the acoustic guitar work and harmonies alongside Ernie.
Trouble In Mind
A Legend In My Time
There Goes My Everything
She Called Me Baby
Here Comes My Baby
I Gotta Have My Baby Back
Nobody Wins
Loving' Her Was Easier
I Really Don't Want To Know
For The Good Times
Hymns At Home
Capitol # ST-1604 // Released Dec 2, 1961
Note: One of Ernie's favorites, this LP was recorded on location in Bristol, Tennessee, at the Anderson Street Methodist Church, where Ernie sang as a child. The Choir is actually made up of Ernie's kin, recruited just for this project.
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
My Jesus, I Love Thee
Day Is Dying In The West
Break Thou The Bread Of Life
Did You Think To Pray?
Blest Be The Tie That Binds
Amazing Grace
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide
Jesus Paid It All
It Is Well With My Soul
I'm Comin' Home
Here Comes The Mississippi Showboat
Capitol # ST-1684 // Released April 1962
Waiting For The Robert E. Lee
The Band Played On
Mary's A Grand Old Name
Take Your Girlie To The Movies
A Straw Hat And A Cane
There'll Be No New Tunes On This Old Piano
Paddlin' Madeline Home
The Old Piano Roll Blues
Row, Row, Row
In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree
Soft Shoe Song
Floatin' Down To Cotton Town
Long, Long Ago
Capitol # ST-1875 // Released April 1963
Long, Long Ago
Silver Threads Among The Gold
Home, Sweet Home
Juanita
n The Gloaming
The Old Oaken Bucket
When You And I Were Young, Maggie
Flow Gently, Sweet Afton
The Cradle Song
Love's Old Sweet Song
Sweet And Low
Smilin' Through
We Gather Together
Capitol # ST-1937 // Released July 1963
Note: An astonishing record -and Ernie's concept from start to finish- this was the first entire LP by any artist ever recorded on location at the infamous San Quentin Prison in California.
Lead On, O King Eternal
Are Ye Able, Said The Master
Somebody Did A Golden Deed
Higher Ground
God Of Our Fathers
Whiter Than Snow
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone
Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
Come, Thou Font
We Gather Together
O Worship The King
Great Gospel Songs
Capitol # ST-2026 // Released Feb 3 1964
Note: Ernie's second LP with The Jordanaires; this was 1964's Grammy Winner for Best Inspirational Recording.
Just Over In Gloryland
Hide Me, Rock Of Ages
I'll Have A New Life
He Knows What I Need
A Beautiful Life
Daniel Prayed
I Can Tell You The Time
Just A Little Talk With Jesus
Peace Like A River
We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles
On The Jericho Road
Give The World
Sing We Now of Christmas
Capitol # ST-2394 // Released Oct 1965
Sing We Now Of Christmas
Oh, Christmas Tree
Little Drummer Boy
Angels We Have Heard On High
Caroling, Caroling
Little Grey Donkey
Good King Wenceslas
Virgin's Slumber Song
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
What Child Is This
Away In A Manger
Aloha From TEF
Capitol # ST-2681 // Released Feb 1967
Note: This LP was Ernie's idea, and as a tip-of-the hat to the Aloha State, it was also recorded there.
Sweet Someone
I'll Remember You
Beyond The Reef
Sweet Leilani
Hawaiian Paradise
The Hawaiian Wedding Song
Pearly Shells
Love Song Of Kalua
Lahaina Luna
To You, Sweetheart, Aloha
Aloha Oe
World of Pop and Country Hits
Capitol # ST-2896 // Released April 1968
What A Wonderful World
Yesterday
Talk To The Animals
Only You (And You Alone)
Step To The Rear
Make The World Go Away
Detroit City
Old Cape Cod
Cabaret
There Goes My Everything
Country Hits...Feelin' Blue
Capitol # ST-2097 // Released June 1964
Note: One of Ernie's favorite LP's (and perhaps the best of his career) this entire record of country standards was recorded with back-up provided by just two musicians; guitarist Billy Strange (one of the members of Cliffie Stone's Hometown Jamboree band) and bassist John Mosher. A Classic in every sense of the word.
Take Me Back (And Try Me One More Time)
No Letter Today
Born To Lose
Don't Rob Another Man's Castle
There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
I Don't Hurt Anymore
Worried Mind
No One Will Ever Know
Funny How Time Slips Away
Sweet Dreams
Tears On My Pillow
May You Never Be Alone
My Favorite Things
Capitol # ST-2444 // Released March 1966
Hello, Dolly
I Can't Stop Loving You
King Of The Road
Dear Heart
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
My Favorite Things
Red Roses For A Blue Lady
Today
Turn Around
Try A Little Tenderness
Love (L-O-V-E)
Faith of Our Fathers
Capitol # 2761 // Released Aug 1967
Faith Of Our Fathers
Pass Me Not
A Child Of The King
The Solid Rock
One Sweetly, Solemn Thought
Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide
Break Thou The Bread Of Life
Jesus, I Come
He Alone Can Save Me
Almost Persuaded
Home Of The Soul
O Come All Ye Faithful
Capitol # 2968 // Released Nov 1968
O Come All Ye Faithful
Little Boy King
Slumber Song Of The Infant Jesus
Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Good Christian Men Rejoice
As Lately We Watched
The Wassail Song
The Friendly Beasts
He Is Born, The Holy Child
White Christmas
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
The New Wave
Capitol # ST-218 // Released May 5, 1969
Good Morning Dear
Cab Driver
Wichita Lineman
Little Girl
Mary In The Morning
Words
Honey Eyed Girl
(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
Green, Green Grass Of Home
1432 Franklin Pike Circle Hero
It's Such A Pretty World Today
Holy, Holy, Holy
Capitol # ST-334 // Released Oct 6, 1969
Holy, Holy, Holy
I've Found A Friend
There Is A Fountain
A Charge To Keep I Have
Take Up Thy Cross
Close To Thee
Saviour, More Than Life
Take My Life And Let It Be
Everything Is Beautiful
Capitol # ST-583 // Released Sept 8, 1970
Let The Lovelight In Your Eyes Lead Me On
Everything Is Beautiful
Rainy Night In Georgia
Work Song
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Let It Be
Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
My Old Kentucky Home
We Need Love
And When I Die
Abide With Me
Capitol # ST-730 // Released March 1971
Abide With Me
Be Still My Soul
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Spirit Of God Descend Upon My Heart God Will Take Care Of You
No Night There
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life Prayer Is The Soul's Sincere Desire
Near To The Heart Of God
God Bless Our Native Land
Mr. Words and Music
Capitol # ST-11001 // Released Feb 1971
Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)
West Texas Highway
Put Your Hand In The Hand
Take Me Home, Country Roads
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Big Mable Murphy
Turn Your Radio On
Mobile
Okie From Muskogee
Mr. Words And Music
It's Tennessee Ernie Ford
Capitol # ST-11092 // Released Sept 1972
The Pea-Pickin' Cook
Sunday's Still A Special Day To Me
In The Eyes Of My People
Granny Dips Snuff
Yours And Mine
I Don't Know
A Poor Man's Gold
It's Good To Be Home Again
Song ( Mama's Song)
Be Gentle With Yourself
Ernie Ford Sings About Jesus
Capitol # ST-11232 // Released Sept 1973
Take Up Thy Cross
Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross
Asleep In Jesus
My Jesus As Thou Wilt
The Name Of Jesus
Jesus Saviour Pilot Me
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Jesus Paid It All
Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone?
Almost Persuaded
Make A Joyful Nois
Capitol # ST-11290 // Released April 1974
I Find No Fault In Him
May I Introduce You To A Friend?
Reach Out To Jesus
He's Listening To You
Come On Down
I Love You
've Got Confidence
It Won't Be Long
I Wish We'd All Been Ready
Alleluia
Sing His Great Love
Capitol # ST-11561 // Released Aug 1976
Sing His Great Love
Nothing Between
Holy Holy
The Haven Of Rest
Sweet Sweet Spirit
Beulah Land
He Is Here
Peace, Wonderful Peace
Does Jesus Care
My Tribute
For The 83rd Time
Capitol # ST-11561 // Released August 9, 1976
Note: The last LP Ernie recorded for Capitol Records.
I Been To Georgia On A Fast Train
Cowboy
Daddy, What's A Tree?
I've Been There Too
Ain't Goin' Down In The Ground Before My Time
Sweet Feelin's
The Dogs And Sheriff John
I've Been Through The Mill
Good Friends And Fireplaces
Everybody Needs A Rainbow