Tennessee Ernie Ford

Tennessee Ernie Ford was a wonderful singer who had success in many different musical genres. His faith in God is evident in that he loved singing hymns, and most of the time he would end his television program with a hymn. He recorded several albums of hymns, one of which is Amazing Grace: 40 Treasured Hymns. As an introduction to the song “Farther Along,” he recites this story:

The story is told of a young man who was preparing for a long trip. He told his friend, “I am just about packed. I only have to put in a guidebook, a mirror, a microscope, a lamp, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a package of old letters, a few biographies, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer, and a set of books I’ve been studying.”

“But you can’t get all that into your bag,” said his friend.

“Oh, yes I can,” he replied. “It doesn’t take much room.” With that, he placed his Bible in a corner of his suitcase and closed the lid.”

I haven’t been able to find out who wrote this. The information with the CD doesn’t list a credit, and the story is not on a separate track. If anyone knows who wrote this, please let me know so that I can properly credit it.

I have been uplifted and encouraged by listening to this CD. His rich baritone voice and style of singing present the message of the hymns clearly and effectively. This and other CDs of Tennessee Ernie Ford are available for purchase from Amazon.