Today is the anniversary of "Tennessee" Ernie Ford's passing.
My friend Neil Dickinson and I are part of an online group devoted strictly to writing limericks. Mr. Dickinson wrote a fine limerick in Mr. Ford's honor that's well worth sharing. :asian:
Rest in Peace 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford
There once was a fellow called Ernie
Who sang many songs on his journey
He was troubled, but great
He expired this date
Then they took him away on a gurney
He was born in the Volunteer State
Where they often have grits on their plate
And the Titans play ball
Every winter and fall
And the fatties attempt to lose weight
His parents were Clarence and Maud
Who believed in the power of God
Whose word they obeyed
Gospel music they played
They were happy as peas in a pod
Ernie studied in classical song
And his voice got remarkably strong
Then with other draftees
He was sent overseas
When the Second World War came along
In the war he dropped bombs from a plane
Inflicting much anguish and pain
On his targeted prey
In a land faraway
As great ships fought it out on the main
Then he worked at a radio station
But it wasn't his chosen vocation
So he went on the road
Where much talent he showed
As a baritone singing sensation
When a record executive heard him
Ernie’s vocals and showmanship spurred him
To offer a deal
With a lot of appeal
Of a chance for success he assured him
Nearly 60 LPs he recorded
And with stardom and cash was rewarded
Ernie Ford was revered
On TV he appeared
With respect he was widely accorded
Ernie struggled a lot with the booze
Since the time he was paying his dues
On the road every week
Social comfort he’d seek
So he’d go to the bar for a schmooze
At age 72 Ernie passed
When his liver just ran out of gas
In his time on this Earth
He filled millions with mirth
And with liquor filled many a glass
My friend Neil Dickinson and I are part of an online group devoted strictly to writing limericks. Mr. Dickinson wrote a fine limerick in Mr. Ford's honor that's well worth sharing. :asian:
Rest in Peace 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford
There once was a fellow called Ernie
Who sang many songs on his journey
He was troubled, but great
He expired this date
Then they took him away on a gurney
He was born in the Volunteer State
Where they often have grits on their plate
And the Titans play ball
Every winter and fall
And the fatties attempt to lose weight
His parents were Clarence and Maud
Who believed in the power of God
Whose word they obeyed
Gospel music they played
They were happy as peas in a pod
Ernie studied in classical song
And his voice got remarkably strong
Then with other draftees
He was sent overseas
When the Second World War came along
In the war he dropped bombs from a plane
Inflicting much anguish and pain
On his targeted prey
In a land faraway
As great ships fought it out on the main
Then he worked at a radio station
But it wasn't his chosen vocation
So he went on the road
Where much talent he showed
As a baritone singing sensation
When a record executive heard him
Ernie’s vocals and showmanship spurred him
To offer a deal
With a lot of appeal
Of a chance for success he assured him
Nearly 60 LPs he recorded
And with stardom and cash was rewarded
Ernie Ford was revered
On TV he appeared
With respect he was widely accorded
Ernie struggled a lot with the booze
Since the time he was paying his dues
On the road every week
Social comfort he’d seek
So he’d go to the bar for a schmooze
At age 72 Ernie passed
When his liver just ran out of gas
In his time on this Earth
He filled millions with mirth
And with liquor filled many a glass
