Bristol Tennessee-Virginia is celebrating their musical heritage at the 10th annual Rhythm and Roots Reunion this weekend in Downtown Bristol. They are using this opportunity to honor Tennessee Ernie Ford, the area's most famous native son.
Something to be proud of
Bristol certainly has reason to be proud of their title as the Birthplace of Country Music, having been the site of the 1927 recording session that launched The Carter Family and Jimmy Rodgers into the first successful commercial endeavor in country music. Tennessee and Virginia state legislatures have bestowed upon Bristol the designation as the Birthplace of Country Music.
Crossing over
Since the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion has gradually incorporated various genres of music into the lineup of the festival, it is only fitting to further honor Ford. He is credited with being the first country music artist to cross the invisible boundary into mainstream musical entertainment. He led the way for those familiar names who followed him: Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, etc...
Open house
Tennessee Ernie's birthplace will be open for tours during the Rhythm and Roots reunion on Sunday afternoon from 2:00p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The home, located at 1223 Anderson Street, has been restored and serves as the office for the Bristol Historical Association. You can read about the home and its restoration here. The accompanying photograph shows this very home where Ford was born. (Photograph taken by Amy Hopper, Bristol Historical Association)
Precious Memories
Anderson Street United Methodist Church, a few blocks from the Ford Home, has a special musical service each year on the Sunday of the Rhythm and Roots Reunion. This church was the home church of Tennessee Ernie and the Ford family, and he made one of his famous religious recordings here, Hymns at Home.
At 10:30 a.m., the church welcomes visitors from near and far to celebrate the life of their former member by singing the well-loved songs he is remembered for singing. There are selections by the choir, soloists, and congregational singing. This friendly church invites everyone to come a little early to visit over coffee and a homemade cinnamon roll.
Come by the show
Tennessee Ernie Ford will be commemorated at the Paramount Theater with a performance by Duty Free from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. You will also enjoy the beautiful interior of this historical Bristol landmark, alive and well when Mr. Ford was a young man about town.
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Resources:
Bristol Historical Association
Celebrate Bristol Va-TN Facebook Page
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