MUSIC “Shenandoah” Tennessee Ernie Ford is one of my favorite TV show host and singers. I watched his TV shows in the 1950s and early 1960s. I remember watching one night when he sang the song, Shenandoah. Ive loved it ever since. I thought I would share some information, as an introduction to this song, and attach the video in which Mr. Ford brilliantly performed this song. I think you will enjoy this song - if interested, read further: The name “Shenandoah” derives from an Indian word meaning, Daughter of the Stars. However, looking further, Shenandoah is a river flowing northeast from north Virginia to the Potomac at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It is also a valley in north Virginia, between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. Shenandoah is the name of a ship, which was built on the Clyde River in Glasgow, Scotland. During the Civil War, the Confederacy purchased this ship. The Confederate warship CSS Shenandoah was a steam cruiser named after the loved rivers and valleys that proved so valuable a food source for the Confederacy during the War Between the States. More precisely, Shenandoah refers to the state of Virginia, where the name possibly began. In Virginia, there is a Shenandoah River, Shenandoah National Park [which includes the Shenandoah Valley], Shenandoah University [at Winchester], town, county, musical group, and many other places and sites of interest of the same name. In 1965, a western drama was made with the title “Shenandoah” and it starred James Stewart, Doug McClure, Patrick Wayne [son of John Wayne], and Rosemary Forsyth. This was a great movie – one of the best westerns I have ever seen. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound. Due in part to her performance in Shenandoah, Rosemary Forsyth was nominated for a Golden Globe for Most Promising Female Newcomer. There is a beautiful folk song titled “Shenandoah,” which dates back to the 19th century; many artists through the years have covered this song. However, it is not clear who wrote this moving song. Nonetheless, it is such a popular song [especially in the state of Virginia] that the state considered it their official state song only a couple of years ago; because the song never mentions Virginia [by name], it wasn’t selected. The song is about a white man who is away at sea and he misses the love of his life that is the daughter of an Indian Chief, named Shenandoah. Hearing the song, one can easily detect the sorrow of lonesomeness and a hurting heart in the lyrics. Here are the original lyrics: Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you. Away, you rolling river! Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you, Away, Im bound away, Cross the wide Missouri. The white man loved an Indian maiden, Away, you rolling river! With notions his canoe was laden, Away, Im bound away, Cross the wide Missouri. Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter, Away, you rolling river! For her Ive crossed the stormy water, Away, Im bound away, Cross the wide Missouri. Farewell, my dear, Im bound to leave you. Away, you rolling river! Oh, Shenadoah, Ill not deceive you, Away, Im bound away! Cross the wide Missouri.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 20:34:35 +0000