The Real Thing consists of an entire
Tennessee Ernie Ford radio program from the 1950s, and the 31 tracks include the opening and closing theme, comedy sequences,
Speedy West steel guitar instrumentals, and many solo and ensemble vocal tracks featuring
Ford's character-laden baritone. The program bypasses his hits in favor of other popular and traditional songs such as "Pliney Jane," "John Henry," and "When the Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin' Along)." A couple of western songs are included and the novelty "They Were Doin' the Mambo." The sound quality is very good and the selections unfailingly entertaining, which makes The Real Thing! a real find for those who want more
Tennessee Ernie than is offered by the various greatest-hits packages.