Whitey (Duke of Paducah) Ford was born on May 12, 1901. His given name was Benjamin Francis Ford, but acquired the stage name, “Duke of Paducah” in the early thirties working with Gene Autry on the WLS Barn Dance in Chicago.

He was a very intelligent man, posing as a country bumkin throughout his career.  His first big break came when he helped found the Renfro Valley Barn Dance with John Lair and Red Foley.  Right after World War II, he became a regular rube comedian at the Grand Ole Opry until 1959.  He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1986.  He ended every comic performance with, “I’m heading for the house ‘cause these shoes are killin’ me!”

The Duke passed away on June 20, 1986.

Dusty Owens