Five country-friendly faces who once hosted their own television shows:

Five country-friendly faces who once hosted their own television shows:

vTennessee Ernie Ford (NBC, 1956-61): The mustachioed “16 Tons” singer hosted “The Ford Show,” which was not named for him but rather its car-company sponsor.

vJimmy Dean (ABC, 1963-66): The show also featured “Rowlf,” a Jim Henson-created Muppet hound who often bantered with the sausage-making, “Big Bad John”-singing host.

vJohnny Cash (ABC, 1969-71): The Man in Black’s guests weren’t just country stars but included an eclectic group ranging from Bob Dylan to Louis Armstrong.

vBarbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters (NBC, 1980-82): Siblings Barbara, Louise and Irlene were assisted by a band (Truck Shackley and the Texas Critters) made up of life-size puppets designed by Sid and Marty Kroftt.

vDolly Parton (ABC, 1987-88): ABC thought Parton’s appeal would singlehandedly revive the musical-variety format. ABC was wrong.