Eddy Arnold, My Grandpa and an Old Porch Swing
I wrote this entry in my journal last week: May 8, 2008 - "Eddy Arnold died this morning. I saw it on the breaking news. I immediately thought of my mother. I know how much he reminded her of grandpa."
Though she never met Eddy Arnold or knew him on a personal level, my mom could tell what kind of man he was by watching him on television as a little girl and listening to him on the radio. "He was smooth," she told me, "a real gentleman." It seems she wasn't off the mark. At Arnold's funeral, his pastor described him as "a first-class entertainer and a first-class gentleman." Vince Gill said he was a man who "taught you how to be kind and how to be a gentleman."
These same words also rang true of my grandpa. Not only could grandpa have easily passed for Arnold's older brother, but he too was a fine man. During Arnold's funeral it was said that he "loved to laugh" and talk about the "old times." So did my grandpa. Arnold was also known for wearing "famously inexpensive clothes." I can't count how many times my mom had to beg grandpa to quit wearing his holey and worn-out shoes.
But I suppose it's the journey into their next life that struck me as most similar. As Eddy Arnold's funeral came to an end, his famous song, "Make the World Go Away," piped through the speakers. That was also one of my grandpa's favorite songs. Chills ran down my back. I'll never forget watching grandpa's casket wheeled out of the church to Roy Rogers' "Happy Trails." As I sat there, I imagined these two fine gentlemen meeting up on the other side. I'd like to think they're sitting and sharing stories of the "old times," perhaps in an old porch swing.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Carol Walsh says:
I loved the song The Old Porch Swing,plus all of Eddy’s other songs.I still play my 33 records,I have quite a collection of Eddy.I use to sing all of his song’s with my uncles Band .Maybe some day we’ll meet in Heaven and I’ll be able to sing with you.
sunkie says:
There are writer and then there are writers who touch our hearts and soul. Whitney, you wrote a piece that I know Eddie would have loved along with your grandpa. As I read, I was fascinated by the way you intertwine your life into your blogs of great country legends. I know that when I get to the end of one of your pieces, you have a way of wrapping up the article. In doing so, I know that many times, like today, I find myself misty eyed for you have a way of touching on chords within my heart. Few people can move me the way your writing does and I always look forward to your new blogs. You not only brought justice to Eddie Arnold in your tribute, but to so many of the country music singers that you write about. Thanks for making Eddie’s passing one in which I find comfort.
GEORGE VANCE says:
Some would say about Eddy Arnold “man-what a singer” but I simply say “man-what a human being”. For those of us who loved him we are all a little more kinder and a little more gentle.
Emma says:
I had never heard of Eddy Arnold before today on watching CMT. Though, he seemed like a fine gentleman and singer by the way everyone descibes him, you and CMT. I love the way you intwine your life and singers together to come out with such wonderful blogs. Whitney, I know you will continue to please, you’re doing a amazing job!
Joe says:
Eddy Arnold is the first country music singer that I remember hearing on the radio. I was impressed by his singing just as I am with your blogs, Whitney. I’m sure that ‘grandpa’ is smiling down on you with such pride.
Mike says:
From “Cattle Call”, “Anytime”, “Bouquet Of Roses” and “You Don’t Know Me” (1945-55) to “What’s He Doing In My World”, “Make The World Go Away”, “Turn The World Around”, and “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” (1965-68) to “If Everyone Had Someone Like You” (1978) to “The Porch Swing”, there was only one Eddy Arnold. There’ll never be another. Incomparable talent. Incomparable man. I had never heard/seen this video before. Beautiful! Great how you connected Eddy and your grandfather. God bless. Eddy, we’ll sure miss you.
Kate says:
Whitney, what I love most about your blogs is how I always find some comfort in your words and you always let us readers into your life a little more everytime. Thanks for allowing all of us the opportunity to reflect a little every time we read. I think this is a blog Eddy and your grandpa would be proud of.
Pamela says:
I can remember hearing Eddy Arnold when I was alittle child. I always loved music and I guess it came down from my mother’s generation. She told me when she was little all the neighbors, cousin, aunt & uncles would meet at my grandpa’s house on the weekend and everyone would bring their instruments. It was a time when family really cared for one another. They would play music and my mother being the baby of the family would be right out there. She begin at a young age playing the old pedal organ that they had. My grandma told my grandpa to get the music teacher to come over and give my mother music lessons. He came in his buggy and horse. My grandpa told my mother to play for the gentlemen. My mother got on the organ and begin to play. After she was done the music teacher told my grandpa I wouldn’t touch her with a 10 foot pole because it would mess her up because she had a gift. My mother could play any instruments by ear. You could hum a song to her and she could pick it out. My mother went home to be with the Lord Feb. 14 2001 and I miss her still but she left her family with important things. It wasn’t money because she didn’t have any but what she gave was worth more than silver or gold and that was the love she had for her family and for others. Mr. Arnold I know was the same way about his family. His songs and voice was a gift from God and I’m thankful for the blessing of hearing and watching this Gentleman. We could all learn from his generation that is still here. Thank you for letting me share my story of my mother and watching the video of The Porch Swing. I cryed because it is so beautiful and brought back alot of memories. May God bless you and your family
chris says:
i love this song it remind our old pouch swing
Bill says:
After losing my own Mother a year ago, I now have a greater respect for Eddy and his songs. He was my Mothers favorite singer of all times, and growing up listening to to all of his songs and my Mother singing background with him I can hear her every time one of his songs are playing. Many Thanks to the Arnold Family for sharing him with us. God Bless
doris webb says:
Hi! Whitney! Wow! What a gift! Joe and I were Eddie Arnold fans for years…Make The World Go Away, was our favorite! Can’t tell you how proud I am of you! You make Mattoon, Illinois proud! Keep up the good work! Will be looking in on you from time to time! Love, Your Old Friend from Mattoon!
JOEL says:
THE OLD PORCH SWING WHITE THE COLOR RUSTY FOR THE CHAINS AND NO COLOR FOR THE SQUEAK OF BACK AND FORTH MOTION BUT THE SILENCE OF COLOR WE ALL SAT ON THE SLATTED WOOD AND HAD OUR OWN THOUGHTS OF LIFE JUST LIKE EDDY SANG ABOUT ON THE OLD PORCH SWING.
SLEEP FOREVER MY FRIEND ON THAT SWING.
maggie davis says:
I love this song! I love Eddy’s voice! It has a calming fatherly sound.
Don Mackin says:
He’s still got the charm, the delivery and most of all the voice after all these years. Smooth as silk story telling as only Eddy could. thanks forr a Superb video
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