ABSTRACT
As Cliffie Stone and Tennessee Ernie Ford sang the 1920s pop hit “Flamin' Mamie,” stagehands at the El Monte Legion Stadium set off the smoke bombs right on schedule. Searing pain suddenly engulfed Cliffie's legs. One of the smoke bombs contained too much gunpowder and ignited his pants in full view of a packed auditorium and a TV audience of hundreds of thousands. For the next four weeks, Ernie hosted the show until the burns on Cliffie's thighs and calves healed.
