Per the title, Tennessee Ernie Ford was an actor and singer who enjoyed success in the country & western, pop and gospel musical genres.
Ernie looks for the bathroom outside of the Ricardo's apartment because he is used to an outhouse in Tennessee. When he comes back, he whispers in Ricky's ear asking where the bathroom is, then Ricky says, "Through the bedroom." Then Ernie replies, "You mean it's in the house?" "Wait till I write mama about this."