With this episode, Tennessee Ernie Ford became the first celebrity guest to appear on the show and use his own name. While he does not portray a famous person in the episode he does go by the name Ernie Ford (from Bentfork, Tennessee).
In the letter from Lucy's mother, she refers to Ricky as Xavier. This is a reference to Xavier Cugat, for whom Desi Arnaz worked for at one time.
Per the title, Tennessee Ernie Ford was an actor and singer who enjoyed success in the country & western, pop and gospel musical genres.
Tennessee Ernie Ford was previously mentioned in Lucy Writes a Play (1952), in which Lucy confused him with the playwright Tennessee Williams.