Take 5: They were more than a little bit country

Dozens of country music's top performers - including Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban - will be appearing on Wednesday's three-hour special "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" (8 p.m. on ABC). Those three are extremely telegenic and personable - and who knows? - perhaps one day they'll host their own TV show, just like these five:

Tennessee 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.

Jimmy 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.

Johnny 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.

Barbara 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.

Dolly Parton (ABC, 1987-88) - ABC thought Parton's appeal would single-handedly revive the musical-variety format. ABC was wrong.