OK - I'm 71 and I used to listen to this on 78 and still sing it.

@NoureddinKhames

Ай бұрын

You are a real Legend 💪🤝

@iowapanner2223

Ай бұрын

This and 'the man with the weird beard'. crank up record player in my great uncle's basement.

@golden_opal6050

Ай бұрын

My grandpa's in his 80's and he knew Tennesie Ernie. I'm a youngun' but I still love this kind of music, it's all I listen too lol. In fact my pastor called me a dinosaur for it XD

@DanCohoon

Ай бұрын

It is the only song my father ever sang.

@ALink777

Ай бұрын

Grace to you and peace from above.

I grew up listening to this man sing this song, born in 1953! My parents liked him and now I am 70 and still love this version!

@jayonnaj18

6 ай бұрын

How fondly I remember Tenn. Ernie's 16 tons as a little girl born in the late 1940s! This song came out in 1955, I think, and was a MEGA HIT! I loved Ernie's singing voice! What wonderful memories!!!

@stijn2472

6 ай бұрын

That's wonderfull! I am listening to this in my early twenties. If I may ask, do you have any advice for us young folk?

@rogerhuggettjr.7675

6 ай бұрын

My wife said her dad had this song played at his funeral to spite the nuns that disciplined him for singing this in school as a kid! Last laugh I guess.

@Patriotic_Hindu

6 ай бұрын

I was born in 2004 and I'm 19 and I still love this song This shows that this is a timeless masterpiece which aged like fine wine

@terryjohnson3479

4 ай бұрын

@@stijn2472 I'm 70 and take notice of the line "ain't no high tone woman make me walk the line".

This is better in 2024 than it was in 1956. If you know, you know.

@monzersaid

2 ай бұрын

Seriously omg , what a damn gem this is , Fargo brought me here idk bout you

@jensjesfjeld6238

2 ай бұрын

I've known this tune all my life@@monzersaid

@jensjesfjeld6238

2 ай бұрын

Oh man fer sure. If you had a hammer would you hammer in the morning? Would you hammer in the evening, all over this land? Some songs will live in our heads, rent free, forever 😜 @@tired5350

@bbroadwell

2 ай бұрын

I know

@olgablockmon7908

Ай бұрын

So agree, this is when music was music ❤

The people who were born prior to 1950 were so blessed to hear these fantastic singers sing songs that will be played for another 100 years.

@Dollette.101

Ай бұрын

Yeah and we’re over here listening to complete shit

@gregoryclemen1870

Ай бұрын

my dad used to sing this tune, and I have the 45 R.P.M. single of this tune( in good shape--- original pressing)

No acoustic enhancements...a man, his voice, and a stage with a microphone before a live audience to display his talent...nothing more needs to be said.

@josephvonbulow1164

Жыл бұрын

🍻🔥🔥🔥🔥😊

@anthonyangeli256

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like percussion, accordion, stand up bass &, I kinda hear a clarinet too. Ernie was great.

@RussellIser108

11 ай бұрын

I hear autotune

@anthonyangeli256

11 ай бұрын

@@RussellIser108 Ernie Ford doesn't jive with. "auto tune" wtf are you talking about?

@anthonyangeli256

11 ай бұрын

Ernie Ford was a real good singer. Listen to that voice in "16 tons". Amazing

This song is worldwide song.. I'm from the middle east and i play it daily

@davidanglin7177

9 күн бұрын

Cool!!

@sir_muath

9 күн бұрын

@@davidanglin7177 you're the cool one dude

@aboodalii

8 күн бұрын

Where are you from, i'm syrian

@hattooomsx5079

8 күн бұрын

سفير الميمز

@sir_muath

5 күн бұрын

@@aboodalii I'm from Saudi Arabia

Love this song. He was the best. 🎶🎵 Here April 19, 2024

I waited 30 days at the hospital for my mom to come and pick me up when I was born

I was 9 years old on Oct. 18, 1956 when he sang this on his show, which my family and I watched EVERY week. I LOVE this song, and loved it then as a child. I always wished that Tennessee Ernie Ford could be my uncle!! I guess I had a bit of a crush on him. RIP Mr. Ford for all that great music and fun we enjoyed watching your TV show.

@chisar2

21 күн бұрын

I was 0.5 years old.

@garybradley1

17 күн бұрын

​@@chisar2Me too, I was born on 18th April 1956. I grew up with my dad snging this.

@chisar2

17 күн бұрын

@@garybradley1 19th May 56.

I'm 70 and I still love this music.

"Miners were paid in script, not real money. Mining companies operated company-owned stores that would sell miners the necessities of life, and since regular stores would not accept their script for payment, workers had to use the company store, purchasing items at often greatly inflated prices." Marvelous Mr. Ford ✨

@WW-ug1jk

8 ай бұрын

there's a place in hell for those exploiters. the bible expressly prohibits this. Business Exploiter "It was just business.". Jesus, "It's just hell you'll be fine."

@sharathkumar8422

8 ай бұрын

Coffee plantations did something similar in India in the 50s

@vaughnogrosky23

8 ай бұрын

Kenmont Mines, Jeff, KY, south of Hazard, used coin script and had a company store and "Big House," similar to the old plantation concept. However, at times the UMW and/or the Southern Labor Union organized the area.

@liljoe31

8 ай бұрын

Our future with cbdc

@helenamcginty4920

8 ай бұрын

The mill owners in Lancashire and Yorkshire in England used to do this in the 19th century. It was outlawed under the Truck Act 1831. Also outlawed was paying the factory workers and miners wages in the local pub, which paid the company to do so as the employees immediately spent their wages.

From Pennsylvania,lost family members in the mines. Had uncle's in the mines. This song makes me think of them.

Ernie will live forever thanks to KZread and the Internet.

This was played at my dad’s funeral today. I love this song but what got me most was everyone including teenagers there said how Catchy it was! ❤

@richardhenrysr5029

Ай бұрын

sorry about your loss. mining is so dangerous. i am 75 and still remember him singing this on his show. things were so much simpler back then...but miners never got the respect and pay for their horrendous & dangerous work...i have enormous respect for those who provided power to america...

Ten weeks #1 country, eight weeks #1 pop. Often covered, but never imitated.

I'm 65 and loved this from age 10. Best of the best.

You could change “company store” to something like Walmart or Amazon and it would absolutely fit today. You’d think we would have learned after 70 years…

We sang that song in my school. It was chosen by 14 year olds over.... maybe a hundred modern songs. I couldn't believe it! they all love it and were astonished that song was over 67 years old! they are all snapping fingers now. This is proof it is an inmortal classic.

@garyssimo

6 ай бұрын

Im about to try out for an old fogey band who wants me to do this on guitar and sing. Not really a singer but this is perfect range for this old codger.

@user-rr4vh6ub3q

5 ай бұрын

Да, лучше Пол Робсона наврятли кто то исполнял

@furiousfuryan

3 ай бұрын

The message is still so relevant

Almost a century later and more relevant than ever...nothing will change if the working class stands still

Ernie had such a beautiful voice.

@danield.torrestapia000

Жыл бұрын

Metrobus251"][,,

@DaBlazesUSay

Жыл бұрын

He was a trained singer, having studied at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

@janicerothe1823

11 ай бұрын

@@danield.torrestapia000 is

this was my dad's "party tune " when i was young and people had house party's where everyone sang a song, I miss my dad so much :(

@bobkelly3162

3 ай бұрын

Lol. Was my dad's party piece too when he got a few jars in him. Back in the sixties. Miss him too.

@carldeanwebb5181

2 ай бұрын

Yes it was Dad played it and many more...I miss those days and the music....

This was still popular when I was young. I feel this way often today.

No auto-tune or pitch correction here. Back when people had to actually be good singers to be famous.

Today is my mother’s birthday. She loved Ernie. She was born 1931 in Appalachia

@constancepeterson6156

3 ай бұрын

Happy Birthday to your mom.

I was 2 years old when this song came out. My parents had the 45. I knew all the words.

My mother went to one of his concerts back in the late 50s . She actually ran up on the stage and kissed him!! She was a total fan girl!!

@fortybelow1973

3 ай бұрын

Not only is he talented, but also handsome. Per me, a 71 yr old grandfather.

@golden_opal6050

Ай бұрын

My grandpa knew him before he got into music too lol

I recently found this song and it stuck in my head cuz I used to have a crappy job and it reminded me of it. I put it on for my father and he instantly recognised it and song with me. Apparently my grand father used to love this song aswel and played it regularly. A true classic. (I’m 22 and love this. I hope this song wil continue its legacy)

@miseryfps6447

6 ай бұрын

Try the Johnny cash version

@golden_opal6050

Ай бұрын

Yeah lol this man might as well be a legend. My grandpa knew Tennesie Ernie, and my dad's ringtone on his phone was Ford's 'Shotgun Boogie' for as long as I can remember. I still listen to his music almost daily lol

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!! THE ORIGINAL!!!!

My dad, a coal miner, loved this song. He told me that it was not only a song but a testimonial.

@donnajeffries7913

6 ай бұрын

Reminds me of my granddaddy what worked in the Tunnelton mines in West Virginia away back in the late 1920"s.

@stevenbass732

6 ай бұрын

@@donnajeffries7913 I believe that those were the mines my dad worked in. He started out at 12 taking care of the mules that pulled the carts around 1921. Before he died, he told me that if I ever went down in one of those holes, the first thing I would see was him. I always pictured it as him standing there rolling up his sleeves saying "boy, I done told you ". Needless to say, I have never been inside a coal miner. Lol.

We playin FO76 with that one

I’m 14 and I love this song Got it from my grandma

I was 8 years old when Tennessee Ernie Ford's version of this came out. It was HUGELY popular and had almost constant play on the radio for a while.

Gen Xer that grew up listening to the 50s and 60s songs.

He had a fantastic voice. Loved watching him on TV all the time when I was young.

@johnbrown-sg5cv

10 ай бұрын

for reference how old are you now and how old were you watching it?

@marcellogenesi6390

10 ай бұрын

I think he sung: River of no return a film with Marilyn Monroe

Maybe, one day I will be, as old as this track. But if i ever think I am as cool as this track, Well I better wake myself up , And jump in the Sea. Because there ain't nothing cooler, than what I hear.

I love the start . He smiles when he hears the opening notes , like it’s bringing back a great memory. It does for me , always liked him !

@thebeast654

2 ай бұрын

The Human Jukebox himself, he dont need an outlet but the band gotta breathe🤣🤣🤣 That's why the wait to play, he gotta make the air they using with them lungs. If he didnt have a deep voice he could just whisper them damn socks off wouldnt even have to blow. The curled back hair, jet black with a shine. When my fingers snap you'll run up your spine. Black and blue is too good for you. Six feet under will be your doom. 6 foot down what have you now? The truth beneathe that cold cold ground. Was it worth it? How can it be true? Come on God and take me too.

@vsevolodburavchenko8400

14 күн бұрын

@@thebeast654 Oh my! Where's this verse from?

@thebeast654

14 күн бұрын

@@vsevolodburavchenko8400 the part where I said you'll run up your spine. Itll take your soul for the next line. In other words you gotta feel it and itll fall into place.

Tennessee Ernie Ford could make any song sound cheerful, yet the meaning is loud and clear...... wow!

12 years before I was borne. I always loved him and that song. It's music about hard work and taking pride in it and earning a living with Muscle. Putting food on the table clothes on you and your family's back and a roof over your head. No matter the trade. Esential workers. I work keeping the local water system going. No work from home for people like us. It's down in the muddy hole when the pipes break . Never forget all that risk life and limb to keep the world going

@Darruus

Жыл бұрын

It is about manual labor, I’ll give you that. But is sounds to me like a song against the rich and the capitalists that keep the working class doing that manual labor poor.

@liljoe31

8 ай бұрын

Yeah capitalists. Sure.

I owe my soul to the company store. Pretty remarkable for its time, that a song so smooth and listenable could at the same time be a radical poke at the miserable plight of thinly veiled indentured labor.

Since Amazon is starting to push for company towns again, this song is unfortunately relevant again.

Classic description of life for many

I love this song since I was a child. My uncle use to sing it to us. The song has great memories. Erin’s voice is amazing.

I was 8 years old when I first heard this mesmerising tune & Mr Ford's wonderful baritone delivery. It still makes me sit up & take note, as it did many others, including Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan etc.

Its a timeless commentary on the working class, as relevant now as it ever was

@bussesandtrains1218

9 ай бұрын

🤓

I was 6 when he sang this. What a great talent. Remember watching him on TV with my parents.

@blackvulcan100

3 ай бұрын

I was 9..

I watch his program when i very little in the 50s love that song still sounds good at 77years old ❤😂

Snapping those fingers 🤌🤌 and a great voice and song... They don't make them like that anymore!

This song was THE CLASSIC SALUTE TO AMERICAN WORKERS!

First time I heard this song was my dad and uncle talking about and singing stuff they grew up with.

Thank you for posting this song. My late father was an exceptional clarinet player. I think fondly of him when I hear this classic. He'd bring out his instrument during the Christmas Holiday Season and play. RIP Dad and Tennessee Ernie Ford.

What a voice! And what stage presence!!!! My dad used to sing this at home!!

My daddy drove me and my sis in his VW when this played and he'd sing along, he was killed of by hosp doctors several months ago, its good to remember happy times. I love this song!

Bro im 18 so im gen z and i love this song, i relate to it so much now that i have a job and i have to pay for gas and stuff. I wish more of my and future gens got interested into this kind of music (i got introduced through fallout 😂)

I was born one mourning when the sun didnt shine, i picked up my shovel and i walked to the mine.

I few up in that era when Tennessee was HUGE. EVERY Star from every group wanted to get on Ernie’s show. Movie stars, singers TV stats . IF they couldn’t get on his show they’d get him on their show to boost the ratings ! It’s hard to believe now as you don’t see any reruns of his shows or hear him on the oldies radio .

Extraordinary voice.We didn't have a tv yet so we went to a cousins home to watch this.

My music taste was always good. Johnny Cash lead me to discover this treasure. Tennesse Ernie Ford was extraordinary. Music would be dead, if not for these talented men and women.

@portyport9018

Жыл бұрын

you make me sick.

I was about 4 years old and my mom and dad played this song alot, I have been in love with this song since

What superb vocal tone! Even at pianissimo it's still the same. Thank you for posting!

@roelrabulan9385

6 ай бұрын

remember

this song is so good and his vocal is amazing. what a voice and what charisma he had. reason why this man was and is so beloved.

Great song, great singer!

Still a very good song. Thank you Ernie.

His performance put a smile on my face.

@charlenek5401

5 ай бұрын

And dance

Brilliant live performance

I will never get bored of this song I love it it's before my time and I love It

@evangorski7992

Жыл бұрын

Although horrifyingly the premise is very much of our time, company towns like the one described here have recently made a legal comeback in some states under the new name “innovation zones” likely to be developed by Amazon/Tesla soon😬

@loginyes3745

10 ай бұрын

⁠@@evangorski7992the people yearn for the mines

Brings back many many fond memories made with my father!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Bless my soul great song well sung .

The man was one of a kind.❤

Great 1950s song! Love those early songs when song lyrics were inherently meaningful and had a message to convey to those faceless workers working at big industrial factories. I remember hearing this song on the 1990 movie "Joe versus the Volcano" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

I was born January 56 and knew this song well in my childhood. Happy days 😀😀😀

I remember my Mom saying that Don McNeill, a Catholic, wouldn't allow Mr. Ford to sing that song on his radio show because of the line "St. Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go, I owe my soul to the company store".

The best part is how he delivers "Can't no high tone woman make me walk the line". He's so into the idea of the song he can't help but chuckle at the idea of being told what to do haha

My little friends and I used to pedal our bikes around the neighbourhood in the 70’s singing this song as well as Sink The Bismarck and The Battle of New Orleans, etc. It was such a different world then for kids.

Such an awesome song a great performance. His voice is amazing.

For such an old song, it slaps as hard as anything new today 😁👍

Brilliant song. When snapping your fingers was considered cool. ❤❤❤

Best listening to, if you're east bound and down.

half the fun of watching him is just his face. i love his expressions.

I remember it from when I was a kid, and it still hits into my being,

It’s a shame some of the great performers from the 50s and 60s don’t get the recognition today that they deserve. Him and Perry Como and Dinah Shore all had good variety shows Ty hat were very popular back then.

I sang this one night at my local bar when they we're having karaoke night. I was probably 21 or 22 at the time (31 currently). I'll never forget how the bartender's jaw dropped. Lol

The song was so true, my grandfather was born in Kentucky in 1895 and started in the mines when he was 12 and retired in 1950. Strawboss loved it because he would take your metal token off the coal car and put his on it to get paid!

I grew up listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford

That mustache is absolutely glorious and they're rocking this tune in heaven now.

I was born exactly one month after this aired. I loved his voice the first time I heard it ten years or so later. ❤❤❤❤

Real artist, great voice

To me, this is the official working persons anthem!

Born in 1948, loved this song when it first came out. ❤ and, have loved Ernie since I can remember 🥰

I absolutely love this man and his songs.

The only song my father ever sang.

Great song ,timeless....

This was a Union song, fighting horrible working conditions.

One of my all time favorite songs. He was perfection when he sang it.

I was a year old when Ernie performed this. I trained my voice to a stack of his old 45rpm records. I still don't read a lick of music, can sing this like Ernie the man who still sings it best!

I’m 21 and I grew up with this. I loved this song as a kid. I swear I was born in the wrong generation

great song, shows the miserable live of workers and nothing changed

I remember my dad used to love this song.

Man, it’s been quite a while since I first heard that in New Zealand, 1956. Brings back memories.

An amazing man.

I do love his version