16 tons of MAGIC! | SIXTEEN TONS | Low Bass Singer Cover | Reaction

[@hwyla4416]

Nice to see a reactor who actually knows the story behind this song! Not just that they couldn't die because they needed to care for their family, but a miner's death might mean his son would then need to hit the mines to pay off what was owed. And it wasn't just food & clothes, but also rent that was paid with the scrip. And they couldn't actually leave town to shop somewhere cheaper because the scrip was only good at THAT particular mine's store. A miner could be paid in cash, but that was a lower rate of pay, so not exactly helpful, nor was it easy to travel to another town to shop there. You were pretty much stuck. Keep an eye out for Geoff's newest that is coming this month sometime. I saw it on Patreon and I think he did a great job on it. Visually, it harkens back to this one a bit.

[@patriciaschuman4205]

Plus the crowning gall of one mining company who announced that they simply had to lower wages. In an age when there were no unions allowed, the miners responded by asking if, since their salary was being cut, their rents owed to the company houses they had to occupy would be lowered as well, the answer was 'Of course not, how dare you ask!'

[@MrsRealistic]

Yup, indebted to that store and all that went along with it. Very sad.

[@MrsRealistic]

It was that or be homeless...while the fat cats who owned the mines lived in luxury. Same old same old huh?

[@ilonadever8249]

About three years ago a friend sent me a link to this cover because she knew I liked the bass voice. I fell in love with Geoff, found Voiceplay, fell in love with them, and have been hooked ever since. Highly recommend that you have closed captions on with Geoff's videos. His descriptions of what you are hearing are great and he throws in the occasional humor. For instance, in this one, when he was about to go into the cellar, the captions say (Super dramatic bend to a low F# 😉) His wife and production manager, Kathy, suffers from profound hearing loss currently helped by hearing aids. We believe that is why is captions are so descriptive!!

[@DennisKovacich]

It’s kind of ironic that Geoff and Kathy met when they were singing together for Disney before she started losing her hearing.

[@MrsRealistic]

I didn't know that! Thank you for the info!

[@zarasha8220]

@@DennisKovacich I believe they met even earlier than that... Kathy's dad was Geoff's (and Layne & Earl) choir teacher in high school. There is a recent video I watched where Geoff, Layne, and Kathy did an interview with the high school's current principal that's a really interesting watch. It's about half an hour long, I can't remember the name of the channel but I think it's the high school's channel

[@hwyla4416]

@@zarasha8220 Yes, Kathy's singing group came to sing for her father's class and so they first met. She's a few years older (2 or 3?) so they weren't connecting at that age. But they did end up performing together at Universal in the Beetleguse show as Frankenstein's Monster and the Bride. Interestingly, Tony Wakim (who was a VoicePlay member once & who is Layne's partner at PattyCake Productions) was also in the same show. He played Dracula.

[@Badger77722]

@@MrsRealistic There's a non-musical video on Geoff's channel where they describe exactly what Kathy has gone through, hoping to bring more awareness to the problem and answering some questions about it. It's really tragic to happen to a singer of her quality. It's not "just" profound hearing loss, there's an additional problem she has that makes it virtually impossible for her to sing anymore. It's about 15 minutes long, but it's well worth the time to watch it, even without reacting.

[@iamsquatty]

Yessss geoffquakes galore in this one 😂💜

[@MrsRealistic]

No kidding LOL!

[@BrianBrewer-bv1fg]

Geoff Castilucci Has an amazing voice that I haven't heard since Tennessee Ernie Ford. ❤😊

[@MrsRealistic]

Ah, yes, the original!

[@zarasha8220]

and Tennessee was one of Geoff's biggest inspirations as a bass singer :)

[@raycardy4843]

@@zarasha8220 Yes, another was/is Thurl Ravenscroft, who voiced a lot of villains for Disney as well as Tony the Tiger in the cereal ads!

[@williamcapp448]

Homer and Jethro did a cover of this song. One of the lines went "St. Peter don't you holler for me today, cause I'm a diggin the other way."

[@MrsRealistic]

I'll have to check that out!

[@The-Angry-Vet]

That’s an awesome well thought out verse I love it!

[@geogodthebat]

my father and uncle grew up as miners in a company town. When they found out I was becoming a geologist, they made me promise I would never go underground. And I didn't. Turned down a lot of 6 figure paychecks.

[@MrsRealistic]

Wow...I'm glad they convinced you. Not only is it dangerous, but life long health issues, that lead to early graves. :(

[@geogodthebat]

@@MrsRealistic Tho my Dad and uncle lived to a ripe old age. the stories are amazing. My Grandfather took on other jobs to make sure his kids would get out of the mines. BTW, grandpapy moonlighted a a revenuer in WV. I still have his guns

[@MrsRealistic]

@@geogodthebat I bet the stories were epic! I'm glad they lived a long and healthy life! I'm sure now the conditions are far improved, being that there are unions and safety protocols that have to be followed legally... but still a dangerous job!

[@Broomrider1492]

Fan of Tennessee Ernie Ford growing up. This song is how I discovered Geoff, who led me to VoicePlay, who then led me to Layne & Tonys PattyCake Productions. Took a whole two seconds for me to become a patron to both Geoff, VoicePlay, and PattyCake. Love all their content.

[@MrsRealistic]

Yup, you can recognize true talent immediately!

[@garyh9931]

Great reaction. Geoff's use of sub harmonics is second to none. His production and arranging skills are brilliant. Definitely take a listen to his cover of the Beatles "Blackbird". It is truly epic!

[@MrsRealistic]

I love that song. I bet he kills it!

[@steby123]

Amazing a drop on a single syllable that is longer that my entire vocal range !!!!

[@MrsRealistic]

Right? It's insane!

[@CarlD70]

Wonderful Mrs. R....Geoff has so many talents it is almost illegal. Love his creativity when her creates these fabulous videos doing all the parts himself...amazing artist!! Cheers, stay well.

[@MrsRealistic]

Thanks! Yes, and I'm glad it's not illegal because we'd miss out on so much! LOL!

[@loveloochay]

🎼🎼 ... 🌫🌫🌫 rumble rumble is right 🌫🌫🌫 ... 🎼🎼 .. I am glad I popped in today. I was hoping you would get to this one by Geoff. My Dad was a Country Music singer when I was little , and he had the album with 16 Tons on it. I listened to it many times. I actually don't know how you wait to listen to the many gems by Geoff , and Voiceplay ... (( and Pentatonix and Home Free for that matter )) I like your reactions a lot , so please keep them coming. I really also like how Geoff used tools as instruments in this video to keep the song moving. TY 🎼⚡️🎼

[@MrsRealistic]

Yes! I forgot to mention that, I love the addition of the tools!

[@AudioVile]

Great reaction!! I had the impression that your "head shake" was partly shaking with the beat, and partly shaking in disbelief. As you go down all the a cappella rabbit holes, there are PLENTY of us who will tag along!! I'm one of 'em! Don't forget to check out Voctave along the way. Another INCREDIBLE a cappella group that will blow your mind!

[@MrsRealistic]

Oh wow! Sounds awesome, thank you! Yes, you're correct on the head shake, by the way 🤣

[@brentkelsay3439]

That amazing voice goes as deep as a coal mine! Glad you gave a little history behind the song, and nice to see Tennessee Ernie Ford mentioned in the comments. 🎶 🙌 Another beautiful, emotional song about coal mining is Patty Loveless' "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive," (Live) on the stormsontheocean ch.

[@petraharwin9670]

Thanks for delving into the history a little. I really appreciated that.

[@MrsRealistic]

No problem! 😉👍

[@bjspeck4337]

My history teacher from 8th grade 60 yrs ago, told us of the plight of the miners and what it entailed. My dad had Tennessee Ernie Ford's album with this on it. It meant so much to have gained the knowledge behind that song.

[@Koma_Texeld]

Hi! Geoff impressed me with VoicePlay, but I didn't know he also makes performances on his own. Thanks for helping me to discover his own versions. 👏🎵👋

[@MrsRealistic]

Having this channel, I've been introduced to so much great music!!

[@InfiniteKhaos]

This is great. Best part for me though in the original is the chuckle when Ernie is told to walk the line. Still very good, and another solid vid Mrs R.

[@MrsRealistic]

Thank you very much!

[@susanhilton3436]

Love this guy

[@randyhawley7202]

Scrip was paid, but the prices for goods (groceries, supplies, clothing, etc.) at the company store were outrageous. So the miners would be in need, and the company store would extend credit at high interest rates. The miners would end up so far in debt that they couldn't earn enough to pay the store for the goods they needed and the interest on their debt.

[@MrsRealistic]

So disgusting... while the store and the mining owners cashed in big time!

[@randyhawley7202]

@@MrsRealistic A infamous part of American history.

[@johnpegues5701]

Thanks!

[@thomasfarr7934]

I can't wait for Take Me Home Country Road!

[@DravenGal]

You know, I love this one SO much, I could watch it on mute and still love it madly...strictly because of Geoff's, ah, umm, oh! His facial expressions! Yeah! Facial expressions! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!😏 💙

[@MrsRealistic]

😄😉👍

[@tomaskennedy]

I never thought about it before, but your explanation of the line "I sold my soul to the company store" is really heartbreaking.

[@MrsRealistic]

It boggles my mind that the mining companies even got away with it.

[@tomaskennedy]

@@MrsRealistic Awful. They had the miners completely over a barrel. With families to feed, it was either those vouchers or nothing.

[@MichaelAndrews-uy1gl]

The original was done by Tennessee Ernie Ford in the mid-1950s. He would be proud of this guy, he really did it justice...great cover!

[@MrsRealistic]

Yes, he certainly would be proud!

[@raycardy4843]

I think this was the first 'Geoff' video I found, after first coming across VP about 4 years ago - they kept me sane during the first 'lockdown' (amongst other things)..! When Halloween comes around, (or not!), to hear his 'Thurl Ravenscroft' voice, you need to check out 'The Headless Horseman', which was another of his early ones! 😊❤

[@MrsRealistic]

That sounds cool! Thank you!

[@Gael4ce]

I actually canceled streaming services during the lockdown so I could keep my VP and Geoff patreon memberships. They give me more entertainment for my money.

[@billparrish4385]

The lyrics, while admittedly depressing in spots, are a great contrast to the upbeat swing nature of the music, and together tell a story of not quitting, not being defeated by an adverse situation. So rather than a mournful, self-pitying dirge, the happy-sounding music is almost a defiance of such hardships. The story of the lyrics is also an interesting one. Singer/songwriter Merle Travis wrote and released Sixteen Tons in 1946, telling the story of coal miner life in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, with actual quotes in it from his brother ("You load sixteen tons and what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt.") and his father ("I can't afford to die. I owe my soul to the general store."). In the song, 'general store' would be changed to 'company store', since Travis knew that's what his dad was referring to, the coal company paying the miners not in cash, but in company-credit tokens called 'scrip' that was only redeemable at the coal-company-owned general store. While the miners couldn't save up cash from wages due to being paid in scrip, buying 'on time', or financing any purchases that exceeded the amount of their wages, was encouraged by easy credit terms. Under this system (called the 'truck' system, or 'debt bondage'), financially inexperienced miners would very quickly get so far in debt, they would literally never get out of it, tying them to the company forever, with their wages only good for servicing their existing mountain of debt. The practice ended when coal miners organized under the United Mine Workers union. Tennessee Ernie Ford covered the song in 1955, earning greater acclaim and recognition for it than even Travis had. The song has been loved by generations of coal miners almost as an anthem for the unsung hardships they endure in their high-risk profession.

[@johncase1353]

This is also how Amazon pays their employees. In company vouchers and not actual paychecks.

[@MrsRealistic]

Seriously?! 🤯

[@Dale-m9t]

This is a great cover of this song! Another great cover of this same song is ZZ Top and Jeff Beck.

[@MrsRealistic]

ZZ Top??!! Well I'll have to check that one out! I love them!

[@Robert.Sheard]

Ah, perfect choice for the Geoff experience. But I'm still waiting for you to watch Way Down. Thanks for the fun experience.

[@MrsRealistic]

Can't wait!

[@rickywinchester3884]

If you havnt yet done a reaction to it then I highly reccomend the oogie boogie song by Voiceplay. Its a great song, lots of fun to watch and it gives you a huge idea of his vocal range! Great job and keep it up. I love to watch your videos

[@MrsRealistic]

Thanks! It's on the list :)

[@irmaoksanen6830]

Holy moly. Does anybody know the lowest note he can hit? Great production.

[@MrsRealistic]

It doesn't seem humanly possible!

[@hwyla4416]

So far he's recorded B0's in songs for VoicePlay, using subharmonics ("Halo" & "Valhalla Calling"). I believe if I recall correctly, this particular song is all in chest voice, so not as low as he can go. I think his lowest in chest is F1 (also for VoicePlay "Whiskey in the Jar"). Although some people have said he hit an A0 on VoicePlay's "Enemy"

[@MikeBass4456]

Lowest note he can hit will be greatly different to lowest note he can make sound good for recording. He has hit B0's in songs with a subharmonic technique and touched upon an A0, but I'm sure he's been able to touch on notes lower when not recording possibly into negative notes. I prefer to think of his lowest notes as add on techniques like if a high tenor uses whistle tone to get higher, and prefer to measure his low notes in chest which he used mostly throughout this song, which he can still go very low for a bass. When this song came out his lowest chest was probably what you heard at the end here and maybe a semitone lower but now he's about a whole note lower with an F1 recorded and potentially touching upon an E1.

[@crystalinahenry4104]

And funnily enough he doesn't think he is a bass. He calls himself a baritone with some bass notes! Lol!

[@MrsRealistic]

What in the world??!!

[@crystalinahenry4104]

@@MrsRealistic right?!! Exactly what I thought! Haha!

[@matthewgoodA1206]

I’m just hearing VoicePlay’s covers for the first time recently. Consequently, I’m also hearing Geoff’s vocal parts and lines. Now with Soundgarden and Metallica covers the group has my interest. And that also extends to his singular solo renditions. I have a very low voice but I must say Geoff’s ultimate depths are a bit intimidating, yet he always knows just where to put his lowest notes of all. And yes, the company store system is a rigged sham.

[@MrsRealistic]

Yes, he doesn't "over do" his bass... he sprinkles in the really body shaking notes for effect. It's pretty cool!

[@marlijn111]

you m8 listen to CREEP from Voiceplay

[@MrsRealistic]

It's on the list :)

[@Challenger0428]

I would love for you to react to Shaboozey “A bar song” (tipsy)

[@MrsRealistic]

Added! 😁👍

[@jesse2535]

Oh cmon, now he's just Showing off... Great song, great singer. Sad story behind the lyrics. Based on real life stories, countless sad life stories..

[@MrsRealistic]

I'm cool with him showing off! LOL! Yes, the stories of the coal miners are pretty harrowing!

[@barbarakennedy2667]

Tell me you wouldn't show off if you had this much talent.

[@jesse2535]

@@barbarakennedy2667 Oh, I most definitely would.

[@MrsRealistic]

@@barbarakennedy2667 I sure would 😆👍

[@Gael4ce]

Wait for the one he’s about to drop. There’s a….bit…of showing off there too. That’s all I’ll say.