FIRST TIME HEARING Tennessee Ernie Ford - Sixteen Tons REACTION

Twinsthenewtrend Tennessee ernie Ford - Sixteen Tons reaction
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[@richardbenfer2879]

He is singing about working for the owner of the mine, who also owns the company store, his house and everything else. He can never get ahead.

[@ellenfields-sischka7441]

Also the store prices were higher than other stores. But they weren't allowed to live or buy elsewhere and keep there jobs. Even though they made a good wage they owed the company too much money to leave. Like prostitution of a sorts. My parents bought thier way out due to the kindness of a friend. Dad was a new graduate with an engineering degree, and they trapped him, my mom and oldest brother. Mom was pregnant with thier 2nd kid and she couldn't get medical help from any other Dr than the company Dr. A lot of company towns were set up after WWII. Shame on them for treating a man who served his country and wanted a better life for his young family.

[@sharlagardner]

Credit card debt today is the same thing. Back then interest over 5% was illegal and considered usary.

[@DarlaVaughan]

Was about to say the same. My grandaddy was a coalminer. Poor Appalachia mayne!

[@musicairplanes4884]

@@DarlaVaughan They paid their workers with money the company actually made and only had value at the company store.

[@DarlaVaughan]

@@musicairplanes4884 I know. My grandaddy was a coalminer. Died of black lung. I'm aware. Thank you.

[@theresamccune1881]

This is actually a political song. Back in the day, coal miners were not unionized and had no rights. They had a quota of 16 tons, and there was hell to pay if they didn't meet it. Also, the entire town was owned by the mining company, so the town store was owned by the mining company, along with all the apartments/housing. So you got paid in credit by the employer, then charged by the employer for rent, groceries, electric, if they had it(most likely not), and pretty much everything for your life. You worked, lived and died for the company. People had no autonomy from their employer. That's what the song is about. It's good, that isn't what we have today.

[@kimwiliams5434]

It was like that at the mills in South Carolina, too. Slavery has many faces.

[@michelewalker3862]

You didn't get paid in credit, you got actual money. But it was never enough. And the company store would allow you to charge your groceries. Hence the owing of the soul to the company store.

[@mistylee717]

Throughout history the upper crust have made themselves rich on the backs of hard working men and women. It’s happening now in America with the immigrants working on farms and meat processing plants. Because they aren’t citizens they won’t demand their rights.

[@maosama3695]

Amazon workers: .... Yeah.

[@realtraveller6847]

@@michelewalker3862 actually u got paid in the company's currency coins that had the company logo on them

[@annatapl]

Hi, guys-nice to see that ol’ Tennessee Ernie Ford speaks to your generation, too. I guess quality music doesn’t grow old!

[@Krabadaque]

And in reality it's Merle Travis who speaks through Tennessee Ford, cos it's Merle Travis who WROTE the song!

[@bigmac7077]

That song goes crazy

[@MrFadelicious]

@@Krabadaque he sings it well

[@EconAdviser]

@@Krabadaque But he'd written it almost a decade before; Ernie Ford was just looking for a song for the throwaway B-side of a 45-single, had zero expectations, and it outsold everything of its time (21 million records, back when 1 million was exceptional)!

[@TheCat72850]

Tennessee Ernie Ford had that magnificent deep voice. He did a lot of gospel recordings too.

[@robinallgold360]

Yes, so true, love his voice. He is definitely one of my all time favorite singers. I have all his gospel recordings.

[@TheChefLady4JC]

Howard Keel of the movie musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is another one who had such a great deep voice from that era!

[@shannonvanderhoof4810]

Exactly... Resonance such as this Clearly comes From deep within His SOUL. HEART & SOUL ❤🎼🌋

[@lindaedellhoward4871]

Just sent this to Ernie’s son Buck Ford.

[@ImmortalBroken]

So cool! I met Tennessee Ernie Ford in Nashville in 1986 when I was just a kid and one of his sons was with him, but I don't know if it was Buck or Brion (RIP).

[@marycoder6336]

That's awesome!! Bet he loved it!🙂

[@marycoder6336]

Idk if you guys got to see him but Tennessee Ernie was a bad ass lookin dude too! And thats also his speaking voice!

[@ronwilcox7716]

Thanks for this and keep surprising us! You are on the path to becoming legends!

[@oahuviewlot2929]

that's amazing.

[@TwistedSither]

I'm almost 52, and this song is even older than me. My dad was a coal miner, and the company store was about a mile from our house. The coal company owned the store, and even built the houses that their workers lived in. Coal companies used to pay their workers with scrip, rather than actual money. The scrip had the company's logo printed on it, and could only be spent at the company store. Of course, in those days, you could buy everything, from groceries, to televisions, and even washing machines at the company store. Basically, it was their way of keeping their workers indebted to the company.

[@joankisloski6972]

You're just a youngster.... I listened to this with my dad RIP. I'm 71

[@mariap.thisislife8735]

Forever..😥

[@my4hvids]

Thanks for sharing your family's story. A lot of people don't know anything about this system of worker suppression

[@celestinecloyd788]

Ronald Elkins my daddy came from a family of coal miners. His 5 brothers and their dad.

[@MW713]

Stop calling me old dude. Lol I'm 54. Hahaha!

[@mslinstrot4643]

This is actually a protest song about how miners were treated as less than human.

[@shawnj1966]

This song is about coal mining. Something my kin in the Appalachians have been doing for generations. It is hard work done by hard men. Tough men. Thank you for the reaction.

[@jamesbaggett7223]

My Pop is from southeastern Kentucky. Worked in a mine for all of a week. Said that there was a partial tunnel collapse 3 days after he started working. He said "Fuck this" and ended up going to university

[@shawnj1966]

@@jamesbaggett7223 , my grandfather was a miner for about a day I think. His father was a miner but he wasn't about that manual labor. He made his money playing poker and hustling pool after his military service in WW2 and had his own taxi company before moving to Florida, buying and clearing land and having houses built that he rented out. He was tight with his money and when he died he had a half a million dollars in the bank. Not bad for a guy with a sixth grade education LOL

[@sirrivet9557]

I’m pretty sure the song is negative about coal mining though...

[@shawnj1966]

@@sirrivet9557 , not so much about mining itself but maybe about the companies they worked for doing it.

[@kurtjk01]

@@shawnj1966 It was a song which presented the best possible argument for coal miners unions.

[@beverlysmith8025]

Load 16 tons...coal miner...my grandfather was a coal miner who died of black lung disease at age 57...so my father joined the Army at 17 to avoid the same fate. Many mines did not pay their workers in cash but in credit at the company store where they thought everything. If the miner was killed or injured and could no longer work in the mines, the family had to move out of their house which was owned by the mine. Hard life for sure

[@nckoes]

They usually paid inflated prices at the company store. You could never be out of debt. Brutal system.

[@beverlysmith8025]

So true...there was no competition at all.

[@blackcountryme]

I remember being about 7 and my grandad saying to me "Promise me you'll never go down a mine" I had to promise as my dad did too... The mines are all gone in this area and I think all of the UK now...

[@nubianncahill3570]

More than a hard life...criminal and immoral by the owners

[@georgelhernandez6219]

Didn't quite understand the song. Thanks for connecting the dots.

[@luanstatham4652]

I love that you guys will listen to ANY music. People who don't are really missing out! Love you guys! Keep up the good work!

[@kristerforsman2448]

Agree, from an old miner. But not so mean as...

[@schmedrakevonschmedrake7195]

Agree and will add that I love their love for music and lyrics, too. It's infectious.

[@KathryineReed]

I'd love to see them react to Red Sovines Teddybear

[@luanstatham4652]

@@KathryineReed yes! I love that song!

[@maryholt9805]

You guys are awesome

[@stephanieolsen8148]

It's a song about slavery to the mines and the mining company.

[@RhodaLevy]

Not slavery, men had a choice...but it was indentured servitude.

[@paulatrahon3360]

no. it's about exploitation of miners who were promised housing (shacks} then forced to shop at the only store within miles, owned by their employers, for jacked prices. Like sharecropping. They ended up owing bosses/company after 95 hrs a week of grueling labor.

[@Revamckillop]

not just that. the work camps. check it out. not cool man.

[@maosama3695]

@@RhodaLevy it's basically slavery. Irish, blacks and Chinese people were treated unjustly most of them died in the mines , plantations and railroads. At least the plantation treated their slaves as currency , mining companies treated their employees less than dirt. Mining companies back then were notorious for being a death trap for their employees. 16 hour work , you won't get paid til you get your quota hence the song 16 tons. No safety equipment , no doctors , if you get sick it's a death sentence. A lot of them died due to oxygen deprivation , or they inhaled toxic substances inside the mine a lot times miners won't notice toxic fumes filling the mines most of natural gasses underground have no scent , and lastly if you did survive long enough your bones will grow weak due to the lack of vitamin D due to being underground for most of the day some even have shrunken limbs and concaved breasts.

[@gunkulator1]

@@maosama3695 There was also little in the way of choice. Nobody had a car or even a horse. The company owned everything for miles around. If you weren't in the town you were technically trespassing. Between that and the perpetual debt, the law was squarely on the side on the mine owners. They could have you thrown you in jail and beaten if you tried to skip out on your debt. Any children you had were stuck in this same hopeless situation. It was slavery in all but name.

[@EagleTrekLOW]

“Your a Mean One”-The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is Tennessee Ernest Ford. ❤️❤️❤️

[@thesisypheanjournal1271]

Actually no -- it's Thurs Ravenscroft, AKA Tony the Tiger

[@juliemonarch7364]

@@thesisypheanjournal1271 thank you for correcting the record!

[@jenniferwilliams6351]

Thurl Ravenscroft was who sang “Your a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”

[@donnamilliano1103]

@@jenniferwilliams6351 who knew - I thought it was Boris Karloff🤔.

[@gregorywilson1960]

@@donnamilliano1103 Boris was the speaking voice of the Grinch and the Narrator.

[@kerryvonholtum7459]

Since you two really like story telling lyrics I would like to suggest “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot.

[@fortun8son]

Yes I think they would like this one! One of my earliest memories of a haunting ballad.

[@ellengrace4609]

“And all that remains is the faces and the names Of the wives and the sons and the daughters” Haunting is the right word!

[@907kat]

Ooo that’s a good one

[@lisablodgett5759]

Strangely one of the longest hit singles of all time, and yet I feel it lasts only a moment. it's so beautiful. And the Great Lakes aren't too far from you.two Twins, so it could have.special meaning.to you that we would love to see

[@JoeSevy]

Absolutely.

[@sherryheim5504]

This is so old that I was singing it when I was just a baby girl and I am 70.

[@waltp3373]

I heard that on the radio in 1955. I'm 72. I didn't fully understand it but I liked it back then. It's a catchy song.

[@sharonwatkins9748]

I'm 70 also and remember singing it all of the time thinking he said "I owe my soul to the company next door".

[@christelheadington1136]

74 and watched Tennessee William's TV show as a kid.

[@daveberntson4081]

Same as you Sherry, except I was a little boy and I am 76.

[@catherinespencer-mills1928]

I'm 69 and I remember singing it for my grandma and her sisters. Couldn't fake the bass, however.

[@Mamatiger85]

OMG I've never seen anyone react to this song! I used to sing my kids to sleep with it. I got his autograph backstage at the Ohio State Fair when I was about 12.

[@wonkothesane8691]

Tennessee Ernie Ford was well known for his gospel singing, I highly recommend you check some of his songs out.

[@Krabadaque]

Maybe that's why the song became a hit when he sung it, but it was Merle Travis (the son of a miner) who wrote it.

[@debbeborders5762]

Love that you young guys are listening to all these older songs and paying respect to the artists from the past. 👍

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaSulqKuodCEf7M

[@merlemartin7631]

I agree ,respect is important and these guys definitely make me proud 💚

[@Krabadaque]

Not only the artists, but those who dug the coal.

[@connielewis9842]

This almost 70-year-old white woman loves you guys. The greatest song in the history of songs is Rock Steady by The Whispers. Please have a look.

[@jerrymoadj.r.1911]

Awesome song I was 6 when that came out

[@shannonc7896]

I saw the Whispers live... OMG... And The Beat Goes On and Lady....the bomb!!

[@fourthgirl]

I thought I was their only fan in the grey! Boomer Power!

[@MuddaFuffa]

From a 53 yr. old white chick, lol, at first, I didn't know what song that was, but, looked it up & listened...I totally remember that song! Love it!

[@mailgirl1950]

Same here…same age as you…just discovered these 2 amazing guys about a week ago…I love them! They’re so open to listening to any music and really liking a lot of the “Oldies” music that I love having been a teenager in the 60’s when those songs came out! Love seeing their reactions! First video I saw was “In The Air Tonight”…I love that song and loved seeing them getting so excited listening to it! 🎶 🎶

[@moorevoices9983]

I discovered you guys because of the Phil Collins reaction. I just want to thank you both for what you do. I have an autoimmune condition and have been isolation since February. It's been very hard - but since I found your channel, you have given me hours of joy. So, thanks. Watching you guys react to all those different kinds of music makes me joyful in a dark time.

[@user-ry1vi1jc7o]

@Moore Voices Agreed. I love their reactions. The fact that they noticed that he was telling a story makes me remember the storytelling songs of the 70s. Seems like the storytelling in music stopped by the late 70s. Too bad.

[@BioshockDrill]

How you doing 3 years later? Hope your disorder has gotten better

[@IrishAnnie]

I used to have a record of this song and “John Henry”. I played them so much, my Aunt Betty hid them!

[@rainydaylady6596]

John Henry is another song they might like.

[@vickidills6522]

I love how no genres or time periods are off limits to you. You should major in music history!

[@dxwallace55]

The twins are great, but shout out to all you commenters. You all are making great comments, fun to read, and you all are mentioning some great music worth exploring. You all have got me doing what the twins are doing, checking out new music and reminiscing on my own fav's, though I don't get the fun of acting a fool on camera :( But most importantly, nobody is fighting, no hostility, nothing but good vibrations. I'm proud of the twins, but I'm proud of us all!!!! This page is such a great detox from the craziness of 2020. If the USA survives this year, let it be know that this was the place where Peace broke out!!!! Beautiful Thang!!! Beautiful Thang!!!! .(P.S. Hey twins, check out "Against the Wind" by Bob Seger, that song has always touched my soul)

[@joannasherman3651]

Doug Wallace ✌🏼💛

[@patriciajackson5870]

Amen! Peace☮☮

[@dxwallace55]

@@patriciajackson5870 same to you, peace and love and good music.......

[@imnotquitedead]

Yes Against the Wind! Great song!!

[@dxwallace55]

@Kanikapila Ho'ohanai You pretty deep kuaʻana. My seeds for my Romaine lettuce, Swiss Chard, Goji Berry, and Baby Spinach seeds just came in the mail today for my fall garden. I agree, grow your own food. Growing your own food is like printing your own money!!! I've been planning what I call "The Great Escape" , from the US mainland, but I'm more of a Caribbean man. But the Caribbean will be in the path of some hellish hurricanes over the next few decades, I was considering shifting The Great Escape to Hawaii. I kinda like that Kauai groove, I could get a serious self sustained garden going on there. But getting back to music, if you play the hottest song on the internet "WAP", by Cardi B. and Megan the Stallion, it's like the most vulgar, obnoxious song I ever herd (and I'm not one to judge music, I listen and let listen). But pull that song up on KZbin. Thank god there still real music and real appreciation for real music

[@tessaeldridge3835]

I'd like them to hear Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John". Another great story song.

[@tinabuck7638]

Most definitely !

[@usgator]

OMG! Great one!

[@dominicciusa5025]

Absolutely

[@sueoorbeck4887]

They'd love it!

[@marshatice4412]

I grew up listening to all kinds of music. My dad loved Tennessee Ernie Ford. Great voice.

[@francine8806]

If you like story telling, check out Bobbie Gentry singing "Ode to Billy Joe."

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Absolutely!

[@ellengrace4609]

ES Bruce Such a sad story.

[@ellengrace4609]

ES Bruce Me too!!! Ode to Billy Joe, One on One, and Ice Castles. Just looked him up it looks like he’s done quite a bit more, but those are the only three I remember.

[@mikew9999]

Yes, or Vicki Lawrence, The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia

[@joeday4293]

Everybody's been so nuts trying to figure out the meaning of the lyrics for fifty years, they gloss over that beautifully funky guitar groove Bobbie Gentry played on the record.

[@kerspencer]

My grandfather was a shale miner in Scotland. He taught me this song. Haven’t heard it or thought about in years. Thanks for the memory. Great storyteller songs: “Goodnight Saigon” and “Downeaster Alexa” - Billy Joel “Broken Wing” - Martina McBride

[@ellenschatz8619]

You guys seem to like songs that tell a story: Suggestion-Harry Chapin Great singer/storyteller! Taxi and Cats in the Cradle!

[@lm3563]

Don't forget "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald".

[@genemartin6962]

Real Musical Talent. Glad these young guys can appreciate it. No computers, No electronics. Just a man, A microphone , A few instruments and a SONG.

[@luraedythe]

One of the very first songs I learned as a toddler, sang it with my daddy. So glad y'all liked it!!!

[@Msgtdaveg]

“If the right one don’t getcha then the left one will” is pretty strong smack talk for back then.....AFTER the warning that he’s beaten dudes to death already, just for not stepping aside!!! A lot of dudes!!!

[@sabinagallinari9632]

This song-like most music-is a doorway to a history rabbit hole.

[@kimjones9468]

Mr Ford was a “ genuine “ singer. No electric help , no computer generated sounds. Just pure talent at its finest.

[@mb-ti3wn]

@@kimjones9468 yup, he was.

[@cheryl9032]

Kim Jones So true! One of my favorite Christmas albums is The Star Carol. It’s probably the first Christmas record that I heard as a very young child, (now60). It’s usually the first one that I play every year. Such a pure voice!

[@TinkerbellG65]

Sure is!

[@michelewalker3862]

@sabina gallinari How right you are! Unfortunately, modern music has really lost the ability to actually tell a story.

[@jeanamessner4785]

I grew up with my gram listening to this! She called him her boyfriend! Lol! My gram turned 95 this year! She has been one of my best friends my whole life. Thanks for playing this one. I love you boys! (Men). 😉

[@kristibarker1527]

You like story telling songs, check out Charlie Daniels “Devil Went Down to Georgia”

[@psb12121]

👆

[@bonnieb2630]

My favorite storytelling song.

[@norlos2277]

John Henry's hammer by Johnny Cash, cowboy in a continental suit, convoy,

[@fierce3006]

Big John

[@davidmckown3590]

They’re called ballads and Country music style is descended from Scottish ballads.

[@Plumeria6460]

My dad is 92, and Tennessee Ernie Ford is his favorite singer. I grew up listening to his Christmas album for many years!

[@mariap.thisislife8735]

👍🎶🎵

[@rutharmstrong1081]

My fathers favorite song also. To see these 2 young men enjoy it made my day

[@SanfordFuller]

I LOVE Fords holiday albums

[@SueSandersGloryRock]

This is an early Boomer generation woman and you guys are fab! I listened to "Sixteen Tons" when I was in 2nd grade, living in Visalia CA and watching a flood work its way down our street. Other popular songs, too, but I loved Ernie, so earthy. So here come you guys, probably almost young enough to be a great-grandson. I'd never in a million years have guessed you'd be listening to and reacting to what entertained a little girl in her home without a TV watching a city catastrophe edge her direction. Thank you so, so much for being there. You are appreciated.

[@i.m.7710]

I was totally mesmerized by this song when I was 5 or younger. You had to wait until it was played again on TV or the radio which could be decades. I just loved the melody. He was on TV often in the 50s and 60s.

[@kimberlycopeland810]

I love how y'all recognize & appreciate good music no matter the genre or age!

[@donnarosepender7228]

Temptations, 1972: “Papa was a rolling stone”. Great story telling and vocals.

[@joannasherman3651]

Good one

[@anitadarnell5232]

I hope the Twins choose the 11 minute 51 seconds version. All they need is a bottle of Coolade,some chips and their dancing feet.

[@KayoMichiels]

And the world's longest intro...

[@donnarosepender7228]

MK3424 True but worth the wait.

[@KayoMichiels]

@@donnarosepender7228 Definitely! You'll be vibing all the way.. thinking it was an instrumental only.

[@TimetravelingArchaeologist]

This song, inspired by the travails of the real-life coal miners of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, was first recorded by Merle Travis, in 1947.

[@amylentz839]

Miriah Helen Yes! Back a long time ago, the coal company owned the whole town, so the money you made from the coal company went right back to the same company at the local store. They even paid rent to the coal company for their homes. So the workers were never able to really get ahead or get out because all the money they made went right back to their employer.

[@AllisonTitcomb]

Which leads to another song recommendation- John Denver- Oh Daddy won’t you take me down to Muhlenberg County, down by the Green River where paradise lay. I’m sorry my son but you’re too late in asking, Mr. Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away.”

[@AllisonTitcomb]

i.e., John Prine’s “Paradise” kzbin.info/www/bejne/enbcZ3irj9Vsf7s

[@albertpringle4918]

Thank You for the background about this song. I love the horns in the middle of the song

[@ICSpotz]

@Miriah Helen I thought this was interesting if true from wikipedia The line "You load sixteen tons and what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt" came from a letter written by Travis's brother John. Another line came from their father, a coal miner, who would say: "I can't afford to die. I owe my soul to the company store."

[@ElkaCoyote]

I'm a music teacher and all the young people who hear this song, want to learn it. I'm happy to teach them.

[@josephclark4999]

For my money the greatest clarinet in music.

[@kingoffire9373]

This was one of my dads favorite songs, he passed away 3 years ago and everytime I hear this song it makes me cry because he was a hard working man and his work (hauling slag in the quarry for 16 hrs a day) drove him into the ground and barely paid enough for us to live but he did it for me and my mom.

[@michellehunter9625]

My Dad sang this to me when I was a little girl. Over and over. I knew all the words by the time I was 5. Big Bad John and a Boy Named Sue too. I'm sorry for your loss and hope hearing his favorite songs bring you peace and comfort 💜

[@kingoffire9373]

@@michellehunter9625 Thank you, yeah he loved big bad john too, he's the only reason I even know these songs and I will never forget them

[@no2all]

My parents told me that back in the early 60's (I know, I'm old), I would get home from kindergarten and watch just about every Tennessee Ernie Ford Show broadcast in the afternoon on ABC. He always had a strong but soothing voice.

[@debbiem9005]

Otis Redding..Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay

[@Perid0tStar]

Ohhh yeah that's a great one ^.^

[@richfiles]

He tragically died in a plane crash, and the song went to number 1 on both the Billboard 100 and R&B charts after his passing. Really a wonderful song, and a true tragedy that the world was deprived of his talent.

[@kathymarshall171]

Love that song- certainly a favorite!

[@jenniferd37]

@@richfiles I believe that's why there's whistling... he hadn't finished the verse and was going to re-record but never got the chance.

[@ojadkins]

Listening to Otis Redding...now those were the days!

[@sunspots4ever]

I love that you guys are willing to give anything a fair listen! Keep it up!

[@reneelouise6475]

The background, otherwise known in art as "insider information" of this song is good to know to understand it. Many of the lines in it where taken directly from the writers family, who worked the mines. A historic piece of art that's in the library of Congress that is a documentation of that period in time.

[@Auntyalias2014]

This song came out when I was 6-7 years old. I remember my step dad singing it. His family worked the coal mines and he got out by becoming a brick layer.

[@k.s.k.7721]

In these coal mining towns, the miners were paid in company scrip, rather than in currency. The only stores were also owned by the mines, so set their prices high - there was always less scrip available than food and other goods cost, so the miners were in debt for their entire lives. It was a form of slavery, and created a vicious circle of poverty, lack of education, anger and hopelessness. You can read about how badly miners were treated when they attempted to strike, and how the US government stepped in to murder miners and protect the owners. Ugly history.

[@Teelenth]

And, honestly, it's just barely history. My dad has told me about how when he was a kid his family had to shop at a company store because the company paid his father in scrip and not actual money. This was still happening in living memory. Because, if they can get away with it, the bosses will pay you nothing.

[@roberthudson1959]

Things got really ugly if the worker quit or got fired. The company would demand immediate payment of any debts IN CURRENCY. Yes, the company insisted on receiving payment in the same currency that they refused to pay the workers.

[@kevdonew1412]

glad you told the story i knew it but the youth of today wouldnt have , it was the worst of times for the miners back then , almost like AMAzON TODAY !!!!

[@MsFreedom4us]

K. S. K. Yeah that’s white privilege for ya 🧐

[@GinaStanley]

Yes that is so true. I live in southwest Virginia where we still have the old coal camp houses. Very sad.

[@LMike2004]

The "Company store" would make you spend your wages for the shovel. By the end of the week some minors owed more than their pay!

[@howishunternotinprison5614]

some of them got paid in script you could only spend it at the company store

[@sharmannittoli8800]

I have always loved this song, can not believe you're reacting to it - it's just a real song talking for the working class

[@me-pm6mx]

Released in 1955. Thsts going back aways. Like how you mix it up, something for everyone. You don't leave anyone out

[@musicairplanes4884]

I am 69 and remember my grandmother listening to this song. She loved it!!

[@MissJenniMae]

I’m in my fifties, and my older sister told me about these cute young boys who were always reacting HILARIOUSLY to old stuff. I watched one of y’all’s videos and became an instant fan. You add an extra dimension of fun to my own nostalgia when I see your fresh takes on the music that was the soundtrack of my younger days. Keep it up. By the way, if you liked this version of “Sixteen Tons,” you’d love the Eric Burdon version that was featured on the soundtrack of JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO.

[@jodyyarbrough7017]

Stevie Nicks “landslide”

[@PatWalden]

Tennessee Ernie Ford had a wonderfully rich voice. Not many like him. Love watching you guys react to many of the songs I love. It's a real treat.

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

Don't know about you, Pat, but I'm probably old enough to be these young men's nanna. ☺️ I haven't heard that song since I was a kid. Nice hearing it again and in the positive vibes of the twins. 👍

[@PatWalden]

@@trishthehomesteader9873 yep

[@april6058]

I love how you two hit every genre and every modern era! This was a unexpected treat.

[@mikecarter5631]

I first saw Tennessee Ernie Ford on the I Love Lucy show when I was a kid, 4 decades ago. I’ve been a fan of his ever since.

[@stuartperry8141]

me too

[@judyheim6998]

Oh my gosh I had forgotten how good that old song was and it’s still current today. Thanks guys.

[@PabbyMan2000]

I was going through a tough time years ago and an old timer sat me down and played Tennessee Ernie Ford singing gospel. It just calmed me right down. Thanks for bringing back a wonderful memory.

[@bringthemoment]

Try BB King “The Thrill is Gone”. Blues singers always tell a story in their songs. Moves your soul! 👍

[@TheCursingYogi]

Yesssssss! Oh man talk about SOUL. He walked it, talked it & was all Soul!!!

[@shaunevans3447]

Albert King - "I Love Lucy" written about his guitar named Lucy. One of the most underrated blues guitar players. Now that's a banger.

[@bringthemoment]

Shaun Evans That’s such a great song! Good choice 👍

[@swinde]

@@shaunevans3447 "Lucille" was the guitar's name, so I guess Lucy was a nickname.

[@shaunevans3447]

@@swinde With their names being so similar it is easy to get confused. BB King's guitar is named Lucille, but Albert King, who sang "I Love Lucy" was singing about his own guitar who he named Lucy.

[@PAPITO_49]

U like story music. "FEVER " Brenda Lee, capella

[@annatapl]

Peggy Lee, I think!

[@hedcmac]

I was going to suggest this song as well. :) Edit: look what I found! Great review! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ini3f6ZnoK6jeqs

[@brendragon]

I'm so pleased you reacted to this, now you're ready to watch Geoff Castellucci's new cover of this song. It is INCREDIBLE. Have fun! 💖

[@kimlindseyOH]

I have been wanting to see your reaction to Tennessee Ernie Ford! Such a strong deep voice - so natural - & like you said not much accompaniment to hide behind: pure talent. Appreciate you guys & glad you're getting such great recognition. (New York Times! Wow!)

[@nestaannjarrett4948]

I remember Tennessee Ernie Ford talking on some show, and he said that he was as nervous as a long tailed cat in a roomful of rockers.

[@bettilynnford951]

He was my father-in-law and I do remember him saying that!

[@johnrunion7258]

I loved watching the Tennessee Ernie Ford Show with my Mom in the 50's.He was such a wholesome man.

[@kellycranford3592]

I think he said that line on I love Lucy when he played "Cousin Ernie"

[@jackiefloyd8003]

I love that you have discovered Tennessee Ernie Ford; he has a magnificent deep baritone singing voice too.❤️

[@jimhagberg6798]

Really amazed y’all reviewed this song from so far back! And I’m talkin’ my grandkids great-great grandparents thought Tennessee Ernie Ford was really something ... God bless you both for recognizing the timelessness of quality music!

[@Molly-fk3ey]

Y'all are great. I hope that you're getting yourselves some reliable agents/business management. This channel's blowing up!

[@journeyoflovelight]

and tax help. thats the killer.

[@dawnrichards2691]

Be wise...keep your circle small and filled with those that had your back before your channel blew up. You guys are genuine...stay true to yourselves and beware if something sounds to good to be true. It usually is! Much love for what you have created here!❤️

[@shanareilly6649]

"Another day older and deeper in debt" my mom always quoted that line and I was today years old when I found out where it came from 👀 thanks for new upload. I really like your videos.

[@melissastone5354]

My grandfather discovered and produced Tennessee Ernie Ford. Love this song

[@dejavu666wampas9]

I used to watch the TEF show in B&W, with my dad. A truly great voice. “Well, bless my little pea-pickin’ heart” was his catch phrase.

[@mariealdrich3345]

Love how you are open minded and willing to listen to songs from back in the day from all different genres!!! Awesome

[@groovyjoan8814]

"The Impossible Dream" by Jim Nabors (aka Gomer Pyle) and/or "King Of The Road" by Roger Miller

[@dorothymcmahon9995]

Trailer for sale or rent..

[@marathonmongoose]

Can't believe I didn't think to mention them, they're two of my favorites!

[@fighthypocrites7036]

@@dorothymcmahon9995 Rooms to let 50 cents

[@maschwab63]

And Queen of the House, the answer song to King of the Road.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

My grandparents played the record, yes vinyl, for me back in the 60’s when I was a kid. Takes me back. Loved it then and now.

[@shizuehicks7442]

As a Baby Boomer who grew up knowing Tennessee Ernie Ford’s talent,I really enjoy and appreciate these two young men and their comments. They are so right about Ford’s voice and the great, but spartan, accompaniment of his singing. You two are wonderful 🤗 TwinstheNewTrend, thank you🖖

[@kennethhall289]

Another miner song is “Big John” by Jimmy Dean (yes the sausage guy)

[@kevinlockwood1434]

Thought of that song the minute I heard this one

[@andreaelliott728]

And it’s follow-up song, “Cajun Queen”! The best!

[@thewiseoldherper7047]

Although it came out in 1962, there are people who consider Big John the first Rap song! Rapping is defined as a rhyming or rythmic speech performed over a backing beat or musical accompaniment. Big John fits that definition.

[@bb22602]

Mr. Dean was MUCH better known for his singing at the time he started the sausage business. People actually laughed at him when he started that,, but he was a successful singer, actor, and businessman.

[@kennethhall289]

BB/VA I know, he had his own variety TV show and several hits, but he is know more for sausage sadly. If you say “Jimmy Dean” to most people they will say sausage or “A streetcar named desire” unfortunately. His brother is the one that got him into the sausage business I think.

[@55judylw]

Listen to Jim Croce's "Bad Bad Leroy Brown." It's a ballad, great singing and instrumentals.

[@annatapl]

Ahh, Jim Croce is someone you def. need to hear. “Time in a Bottle” makes me cry every time. Jim died In a motorcycle accident, I believe, just as he was coming into his own...

[@viewfromtheroad2656]

@@annatapl It was an airplane crash, the day before my 20th B'day. Very sad to me, I did and still do to this day love his music. I agree with you about Time In A Bottle. He wrote that for his new son. Cheers

[@pipkingdom]

@@annatapl Plane crash

[@robinconkel-hannan6629]

I grew up listening to Ernie Ford and his like, hillbilly music.. After I graduated high school I moved to Philadelphia.. I was amazed to find many places to listen to my kind of music.. I was even more amazed to find many city people listening to it too.. Several people told me they liked it because it always told a story.. Most of those stories were based on the lives of the writers.. It's a form of recording history..

[@mgkelly3389]

I’m so glad you guys are open to hearing music that’s a little different from what you may have grown up with. You guys are a lot of fun! Thank you 😊

[@angier5775]

This is a good ol’ song. I remember hearing this as a child. He also remember him being on the The I Love Lucy show a few times as Cousin Ernie, lol 😄

[@faithtvonline]

Yeah. That's how I know Tennessee Ernie, too . . . from I Love Lucy.

[@nestaannjarrett4948]

I know he did some red skelton shows .

[@439pm]

Those are my favorite Lucy episodes!

[@risaboo]

Stopping here to see what y’all listened to is the most fun part of the day now! 😘

[@brianginn6075]

This was one of my grandfather's favourite songs. He told me it reminded him of his childhood and working in the cotton mills of Ga. Grandma always made him walk a fine line between his sinner and her saint.

[@laurencelance586]

My best friend was born in Pittsburg, PA in 1938. He went to the mines when he was 10 years old. He told me that "16 Tons" is a protest song, because ( in his words ) If you only load 16 tons you're dogg'n it".

[@carriefussner7196]

The Devil Went Down to Georgia by the Charlie Daniel’s Band

[@menew101]

I've been recommending this one for days, lol

[@lizwarren5726]

YESSSSSSS!!!!

[@kathleenmartin7498]

I remember listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford when I was a kid

[@lisablodgett5759]

Hah! I keep seeing.you guys suggest this! Gentlemen! For Goodness Sake!! Relieve their agony and play Devil Went Down To Georgia. I mean it really IS a Kick A#S Performance!!!!

[@patriciamorgan6545]

That man sure could fiddle! And tell a story! Saw Charlie Daniels Band in concert years ago, and they were great! RIP Charlie!💔

[@daventunes3822]

Tennessee Ernie Ford had his own TV show back in the day. He did a lot of great songs but if you want another good story-telling song of his, find "John Henry", his version of the legendary steel-driving man who took on a steam-powered drilling machine.

[@channelthree9424]

Tennessee Ernie Ford had a wonderfully deep and rich. I'm 57 and have heard of him all my life, I have seen him act and don't recall hearing him sing other than on I Love Lucy and it was in a nasally voice. Just recently I stumbled across full albums of him singing hymns. His voice is beautiful. I'm black and did not grow up listening to this at home. Over the years I've learned to appreciate a wider variety of music both old and new from different genres even ones I used to hate as a kid. Another person from way back I just started listening to is Jim Reeves. He also has a rich voice. I heard him on one of the hymn compilations with Tennessee Ernie Ford. Now I'm a Jim Reeve fan and will be adding his music to my playlist. I appreciate the internet and KZbin. It allows us to hear music that we probably wouldn't even know existed. As someone old enough to be a grandmother, I think it's nice when younger people appreciate the music or films from the past. It expands your horizons. kzbin.info/www/bejne/anPXip-ojKmJpaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWlf3qrhKmBosk

[@katthudson9131]

This is about coal miners, the "company store" owned every thing. True history set to song!!

[@michelleestrada9224]

My dad’s name for me was PeaPicker. I’m 67 years old. I remember that name ever since I was little.

[@moniquea8455]

The Devil Went Down To Georgia" by The Charlie Daniels Band. For a crazy funny awesome story song that is legit even if you don't like country.

[@delorisnicholas1170]

I agree. Also, you seem to enjoy different instruments and Charlie plays a keen fiddle.

[@lmh3952]

Rip to the legend Charlie Daniels

[@theclutterdiaries]

Truth!

[@BenjoReacts]

One of my pops favorites. You guys not only did this reaction justice, you honored my father. Thank you 🙏❤️🔥

[@cheryljohnson733]

Back in the day the coal miners worked for a company that supported them and their families (in poverty conditions). They didn't make any money because they had to buy their food and everything from the company.They ended up owing money and never got ahead. Always loved Tennessee Ernie Ford. Thanks for the reaction. He used to be a bit actor on I Love Lucy as poor cousin Ernie from the country.

[@johnmcbarron7282]

Ernie used to take his show to some of these mining towns. People would tell him his story was truth.

[@NurseEmilie]

Tennessee Ernie Ford sang a lot of songs. They weren't all just talking. He was great.

[@llamasugar5478]

There are some great recommends in the comments, and I want to add one: Hot Rod Lincoln. Edit . . . The artist is Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen

[@lilybeesmom1]

Ernie Ford's music rocks!!

[@wsue1038]

I have not heard that song in ages. I remember Tennessee Ernie Ford in the song from when I was a little girl.

[@lbschiller]

Story telling song: "El Paso" by Marty Robbins. You guys are so much fun!

[@kyleklunk6333]

Yes please do

[@spitfire57whaley35]

How about the trilogy of “El Paso” songs.....? Love those songs

[@carmenespinoza4940]

Yes..El Paso!

[@DJSchreffler]

I have to go for "Big Iron" instead of "El Paso".

[@eit2becca]

Please do this song it is a great story

[@jenniferwilliams6351]

I love seeing you boys appreciate a great talent from another generation and genre. I am 65 and I love watching you discover someone that I grew up hearing on the radio and seeing on tv. You prove that music is transcendent.

[@leoniepattison3081]

He did have a great voice! My mum and dad loved him! Good to see the boys appreciating this song from long, long ago.

[@moviegenius54]

Love that you guys are very open to listening to all types of music. Love seeing your guys's reactions!❤

[@DamselDebICT]

I enjoy your reactions and so pleased that you 'get' Tennessee ERNIE Ford. He was and is Brilliant! Thank you.

[@tonyadavie9816]

My granddad was also a miner in West Virginia. He died from Black Lung when he was 53 and my dad was 10. Dad has a wallet that belonged to his dad and it still has receipts in it from the company store that was near their house.

[@cheryl9032]

I know others have said it ... It is so cool how you’re checking out these old songs, we hear your first thoughts about it “It’s a story!”... then reading the comments is educational!! My family has had many coal miners. (I have a company store coin too)