Reaction to SIXTEEN TONS | Low Bass Singer Cover

Reaction to SIXTEEN TONS | Low Bass Singer Cover
#GeoffCastellucci #SixteenTons #BassSingerCover
Original Video:
• SIXTEEN TONS | Low Bas...
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS

[@darrellbeam8053]

This song preserves a history now forgotten. First, mining companies would start a mine and build a town to house the workers. The company store here is a company owned store where you could buy everything you needed for both home and mine work. The miners had to buy most everything they needed to do the job including blasting supplies. Thus the line owed my soul to the company store. The 16 tons part refers to what a miner was required to load out or else he didn’t get paid.

[@ilesalmo7724]

Some company stores did not even accept dollars. Instead company issued their own currency so people could not use it anywhere else. These kinds of practices eventually gave rise to first trade unions.

[@BSGNative]

I live in the mountains of southwestern Virginia - coal mining country. My father & both my grandfathers worked in the mines. (Heck, I worked at a coal mine - at, not in - I worked in the office - for 17 years.) There are a number of "coal camps" around here - communities built around the mines. Back in the 30s & 40s, the homes were owned by the company & rented to the miners. The company store was part of the community. Miners were paid in "scrip" rather than cash. The scrip could only be used at the company store. If a miner didn't have enough to purchase what he needed, the store would extend him credit & take it out of his pay on next payday. Which usually left him short again, so he needed more credit. It could become a vicious cycle, so many of them felt as though they "owed my soul to the company store". Most of the big coal companies are gone & the mines are pretty much dying out. The coal camps are still here, but the homes are owned by the people that live in them. Also I'm located about 50 miles from Bristol, TN, which is where Tennessee Ernie Ford was born. Tennessee Ernie is the one that really made this song famous.

[@jankreps5115]

Darrell Beam Families worked in the mines to survive. Often sons became miners themselves. You rarely hear of black lung disease that took the lives of so many. October Sky is great movie about young boys trying not to become miners! Sometimes called the Rocket boys who became part of NASA space engineers. (John Hickam)

[@susanhorn4325]

@@BSGNative Thanks for all the details in your comment. I’ve been trying to remember who it was that made this song famous... I could hear Tennessee Ernie Ford’s voice but just couldn’t come up with the name. 😆

[@darrellbeam8053]

My grandfather fought in the Union wars in West Virginia. It was necessary to combat the nearly slave labor conditions then.

[@awarner56]

I first heard this song when it was recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford many years ago. It was played on the radio for quite awhile. If you have not heard it, it's definitely worth listening to as well.

[@RinniePere]

Yes!!!! It is another amazing version.

[@june4976]

Crazy stuff is that it's only chest notes in here, no subharmonics. Geoff is just... unbelievable.

[@sprumf]

I was hoping someone said this. It’s insane that this is all chest.

[@masonbaker4347]

That last note was for sure subharmonics, because you just hear the fry in his voice, but barely.

[@sprumf]

@@masonbaker4347 I don’t think it was subharmonic. MAYBE a chest fry though. Too different to be a subharmonic.

[@thonycosta6523]

0:58... Subharmonic

[@june4976]

@@thonycosta6523 I was referring to this comment of Geoff himsellf: Geoff Castellucci vor 3 Tagen (coughcoughcough AHEM)... no subharmonics in this one. 😉

[@toodlescae]

Used to listen to Tennessee Ernie Ford sing this growing up. I love Geoff's version.

[@RopeResQ46]

The first time I heard Tennessee Ernie Ford sing this on HeeHaw, I knew I wanted to be a bass singer. I didn't realize then I didn't have a say in the matter, but thankfully, I am a bass. This has always been one of my favorite songs and many times the first version you hear is your favorite. However, I can't say that. I love both versions equally. Geoff took it and kicked it up, made it modern and a lot of fun to listen to.

[@cjsjr249]

Same here! Totally throws me back to my childhood!

Merle Travis wrote this song; Tennessee Ernie Ford made it “famous”....

[@nursedebbie1332]

Tennessee Ernie Ford was the only one I had heard sing it until Bass singers started singing it again. I like Nic Val’s version. He takes it lower with each verse actually having the band change keys down.

[@Broomrider1492]

Tennessee Ernie Ford and Jimmy Deans' "Big Bad John"

[@jmbmusic1]

You wanted to know it, here it is: Lowest notes: 5:03 very low short Slide 5:17 G#1 5:44 Slide down to F#1 and up again 5:52 G#1 All of these are chest notes! Cheers!

[@operchenok6769]

5:03 its 100% Eb1, match almost perfectly with piano (ypu can call slide from E1 to Eb1)

[@jmbmusic1]

@@operchenok6769 I don’t want to start a discussion here. I talked to many people about this and at the end we agreed on F#1. Some people raised the track and slowed it down and there was no Eb1. But does this matter? No. At the end of the day we just want to enjoy Geoff’s music and we all know that he‘s amazing. We shouldn’t care too crazily about his range. Alright, that‘s it. Have a nice day!

[@kn3236]

@@jmbmusic1 nobady agreed on F#1, I raised the track and slowed it down and used octave Harmony's and Used My tuner And my piano to note check and musically it should be a Eb1 that's why some people think it's that, but it's actually a flat F#1, aka a F1, Preety nice and full chest note to

[@Kamarovsky_KCM]

@@operchenok6769 @JMB Music It's an Eb1-F#1 slide so both of you are correct. To simplify it, in the word "aside" the is Eb1 and F#1.

[@jmbmusic1]

I shouldn’t have listed the note at 5:03. Big mistake by me. I knew that it would start a discussion again.

[@daventunes3822]

According to my Google-fu, the original key was E minor, and the song was written by Merle Travis. Tennessee Ernie Ford was a bass-baritone, like Jeff, but he never hit anything like these low notes. My mom had the 45 record of Ernie's version. It was actually a B-side.

[@chrismorin1318]

Merle Travis actually released it in 1947 as well as writing it. Johnny Cash also did a version. But the most well known is definitely Tennessee Ernie Ford.

[@muslimmetalman]

I feel like Geoff is a noble baritone more than bass baritone but very close

[@chrismorin1318]

I get such a kick out of the face you make any time Geoff goes down and dirty! I'm pretty sure his subterranean vocals create a tsunami halfway across the world! I think this is my personal favorite of his solo work! Great reaction as always! ❤

[@papa.and.mimis.country.life.58]

Right! I believe this would be referred to as ‘stank face’! 😊

[@dagobertomontoya1468]

Best stank face straight up lol

[@jankreps5115]

This has been popular since the 50s! I first remember Tennessee Ernie Ford singing it!! Then Jimmy Dean, Johnny Cash & even Lorne Greene( Dad on Bonanza)! He’s on fire right now!! I’d love to hear him sing “Big John”!! Nice reaction!!

[@carinalundstrom7566]

Chris Rupp ft Tim Foust Long Black train next. It's really good

[@Froggyh63]

Yes Tennessee Ernie Ford was the one that had a huge hit with this in the 50s. If I'm not mistaken, I think the song is I. The Smithsonian/Library of Congress as culturally significant. Cool take on this song, like always, he nails it.

[@pattymesagal2654]

now we owe our souls to the credit card companies instead of the company store. same song different company. love your reaction thank you

[@fluff7773]

What i really like about this is that the different Geoff's look at himself as they are different people .

[@michellepiazza7698]

I like how you give a critique/insight on the video production

[@SandraJB321]

Dave - you seem like you are enjoying this so much, and that makes it enjoyable for me to watch. I am working through all of your reactions for Geoff now. Thank you for the great entertainment.

[@tschlaak]

Love your reaction to this wonderful singer!!❤️

[@opalwalker2953]

I’m so old, I remember the original. As I remember, Ernie Ford started off low. He was a bass baritone.

[@skylarwalton5381]

Omg I've literally been waiting for this exact video!!! Great video Dave!!!

[@louf1025]

What it do, Dave? Great reaction as always. Dude, Geoff is one of the best basses in the business today. And your reactions are always top rate. So perfect combination. Take care, my friend.

[@jz1374]

I don't think you've reacted to Geoff's cover of Mele Kalikimaka with the American Sirens yet, and I would love to see your reaction to that.

[@susanhorn4325]

Great reaction Dave. I really enjoyed it. This might be my favorite of Geoff’s solo endeavors.

[@brassbear3373]

Out of all the reactors I watch on YT, you absolutely, positively, without question have the best “stank face” I’ve ever seen. Keep it up man!

[@laundrygoddess4]

Love how he uses tools as instruments. Really appreciate your breakdown. You're always entertaining to watch and informative. Great reaction.

[@wenberkemeier3731]

lol dave i so the same face when the low note hits.. its like god damn its so sick its bloody amazing. i been a fan of this song since i was 3.

[@rickhicks6820]

Great reaction! 16 Tons is pretty close to perfect for Geoff's voice. How about another song about a miner? Big John would be perfect. Sub harmonic notes about being subterranean.

[@DarkEmpress86]

Loved your reaction to this. This is one of the best ones Geoff has done, I've been listening to it non-stop since he released the preview on Patreon! He has this unique ability to take a song and elevate it beyond the original 💕 Side note, keep an eye out this next week, VoicePlay should be releasing a new song fairly soon 😊

[@mysticshyguy8882]

Dude I’d love to see some more of these a cappella creators and more songs like this. That always catches my eye every time

[@jamespauldelashmit2173]

I grew up listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford singing this song!!!

[@austinchandler3079]

I get Templar chant vibes at the end on that low note. Love it!

[@jeraldbennett9289]

When my dad (RIP) and I used to play fight, he used to always say "if the left one don't get you, the right one will". I wonder if maybe he got that from this song.

[@-.NYX.-]

This is the 'cool guy' song :P Well done man!!!

[@BobbyDGamer]

Great reaction as always. 16 tons - had to hit target to get pay. Another day older and deeper in debt - everyone got bill. ,loan to pay etc. Shit pretty relevant to this day.

[@Johndoe-jd]

Company store - owe money that has value to just the store. Then was stores now it is the credit card company.

[@MrDevintcoleman]

This song is important right now. My most prized inheritance is my grandfather’s labor club. It’s a solid stick of wood with some kind of metal cylinder through the middle. It was used to defend the striking workers from the bosses by physically reminding them of why unions exist.

[@BigSkidMedia]

Love the fact that you love music and show respect when it's due.

[@WelcomeApathy]

I love your reactions! I always get happy when I see you've done one of Voiceplay or Geoff. I feel like you start off calm and then get happier and happier through the reaction, so it always leaves me with a smile by the end. This was one of Geoff's best, imo. It is a classic song, which was typically done low, but not this low. Mind how even Geoff titled it as "Low Bass Cover" instead of just "Bass Cover," lol. Knew it would be something from that! The video was filmed at Pattycake Productions, which is Tony and Layne's company. Tony was the guy in Voiceplay before J. None, remember? He left to start Pattycake. I think it's so cool how they're still working together, and they're good at what they do. Also, Geoff's wife Kathy was the production manager again, iirc.

[@StarSong936]

The original artist was Tennessee Ernie Ford. My first time hearing this was when Jim Neighbors (Gomer Pyle) performed live at Hillsdale Michigan. Love the song, and love this performance.

[@TinaMV]

Oh man, and you did this one, too??? I love these guys! The original, if no one's told you, was by Tennessee Ernie Ford and he was an amazing bass singer, too. He was an individual country star during his time. My momma sure loved him. I hope you've had the chance to hear the original by now. I break out singing this song all the time. I remember singing it in the kitchen by the radio when it was on and my momma would be cooking at the stove. Sweet memories are attached to this song even though what the song is about isn't very sweet.

[@mamakittyluvsjesus]

This sounds like a different more Rocky version of a song Tennessee Ernie ford sang my Dad loved more country version . But I love this version .

[@passion777able]

WHERE have you been my friend that you have no idea of Tennessee Ernie Ford's song? That is the ORIGINAL! It's like saying you never heard of The Ten Commandments movie. Catch up. Ford's version, when you hear it sounds NOTHING like Geoff's version. Geoff is dynamic, perfection. That voice and ALL HIS VOICES and touches make this an unbeatable combination. I can hear this over and over and not grow tired of it.

[@yelenayakubovskaya4775]

The best reaction....

[@brendagrothier967]

Tim Foust needs to do something like this.

[@glenroymoodie8139]

This beast develop a sledge compression in the throat and chest.. It's amazing when he Sledge Hammer down in the depth and back to the surface on time.. very nice.

[@plastix6041]

Lol I was watching another reaction to this. Sorry brad, Dave calls.

[@bethelliot7140]

I watched his reaction too! 😂

[@laundrygoddess4]

Same 🤣

[@leftalone4264]

Brad Steele?

[@laundrygoddess4]

@@leftalone4264 yeah he released his reaction about 2 minutes before Dave.

[@plastix6041]

@@leftalone4264 yep

[@Broomrider1492]

This is the very first one I heard Geoff sing. I remember as a child hearing Tennessee Ernie Ford sing it on his TV show. About fell out of my chair with Geoff singing it.

[@Kira-yn5kg]

oh i love your voice

[@FinarfinNoldorin]

Tennessee Ernie Ford...loved him Man...wow...this was great :)

[@creationsbychancecan]

Tennessee Ernie Ford was a baritone/bass and started off low too. This was a very important song giving voice to coal miners who were treated very bad by mine owners. Great reaction Dave

[@princecuddle]

I know you've done a bit of sound of silence. Please do the cover by disturbed!!! You won't regret!!

[@Amomferatus]

If you want to see his range watch Bare Necessities, it's also a little humorous.

[@eleahanz1334]

Capital S T A N K face! Love it!

[@TheCaveman46]

The version by Tennessee Ernie Ford is the one I remember best. And yes, he had a pretty low voice but nowhere near Geoff's range.

[@jebvlogs4761]

Idk how But I missed this song and reaction @whatitdodave thanks 🙏🏼👍🏼 dude Hang on I'm watching recent uploads as well..give me a moment to catch up :) 🫣🤯👊🏼

[@AndieO]

Tennessee Ernie Ford was the first recorded, that I recall. Johnny Cash's version is the one my mom used to play when I was growing up. My personal favorite is Geoff's version.

[@doch1228]

The original writer of this song is Tennessee Ernie Ford whose voice is deep.

[@Maerahn]

I remember listening to the original on the radio as a kid, and as far as I remember, the lowest note the guy hit was the one Geoff actually started the song in - and I remember thinking "Wooahhh, that was low!" even for that. Geoff hadn't been invented then though. 😁 And you're right in what you said about him being a baritone; Geoff himself has said he considers himself a baritone who can sing bass notes.

[@MrMan-jk5px]

The BEST note(and face XD) In the video 5:16

[@michaelbndergaard2541]

gz 30k as i watch this vid

[@mystik_kay9253]

5:16 🔥

[@movieswithshannon]

HI Dave! You're going to like this one!

[@AKarnold1010]

You gotta check out Ernie Ford's original song. Classic. Recorded in 1955

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

I'm listening to Dave and suddenly that line from Avengers: Infinity War pops into my head. "Are you making your voice deeper?"

[@samthekid1000]

Don't know if anyone knows the Musical "Forever Plaid", about a dead Accapella men's quartet. "16 Tons" is featured, and has the LOW end-note. Geoff's version is better, but Forever Plaid mixes it with the Song "Chain Gang", and it is VERY entertaining! Tennessee Ernie Ford doesn't go low.

[@kn3236]

5:03 He hit a Eb1 in chest here

[@toothless2323]

I hear A flat 1

[@kn3236]

@@toothless2323 yeah I raised the track and slowed it down and used my tuner to check it, plus the ending note was a A flat 1 and this was WAYYY lower you can tell

[@toothless2323]

@@kn3236 uh okay

[@kn3236]

@@toothless2323 ._. have a nice day tho m8✌️ didn't mean to sound mean if I did :)

[@toothless2323]

@@kn3236 nah u didn’t

[@nightspicer]

For some crazy low notes I recommend you to watch Eric Hollaway's cover of "16 tones", Ivan Rebroff's "Im tiefen keller" or Dmitry Seleznov "Bandura". Last one is not that crazy low, but he has amazing bass voice.

[@samanthacollier6068]

Geoff is a true bass not a baritone. But jeez that range is just jaw dropping

[@gailseatonhumbert9199]

It's a labor dispute song. The company store had to do with the Pullman Car Company originally. Their workers had to rent from them and buy food etc from the company store. Nasty strike breaking from the military at one point.

[@johnschneider931]

The original was always my favorite 🤩, not as low but it was a song to showcase bass.

[@davidwhulbertiv5958]

I want to let you know that I appreciate you so much words fail me...

[@shellymaxham8009]

Tennessee Erie Ford's version is the original and is fantastic. Geoff did it justice!

[@Mr1oldrocker]

Tennessee Ernie Ford is the original artist 1956, he had a bass voice. You can find it on you tube.

[@gailseatonhumbert9199]

Geoff has said he is a baritone singing bass. Tim Foust has been non-committal about it but said he was singing tenor when his voice dropped, Matt Sallee is a baritone singing bass. Only Avi Kaplan of the a cappella bass singers has said he is an actual bass singing bass.

[@luscao8444]

For me, all of these 4, are basses, just different types of basses. Maybe only Matt be a baritone, but yet a baritone with a good low register that is not usual.

[@susanhorn4325]

Gail Seaton Humbert I believe Tim identifies himself as bass-baritone.

[@Orodroth]

First version I heard of this song was by The Platters. It was kinda low xD.

[@castellomichel5851]

It amazing he has the range of a sniper rifle and I wish I could hit either his high notes or his low but my voice is not that good

[@lindahall8707]

This is great. Only other version of this song heard since Tennessee Ernie Ford made it a class. So many great old songs out there. Geoff and Angelina Jordan seem to bring new life to them. Love it.

[@Kira-yn5kg]

you should watch this song with the captions on. specifically towards the end.

[@dominicr9068]

Just when I thought there wasn't another one who can touch Ernie, damn I am officially saying I am wrong. Wow.

[@cypressspm13]

Dave if you ever wondered about the beginning of the universe and the end for that matter I highly suggest doing Exist by Avenged Sevenfold. I noticed you have done a lot of Metallica reactions this one must follow!

[@Sunkist161]

Have you ever watched voiceplay's queen compilation? He goes super high and super low.

[@Chrisfragger1]

There is a lot of hurt and pain hidden in this song...

[@autumnbradburn8161]

Fun fact the og singer to sixteen tons is Tennessee ernie ford

[@kspx3747]

What it Do Dave: you start getting higher and higher Me: yes YES

[@druid_zephyrus]

You right, Dave. I do want a cigarette. -Your Friendly Neighborhood Druid

[@SirKickz]

As a big labor rights guy I'm hoping labor songs start catching on again like the way sea shanties did. I'm hoping it's a sign that American workers are getting ready to get organized again so we can start hitting back against the big corps that keep us down

[@polyrhythmia]

Vocal limbo: how looow can he go?

[@mojo6524]

this song has the old stray cat's swing feel to it.

[@MagnetMagicGirl]

That last note was an Ab1. (did you know that this song was was all done in chest voice??)

[@Iansco1]

There is a chance he puts in focal points in the place of the other 3. Then overlays the image.

[@frederickaltar2953]

The last note of Geoff I think was a bit higher than the notes he made on Oogie Bogie and other voiceplay or his video too.

[@johickey3158]

can we put a call out to have a geoff and diana duet please?

[@davidtullis2810]

Tennessee Ernie Ford was a baritone

[@wolffox6nation975]

Hey

[@dutchvanderbilt9969]

He makes tennessee ernie ford sound high pitched by comparisons

[@brotherjohnnyjones693]

Check out black legged miner by 7 Nations, another song about mining and bigotry, in England.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

You know what gets me about the very end of this song? He hits and sustains that final "company stooooooore" note and then just kicks back up and adds "'cause I can't go" and taps that same low note again on the "go".

[@sylvarravenclaw3714]

It starts one note higher than Geoff is singing

[@Texastigerdigsdetects]

It doesn’t take smarts to figure out the roots of this song it’s one of the most famous songs in modern musical history by Tennessee Ernie Ford.

[@rafaellino1235]

G#1

[@deennaemilio]

The original of this song was Tennessee Ernie Ford and he was not a bass, more like a alto or tenor.

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Sea shanties are the same way

[@davidjohnston6105]

I have heard this before but it was not as low as this.

[@jasper4365]

to sit like a skirim jarl u need a bit diferent chair, good try tho