Sixteen Tons | Tennessee Ernie Ford | Oct 18, 1956

Ernie's performs Merle Travis's timeless anthem to the working man Sixteen Tons on The Ford Show, October 18, 1956. This was the first time he performed this blockbuster hit on his show - the third episode of The Ford Show.
Tennessee Ernie Ford wasn’t the first artist to record “Sixteen Tons,” but he made it his signature. The song, inspired by the travails of the real-life coal miners of Kentucky, was first recorded by one of his forerunners on the Capitol label, Merle Travis, in 1947.
In 2015, the song was recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress for its cultural significance, and it was also adopted into the National Recording Registry.
About Tennessee Ernie Ford
Born Ernest Jennings Ford on February 13th, 1919 in Bristol, Tennessee, Tennessee Ernie Ford has made an indelible impact on America and the world through his unparalleled accomplishments in radio, records and television.
Throughout his legendary career spanning over 50 years, Ernie Ford's early successes as a radio personality led to his signing with Capitol Records in 1949. Through 1976, he released a total of eighty-three albums on the label--and literally scores of single records, including his classic version of Merle Travis' timeless anthem to the working man, "Sixteen Tons"...at the time of its release, the fastest selling single in Capitol's history.
About The Ford Show
On Thursday night, October 4th, 1956, NBC premiered The Ford Show Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford.
As prime-time's # 1 half-hour variety show for five years, The Ford Show featured all the ingredients of the top variety shows of the day; Hollywood's greatest guest stars, top-of-the-line production, and terrific music. But one simple element separated it from all others...Ernie closed virtually every show with a hymn, a spiritual or a song of faith. For the time, it was a bold and powerful statement for a popular entertainer of Ford's stature to be making on live television, especially in the face of the initial objections from Madison Avenue and the network. But it was a statement that would become the trademark of his career, and in many ways, the mark of his life. It would earn him the distinction of almost single-handedly bringing inspirational music into the mainstream of American entertainment...an enduring legacy of the lasting impact that one man's expression of faith can have on millions of people.
www.ernieford....
/ tennesseeernieford
#tennesseeernieford #thefordshow #sixteentons

[@mikeschneider901]

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

[@NoureddinKhames]

You are a real Legend 💪🤝

[@iowapanner2223]

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

[@golden_opal6050]

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]

It is the only song my father ever sang.

[@ALink777]

Grace to you and peace from above.

[@donwalters8877]

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

[@valentinius62]

Same here. The company store was called the Keystone Store.

[@unusedsub3003]

I’m 19, I’m currently a building site labourer in Yorkshire, England. The money is okay, but the days are long and hard ☹️. I listen to this on the bus to work 😂.

[@СергейВениаминович-щ4р]

Вы слушаете английскую версию шахтёров углекопов. А послушайте советскую версию ...сижу я в баре в позний час и тут нам летит приказ. И полетели мальчики бомбить союз... kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3i0iIxnZbt1i8ksi=SESHDCmJMegf8VNw

[@1dnc4mun]

Also, this song refers to the time before unions. Companies would pay workers in company money. Then charge ever higher prices for the goods in their store. Then you would die in debt to the company and the boss man would profit greatly because of your efforts. It was a sad time and while I dont want to join a union, I am grateful and in debt to what they accomplished!

[@EdwardEmmick]

I used to sing it at work. 1:27

[@roddyboethius1722]

Ya load 16 tons, and what do ya get?

[@TheOneTrueKit]

It’s supposed to inspire ya to not do that. Grab that shovel and Dig your way out of the hard labour pit.

[@rb8463]

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]

🍻🔥🔥🔥🔥😊

[@anthonyangeli256]

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

[@RussellIser108]

I hear autotune

[@anthonyangeli256]

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

[@anthonyangeli256]

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

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@GiGiGoesShopping]

"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]

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]

Coffee plantations did something similar in India in the 50s

[@vaughnogrosky23]

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]

Our future with cbdc

[@helenamcginty4920]

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.

[@LynnNunns]

I’m 71, and remember hearing Tennessee Ernie Ford singing this. I didn’t appreciate how great it was, but do now. Simple beautiful and powerful.

[@DENNISDAVIS-o2n]

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]

Yeah and we’re over here listening to complete shit

[@gregoryclemen1870]

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

[@majordbag2]

To be fair, there were plenty of awesome singers in 1880s too, they just were never recorded for the benefit of us today. Fortunately, we have do have classics like this.

[@brendareed3678]

I was born in 1956 the year this came out and still love the music from the 50's, 60's and 70's rock and roll and country.

[@carolekohlschmidt6899]

Ernie had such a beautiful voice.

[@danield.torrestapia000]

Metrobus251"][,,

[@DaBlazesUSay]

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

[@janicerothe1823]

@@danield.torrestapia000 is

[@jaynescott219]

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]

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...

[@jonathansmith5561]

R.i.p man

[@ballooncrew2994]

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

[@RonnieGreen-sk9ul]

I remember his TV shows

[@atomdecay]

This man has more talent in his SNAP than everyone else in that room

[@foogiefay4037]

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]

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

[@carldeanwebb5181]

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

[@observer3232]

In about 1979 I was in a Cowboy type bar, located in a hotel near the STL airport. Tennessee Ernie was in the house,having a few drinks with some friends of his and the band invited him on stage he he knocked this tune for a very appreciative audience.

[@dancingsocrates9491]

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

[@MelodyFox]

Tennessee Ernie Ford sang this track nonchalantly, with a smile, fingers snapping, and not a pain in the world, apparently... In reality, the lyrics are very deep, sad, and portray the feelings and fatigue of those miners, then, and...now. An ode to all these hard working men, and women too. 🙏🙏 LPeaceM

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

I was born the year this song came out. Sixteen Tons will still be heard the year I go out.

[@ossie-qv5sy]

Excelente artista 👌 felicitaciones, desde Argentina ❤

[@garyechols9458]

I was 1.

[@stevenbass732]

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

[@donnajeffries7913]

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

[@stevenbass732]

@@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.

[@guykarafa5866]

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 !

[@Light_Assassian]

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]

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

[@Light_Assassian]

@@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.

[@sir_muath]

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

[@davidanglin7177]

Cool!!

[@sir_muath]

@@davidanglin7177 you're the cool one dude

[@aboodalii]

Where are you from, i'm syrian

[@hattooomsx5079]

سفير الميمز

[@sir_muath]

@@aboodalii I'm from Saudi Arabia

[@dianajones1062]

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]

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

[@golden_opal6050]

My grandpa knew him before he got into music too lol

[@jamesham521]

Classic description of life for many

[@jensjesfjeld6238]

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

[@monzersaid]

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

[@jensjesfjeld6238]

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

[@jensjesfjeld6238]

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]

I know

[@olgablockmon7908]

So agree, this is when music was music ❤

[@dimisbam7725]

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

[@ken-NC]

Can’t get enough of this great song.

[@benjaminperez6620]

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

[@constancepeterson6156]

Happy Birthday to your mom.

[@sueoorbeck4887]

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

[@johnbrown-sg5cv]

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

[@marcellogenesi6390]

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

[@oscarsiri2763]

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]

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.

[@ИраПисменная]

Да, лучше Пол Робсона наврятли кто то исполнял

[@furiousfuryan]

The message is still so relevant

[@carolfulton4919]

My grandson of 14 years love Tennessee Ernie Ford & sings right along with him !! Timeless

[@maglav527]

'86 baby here. THIS is music. What do we have today in 2024? Anybody? Anybody with anything remotely close to an answer? I'll respond if anyone can answer.

[@Pim-vdb]

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]

Try the Johnny cash version

[@golden_opal6050]

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

[@youtybebw]

Almost 70ty years later and the song is still relatable to the regular worker.

[@JerzCe73]

EXACTLY! Right here relating in 2024

[@alanmprice3174]

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

[@MrDunkycraig]

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

[@bussesandtrains1218]

🤓

[@bettystowe4034]

I'm 69 years old. Loved Ernie. Loved this song

[@NondescriptMammal]

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.

[@GuRx13]

I wonder if he thought people around the whole world would be watching this 68 years later.

[@ilyakaminsky466]

I was born in USSR, behind the iron curtain. This refrain I heared since I remember myself: А в каждой бомбе 16 тонн! Till this moment I didnt know the original. Now I know - and this is forever.

[@tomquinn5437]

Ernie will live forever thanks to KZbin and the Internet.

[@izzyafith8124]

Everyone young man should have to listen to this on repeat and write a paper about the lessons of the past our grandparents learned the lesson our parents forgot

[@kdw75]

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

[@constancelena]

❤ I learned it as child, AWESOME

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

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]

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]

Yeah capitalists. Sure.

[@laurakelso6205]

​@@DarruusI'd say all huge corporations/ globalist/ communist are the ones who want to keep the people down and out !!

[@trainliker100]

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.

[@MrSKREYK]

I was looking for this song for 20 years and trying to remember in my head what the song was like, my god I finally found it

[@DavidChallis-dj3ek]

This is what I call talent, no autotune, no simon cowbell.. NO SONY crap... just sublime!

[@MarianCox-eg7md]

September 23 1956 I am 68 years old and looking back on the good old days ❤ from Marian E Cox from West Plains Missouri

[@richardpiper6265]

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

[@blackvulcan100]

I was 9..

[@leifnordqvist2527]

He is so cool!

[@josvandencamp8441]

I'm 70 and I still love this music.

[@11vlyleven]

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

[@roelrabulan9385]

remember

[@Aschariel]

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]

you make me sick.

[@DannyAckerman-p7o]

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

[@cartoonfredbarney]

The man had a gorgeous natural voice. A personality bigger than that voice, and incredible charisma that tied the two together to make a man who was unique to his time. My mother loved hearing him sing. So I heard that voice a lot. I still like hearing him sing!

[@ayzc4164]

Wow that voice. ❤

[@gregoryclemen1870]

that was back in the day when it was real musicians playing real music, no computers, auto-tune, or drum machines. also , back in those days ., the tunes were stories that in many cases were true. this tune was about the mining companies that paid their workers in script, not real; money., they were economic slaves and could not leave the mining camp. it was by design that the inflated prices that the workers had to pay the company store insured that they owed more than what they were paid.

[@AJStarhiker]

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

[@patticrichton1135]

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]

I was 0.5 years old.

[@garybradley1]

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

[@chisar2]

@@garybradley1 19th May 56.

[@robbynholmes9507]

I had a crush on him too, thinking "Ooo, this is a man!" Strong. tough, but happy and a good guy!

[@noelwilde]

Brilliant live performance

[@pierremichel7973]

Pure talent.

[@bronwynsearle2117]

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

[@donhutton72]

We did. Can still remember a lot of the words. We were 14 and 17 in 1955 when it was first performed by TEF.

[@stayprogressive6775]

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

[@jimfladwood4393]

The man was one of a kind.❤

[@philstall6262]

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

[@evangorski7992]

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]

⁠@@evangorski7992the people yearn for the mines

[@rosehelmich2979]

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

[@CherylHughes-ts9jz]

My grandma was very proud of the fact that the same doctor that delivered Tennessee also delivered my daddy. Yes, in Tennessee 😅

[@garylane6227]

Great song, great singer!

[@robbynholmes9507]

I was in high school when this wonderful song was a big hit and we all loved Tennessee Earnie Ford. I remember sitting around a large table with a bunch of friends singing this song at our Senior Prom, having the time of our lives, ❤❤❤

[@1171]

I loved his singing and his show. Those were the days .😊

[@constancepeterson6156]

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.

[@johnknottenbelt2727]

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.

[@kevintaylor791]

I was on a "performance improvement plan" at a job when COVID hit. The company offered loans for people affected. I sang two bars of this song in the meeting when they announced it. It came up when they were firing me.

[@jnroscoedesroches7382]

if you work in private industry the don't care you just number that can be easily replaced by another number

[@jimihendrix6969]

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.

[@maryomnes9445]

I was 10 years old when I first heard this song. It brings back memories. My parents loved this song. Just loved the way this man signed. RIP Tennessee Ernie Ford.

[@justflippingwork8049]

Still a very good song. Thank you Ernie.

[@caneloguero]

His performance put a smile on my face.

[@charlenek5401]

And dance

[@heathercody46]

Remember singing this song with Dad. Good memories ❤

[@SardonicDog]

I played this over and over on my dad’s 45 and sang and sang….

[@paulcecil3537]

An amazing man.

[@mrstamp5121]

Fabulous Voice proper talent from back in the day!

[@larryhunter2026]

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!

[@David27mk]

Song so good I had to play ⏯️ twice

[@josegarcia4633]

Fantástico. tenia 10 años

[@jimihendrix6969]

Took me a half century of hearing this song to finally get it. So it goes... Thanks for uploading this opal.

[@johnmaki3046]

This song was THE CLASSIC SALUTE TO AMERICAN WORKERS!

[@farnoushjamshidi]

It's 2024 and I owe my soul to the company store! at least people looked good back then!

[@Theredglovedman]

Onlyfans says otherwise.

[@victor-ib1jn]

​@@Theredglovedmanwont u ever realize ppl on of ve no future

[@1JDS4U]

Love Love LOVE!!!!

[@JudyCarolA]

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

[@Ladypavs]

Growing up my father sang this all time and in my house so did a recording of Tennessee Ernie Ford. Thank you for letting me touch a memory.

[@aduse7125]

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

[@alanprice4669]

#1 for 10 weeks country, 8 weeks pop. What an unmistakable voice.

[@AllisonHaefner-on2cl]

I recall this from grade school years. Reminds me of the years in Pittsburgh, PA (just a mill town when my uncles and others would stop in a bar for shots & beers (boiler makers) before work. The ovens and blast furnaces they worked next to were so hot & so scary; that was how they got their courage up each day-just to go to work. It was their job.

[@robertgift]

I'm from North Hills. Remember this on B&W TV. Surprised thathey stopped BEFORE work. After is understandable. Pittsburgh air was dirty from the blast furnaces in the 1950s. Loved seeing the frightening Tesla Coil's lightning at the Buhl Planetarium. Magnificent pipe organ at St. Paul Cathedral. West View Amusement Park.

[@xagatal]

disturbingly relatable

[@BrittaDavison]

Playing this over the office speaker at work rn😂

[@SamThiebaud89]

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

[@nickxcore74]

My late Mum and Dad introduced me to this song and it’s always been one of my favourites. The sad thing is, the lyrics are so relatable today, because it reflects on how life is for the average working man nowadays. Slaving away for peanuts, being totally unappreciated by your employer while struggling to keep your head above water.

[@PeterPsn-z9o]

Such a wonderful song , great story , fantastic back beat . Timed gone past.

[@JenniferKAUFFMAN-s8w]

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

[@roadreeler57]

Great song ,timeless....

[@mullen25]

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.

[@FrankBarnwell-xi8my]

He was on radio and known before this. 100w voice. Butter smooth