Jeff Beck and ZZ Top - Ernie Ford's SIXTEEN TONS

This song is dedicated to the other 98%. Let's go out and get the Vote!

[Wilkins_Micawber]

Ernie Fords version is probably my earliest musical memory of my life. I am now 77. I must say I like this version sang with such grit.

[davidpeters]

For the record the young lady playing bass is Tal Wikenfeld, she is well regarded session musician and bassist, she has played including Gibbons and Beck, but also Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Herbie Hancock, Todd Rundgren, and others

[videoinformer]

Tennessee Ernie Ford released this big hit in 1947, nearly 10 years before the birth of Rock and Roll.
It's fantastic not only to see ZZ Top's innovative cover, but the great respect, credit, and tribute they show to the talented man most of their audience likely never heard of.

[KevinAckrivo]

Jeff Beck always looked like he was having such a good time when performing live! RIP my friend

[maryraymond]

I always considered '16 Tons' one of the ultimate blues songs. Love Ford's version, and I love this one, too. It's a song that should never become buried or forgotten.

[jameshepler]

My grandfather Al Hepler was an underground coal miner, he died as a miner did ... of Black Lung.
His sacrifice powers our family to this day.
The true meaning of 16 tons and it’s cost; so embodied in this classic song is not lost on us.
Thanks for keeping this song and the work of miners in mind.
Thank You Grandpa Hepler with all my heart !
Never Forget !

[Outspoken.Humanist]

Sublime. This is what rock is all about. Not mocking the old ones or trying to be better but paying tribute and moving it on.

[jackhoffmann]

Two of the best guitarists in history playing a great song it doesn't get any better.

[MikeBrown-iipt]

I've always liked 16 tons but this takes it to a whole new level. This is, honestly, the best cover of the song that I've ever heard.

[bbcala]

Damn as a trucker for over 35 years and still listening to the old trucker music all I can say is Damn that was very satisfying. Smokin hot 🔥. Just might have to jam down the highway with that tonight. Com on

[cindytravis]

Hey All.   I'm Merle Travis's daughter and have to say this is a wonderful rendition of my Dad's song.  Love it & love all the comments!  If any of you knew him or met him. I would love to hear from you. 
Cindy Travis

[MsLimelighter]

i am so glad SOMEONE realized this song should not die!

[davidstout]

Oddly enough this works very well and I'm old enough to remember the original.

[slatsgrobneck]

Very cool that Ernie Ford himself was on the screen!
Loved this version.

[comontoshi]

Tennessee Ernie Ford! That took me back to the DAY! Jeff Beck and ZZTop . . . what a combo! 😁👍👍👏👏🥂🥂

[mikehammer]

Now that was ONE HELL OF A TRIBUTE. Freaking awesome.

[davebeach]

Isn't it amazing how good songs can be interpreted many ways while sounding fresh. Ernie might have liked that.

[DucksDeLucks]

That's great that they had Tennessee Ernie on the screen behind them. It was his trademark song and I am old enough to have seen him sing in on his variety show! Great job by the band. Tal looks so good in green -- or anything (-:

[ketelbinky]

Thanks to my Dad, I learned this song by heart, though I spoke no English. Now I speak English and am listening on my computer. The first time I heard this song was on my dad's record player in the early 50's. Love this rendition. Been coming back to it for a few years now.

[jimwood]

Tennessee Ernie Ford would have absolutely Loved That.."God Bless His Little Pea Picking Heart" May he rest well. Thanks for this. Jim