Sixteen Tons

Tennessee Ernie Ford Sixteen Tons 1957

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

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.

#tennesseeernieford #thefordshow #sixteentons

[a.m.mcconnell]

I grew up listening to that great voice and crazy wit!

[JuanitaThompson-cmtq]

My Dad would sing this. He worked with his hands. RIP Daddy.❤

[karzee]

Many have tried, but NOBODY sings this song better!

[georgecarini]

My Mother loved Tennessee Ernie Ford. I really miss her.

[stephaniec]

I remember hearing this song growing up. The good ole days. ❤

[titusmaximus]

Song wrote by Merle Travis first recorded in Hollywood California 1946

[victoriaorme]

I remember this. My Mother also loved him.

[JaySkunkWorks]

I change the lyrics to "Sanit Peter won't you come and take me away, Because I owe my soul to the company store".

[annette]

I remember him on "I Love Lucy" but he was a regular on tv in the early 60's. That voice!

[goodcitizen]

He was one of my father’s favorites. We even had his Xmas album. His O Holy Night will send shivers down your spine.

[kalahandarablades]

My grandmother loved his music she had an 8track of hymns used to listen to them all the time

[williamdonahue]

Just two words and two finger-snaps into this song, and you know what it is and who is singing it. No wonder it was a huge hit.

[mindyspencer]

I was singing along with the radio when I was 6. Loved this song!

[CaGirl]

My great grandparents were very good friends with him! We have a ton of photos of him w my Nanny & Poppa in the family album.

[georgefurman]

The song “ El barzon “ of Mexico’s people experience reflects the same sentiment of this song. And the reason for the Mexican revolution of 1910. Still struggling to change our world both nation’s people today in 2024.

[marylawson]

Love Ernie ❤ and amazing voice for hymns and gospel songs 🎵 you are missed 😢

[terryrussel]

His album "The Star Carol" is my all time favorite Christmas music.

[whiskeythrottle]

The South Park episode with the Amazon workers and Butters dad. This is hilarious!

[sweetbean]

Both of my grandfathers were coal miners. I grew up hearing about the script paid by the company that could only be spent at the compny store or used to pay rent for a company (camp) house. Workers were never paid with US dollars. Basically, they were owned by the owners of the coal mine.

[cjn]

Never heard this original. Just know it from Joe vs the volcano. Good to know the roots.