MERLE TRAVIS - Sixteen Tons

Merle Travis

• Category

  Music

[TheCoverHeaven]

The original version was recorded in 1946 by Merle Travis.

Tennessee Ernie Ford recorded it in 1955.

Cause many believe that the original is by Tennessee Ernie Ford.

[BlueRIff63]

Dark tune about dark times. Legendary. My old man grew up in 20's and 30's in coal mine town in western KY. Dirt poor, barely subsistence living and it is true you were in debt to coal company with no way out. Black lung, mine accidents and violence between men was very common. My dad witnessed two murders - one including friends - and knew of a few others - all in a small town. This tune is viewed as an old time quaint country tune, but it subject is pretty grim. With WWII, my dad escaped.

[Brock Lee]

im not saying youre wrong for thinking that im sure you did read that places, but Merle Travis at one point even gave George S. Davis writing credit for this song.

[Tony2581]

None of the experts believe that Davis wrote "Sixteen Tons". Merle wrote "Dark As A Dungeon", "Sixteen Tons" and "Nine Pound Hammer", all classics, in a 2-week period.

[Brock Lee]

nope. a man named George S. Davis was the original. wrote it in the 30s. its pretty messed up that this tv show is telling people he wrote this song and hes not denying it.  merle DID record the first cover of the song. but was not the original. written by George S. Davis.

[Lwislol]

Interesting story, thank you for sharing!

[dansdotcom]

Merle Proclaimed on his last Album he did with this song on it " I OWE MY SOUL TO TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD" in the last line of the song

[zackfromtheburgh]

Prefer Chevy Chase's version..

[Patrick O'Donnell]

I would've liked to hear Django Rienhart play this.

[Joshua Hull]

I like Tennessee Ernie Ford's version a little bit better because his voice is deeper, I don't know why I like it better.

[sophiewhitehead88]

haha ikr c: nice to meet another nerdfighter!