Song of the Day: Tennessee Ernie Ford “16 Tons”

Tennessee Ford 16 Tons

Here’s a May Day special from the late country and gospel star Tennessee Ernie Ford, “16 Tons.” The song was first recorded in 1946 by Merle Travis, but Ford had a number one hit with it in 1955 and will forever be associated with it.

Here are a few different versions: 1.) Ford’s original version 2.) a souped up swinging 60’s go-go version 3.) one from Brazil by Funk Como Le Gusta and 4.) Noriel Vilela’s impossible baritone version soundtracking Heineken’s cruise ship commercial (the complete promotional short Odyssey Film is here). Workers of the world unite!

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