Tennessee Ernie Ford Tells The Hardships of A Coal Miner in His Song “Sixteen Tons”
by
- Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
- Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
- Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.
In 1955, Tennessee Ernie Ford recorded “Sixteen Tons” as the B-side of his cover of Moon Mullican’s “You Don’t Have to Be a Baby to Cry.”
With the Tennessee native’s snapping fingers and a unique clarinet-driven pop arrangement, the song quickly became a million-seller. It held Billboard’s country music chart’s No. 1 position for ten weeks, then crossed over and held the No. 1 position on the pop music chart for eight weeks.
Moreover, Ford’s version was also the most successful, spending four weeks at No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart.
Trending
Up Next
Latest Stories
Parker McCollum Claps Back After Oliver Anthony Hints at Autotune Allegations
After viral sensation Oliver Anthony shared some candid—and controversial—thoughts about the music industry, country music fans were abuzz recently. The conversation escalated when Anthony hinted that a mainstream country artist ...
The Timeless Legacy of Randy Travis’ Grammy-Winning “Forever and Ever, Amen”
When it comes to country music that stands the test of time, Randy Travis is the name that echoes through the halls of history. His deep, resonant voice and unparalleled ...
Phil Robertson Faces Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Amid Blood Disease Complications
The Robertson family, known for their Duck Dynasty fame, has revealed concerning news about their beloved patriarch, Phil Robertson. On a recent episode of their podcast, Unashamed with the Robertson ...
Earliest Known Country Music Recording Discovered, Dating Back to 1891
Country music has always been a storytelling tradition, weaving the trials and triumphs of everyday life into melodies that stand the test of time. While most fans trace the roots ...
The All-American Rejects Reveal “Dirty Little Secret” Started as a Country Song
Who would’ve thought? The All-American Rejects, those emo-rock icons of the 2000s, recently revealed a surprising twist about one of their biggest hits. During an interview on the Zach Sang ...
Zach Top Revives John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold” With a Neotraditional Twist
Zach Top is quickly solidifying his place as one of country music’s most exciting rising stars. Hailing from Sunnyside, Washington, Zach brings a neotraditional flair to his music that feels ...
Revisiting the Time Dolly Parton and Country Queens Sang Together on Burt Reynolds’ Show
Burt Reynolds may be best remembered as a Hollywood icon. Still, in the early ’90s, he brought country music royalty together for an unforgettable moment in television history. On his ...
Mainstream Media Tried to Cancel Chris Stapleton, But Fans Rallied Behind Him
Chris Stapleton’s dominance at the 2024 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards was not without controversy. As he walked away with Single of the Year and Song of the Year for ...
Oliver Anthony Criticizes Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” Album as “Complete Trash”
Oliver Anthony is no stranger to controversy. Known for his unapologetic stance against the mainstream music industry, the artist behind “Rich Men North of Richmond” recently turned his attention to ...
Oliver Anthony Slams Nashville’s Music Industry for Prioritizing Profits Over Authenticity
Oliver Anthony, the breakout star whose hit “Rich Men North of Richmond” skyrocketed him to fame, has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with the music business’s ...