Tennessee Ernie Ford - Sixteen Tons (1955) "Sixteen Tons," performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1955, became an iconic anthem reflecting the struggles of American workers, particularly coal miners. With Ford's deep baritone, the song vividly depicts the harsh realities of labor and debt under the company store system. Originally written by Merle Travis in 1946, inspired by the coal mining hardships in Kentucky, the song resonated with Ford, whose rendition cemented its place in American music hi

16 tons (Merle Travis) by The Possum Scratchers, vid by Juliette Lane . Steady Steve tellin’ it how it is . Straight from the heart . Catfish never heard it and Hoppy never played it. Heh! Heh! We need more of that Steady . Hope all yous kind, staunch folks can get joy outa this song , a pride that comes from workin’ hard and lookin’ after yer loved one’s and fellow workers no matter what yer job is . Thanks fer yer support. Love Yous . The Possum Scratchers from Biripi Country, NSW, Australia.