“I Owe My Soul to….”
Sound Beat
Friday, August 6, 2021 -
Merle Travis recorded the original 16 tons in 1946…though he did have a little help with its legacy.
You’re on the Sound Beat.
The lyrics of Sixteen Tons paint a grim picture of a Kentucky coal miner’s life.
Tennessee Ernie Ford took a shine to the song, recording and releasing it as a B-side to “You Don’t Have to Be a Baby to Cry” in October of ‘55. Two months later, it was the greatest selling single of all time.
Travis would express his thanks onstage, frequently changing the last stanza to “I owe my soul to… Tennessee Ernie Ford.”
Subscribe to this podcast
Riverton Weather
-
Sat
82°F
-
Sun
77°F
-
Mon
73°F
-
Tue
79°F
Currently playing on Delmarva FM
-
Laura Flanders Show
6:30am - 7:00am
Leads the field in new economy media, reporting on the social critics, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs who are building tomorrow's world today.
Coming up on Delmarva FM
-
Thinkwing Radio
7:00am - 8:00am
We talk about anything and everything. My interests are many and varied, and the show reflects that. Topics include domestic and international politics, public policy, society and culture.
-
Radio Curious
8:00am - 8:30am
Barry Vogel. I like to ask questions about life and ideas. These interviews provide some answers.