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Who did the best job ever singing "Sixteen Tons" by Merle Travis?
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June 21st, 2011
I think this is one of the great American songs. Merle Travis banged out ’‘Sixteen Tons’’ and a half dozen other “new folk songs” in one night to complete a box album of 78s released in 1946. The release was intended to capitalize on the 40s fascination with American folk music. “Sixteen Tons” didn’t take off as a hit till Tennessee Ernie Ford recorded it in 1956. Since it became a hit, many great artists have released their own version of it. Here are just a few.
Merle Travis
Tennessee Ernie Ford
Johnny Cash
Eric Burdon
Stevie Wonder
Others include Bo DIddley, The Platters, RIchie Milton. If you know of a better version, search for a clip to it and post a link.. Don’t feel limited to the above list. Hey, if you’ve done a better job singing it yourself, and can post a YouTube clip, you’re in the running too. Who made this song the most real to you?
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