September 4th, 2007
Sixteen Tons
Mark Steyn writes about one of my favorite songs, Sixteen Tons:
At the time, there was another version out by Johnny Desmond. I like Desmond’s voice but it’s too smooth and creamy. Ford’s big bass growl is just right, man enough to sound like a guy tough enough to work in a mine and thereby to underline the sense of diminishment, of a big man rendered small by his economic circumstance.
As usual, Steyn’s commentary is very interesting. He brings up how the song is so tied to Tennesse Ernie Ford’s version. Tennessee Ernie Ford’s voice is distinctive. I really like it. Especially when he sings hymns. Perhaps my favorite songs by him are Angles Have Heard On High, Hark the Herald Angel Sings, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, particularly the last.