Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Tennessee Ernie Ford song about coal mining hit No. 1 60 years ago

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Johnny Cash, Tennessee Ernie Ford
American country singer Johnny Cash, left, stood beside country singer Tennessee Ernie Ford in a promotional still for the television special "Country Comes Home," circa 1973.
NBC Television | Getty Images 1973

Today's Morning Edition music is from "Sixteen Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford, which was No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart 60 years ago Tuesday.

The song was written and first performed in 1946 by Merle Travis. It's about the life of a Kentucky coal miner.

Travis' father worked in a mine and used to say that he owed his soul to the company store. He described how miners would not get paid in cash. Instead, they were given "scrip" that could only be redeemed for goods sold in the company store. In addition, miners often lived in company-owned dormitories and their rent was deducted from their pay.