Which country legend recorded the 1955 song “Sixteen Tons,” a major hit about coal-mining hardship?

Tennessee Ernie Ford recorded the 1955 song “Sixteen Tons,” a major hit about coal-mining hardship. Ford’s version was adapted from a song written by Merle Travis, whose family background included Kentucky coal mining. The recording used a distinctive rhythm and Ford’s deep, conversational vocal style.

Released on Capitol Records, “Sixteen Tons” became one of Ford’s signature songs and reached No. 1 on both the Billboard pop and country charts. Its narrator describes dangerous work, debt at the company store, and the feeling of being trapped by employment and financial obligations.

The song is sometimes mistakenly credited entirely to Ford, but Travis wrote it and first recorded it in 1947. Ford’s 1955 interpretation, however, made the composition internationally famous and permanently linked it with the country and folk traditions surrounding American coal towns.