Jeff Beck and ZZ Top - Ernie Ford's SIXTEEN TONS

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  • Опубликовано: 28 апр 2012
  • This song is dedicated to the other 98%. Let's go out and get the Vote!
    GET YOUR MOJO WORKING • GET YOUR MOJO WORKING ...
    SUSIE Q • SUSIE Q - John Fogerty...
    JIMI HENDRIX 12 STRING BLUES • JIMI HENDRIX 12 STRING...
    The Real Life • THE REAL LIFE - INDIVO...
  • ВидеоклипыВидеоклипы

Комментарии • 2,8 тыс.

  • @davidpeters4129
    @davidpeters4129 2 года назад +1173

    For the record the young lady playing bass is Tal Wikenfeld, she is well regarded session musician and bassist, she has played including Gibbons and Beck, but also Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Herbie Hancock, Todd Rundgren, and others

    • @AnnDroid877
      @AnnDroid877 2 года назад +39

      Thanks for the info.

    • @MrJohnnyDistortion
      @MrJohnnyDistortion 2 года назад +27

      Quite a talent

    • @jlrhodes628
      @jlrhodes628 Год назад +31

      @@MrJohnnyDistortion And cute too!

    • @kevinoneill41
      @kevinoneill41 Год назад +9

      Thanks for the info

    • @jakemustian99
      @jakemustian99 Год назад +7

      Thanks for this. For a minute i thought that was kaitlin denver. Thats eve baxter from last man standing

  • @videoinformer
    @videoinformer Год назад +542

    Tennessee Ernie Ford released this big hit in 1947, nearly 10 years before the birth of Rock and Roll.
    It's fantastic not only to see ZZ Top's innovative cover, but the great respect, credit, and tribute they show to the talented man most of their audience likely never heard of.

    • @longtallsambo
      @longtallsambo Год назад +25

      And I believe the song was written by the great guitarist Merle Travis!

    • @sharvo6
      @sharvo6 Год назад +13

      It was a favorite in our house growing up.

    • @saintnificent5532
      @saintnificent5532 Год назад +14

      Uh...THAT'S NOT ZZ TOP!

    • @MarcTinroofcat
      @MarcTinroofcat Год назад +32

      Merle Travis, who wrote the song, released it in 1947. Tennessee Ernie's great cover was released in 1955!

    • @Frankyz84
      @Frankyz84 Год назад +15

      @@longtallsambo Yes, first written and released by Merle Travis in 1947, Tennessee Ford did not cover it till 1955.

  • @Outspoken.Humanist
    @Outspoken.Humanist 3 года назад +872

    Sublime. This is what rock is all about. Not mocking the old ones or trying to be better but paying tribute and moving it on.

    • @barreloffun10
      @barreloffun10 2 года назад +10

      Hell yeah!

    • @emmatrot77
      @emmatrot77 2 года назад +5

      100%

    • @davidyoung5018
      @davidyoung5018 2 года назад +1

      Just keep on keeping on, people!!!!
      Fuck Covid
      Screw Putin
      Just live your life by the sermon on the mount...
      Be kind
      And love your Mom

    • @robertbauck6796
      @robertbauck6796 2 года назад +19

      The instrumentals fit ZZ Top. The tune and the tempo of the vocals stay pretty true to the original. I was on a bit of 'Sixteen Tons kick and came across this. I'm impressed. I also like the inclusion of Tennessee Ernie on the big screen.

    • @michelemcintyre9749
      @michelemcintyre9749 Год назад

      Agree 100%!

  • @maryraymond3675
    @maryraymond3675 3 года назад +283

    I always considered '16 Tons' one of the ultimate blues songs. Love Ford's version, and I love this one, too. It's a song that should never become buried or forgotten.

    • @noahleek9696
      @noahleek9696 2 года назад +1

      Do you like Johnny Cashes version?

    • @stevendallman8938
      @stevendallman8938 2 года назад +8

      It was written and originally performed by Merle Travis. Ford covered it.

    • @zodarian6705
      @zodarian6705 Год назад +1

      @@noahleek9696 I didn't know Johnny did a version now I'm going to have to look for that thanks for the info

    • @scottwilliams8334
      @scottwilliams8334 Год назад

      I've got a 45 of Ernie's version.

    • @Mr.EeToMyself
      @Mr.EeToMyself Год назад +1

      @@stevendallman8938What it meant was the most important.

  • @jameshepler62
    @jameshepler62 3 года назад +928

    My grandfather Al Hepler was an underground coal miner, he died as a miner did ... of Black Lung.
    His sacrifice powers our family to this day.
    The true meaning of 16 tons and it’s cost; so embodied in this classic song is not lost on us.
    Thanks for keeping this song and the work of miners in mind.
    Thank You Grandpa Hepler with all my heart !
    Never Forget !

    • @jackkielty8241
      @jackkielty8241 3 года назад +36

      One of my earliest and saddest memories is of watching my own grandfather die of black lung as well. He worked the mines from the time he was twelve years old right up until a few years before he died. He earned his living with a shovel in his hands and managed to support his family the only way he knew how. He passed on about sixty years ago but needless to say he will be with me until we meet again.

    • @scottyb3511
      @scottyb3511 3 года назад +28

      My grandfather was a coal miner. Never knew him. Died (black lung) before i was born.

    • @alandaggett2156
      @alandaggett2156 3 года назад +15

      James, I am very sorry you lost your father to that terrible disease. Thank you for your short tribute to him. My father was not a miner & he lived a full life. The 2 ways I honor him are through my dedication to baseball & my gratitude for our military. He served 22 years in the Army.

    • @sarahann530
      @sarahann530 2 года назад +4

      He was just a miner ,thousands of them died hacking up a lung . 🫁

    • @PolPotsPieHole
      @PolPotsPieHole 2 года назад +27

      Sorry for your loss, I lost my grandpa to black lung in 1998
      We found a Bronze Star hidden in his drawer after he passed. He never mentioned it or the war. What a Generation

  • @cindytravis346
    @cindytravis346 10 лет назад +2173

    Hey All. I'm Merle Travis's daughter and have to say this is a wonderful rendition of my Dad's song. Love it & love all the comments! If any of you knew him or met him. I would love to hear from you.
    Cindy Travis

    • @cindytravis346
      @cindytravis346 10 лет назад +72

      Tony2581 No, I live in So. Calif. where I was born, and where Merle lived when he was married to my mom, June Hayden, &was recording for Captiol records back in 1952. Thanks for the compliments on my Dad's music.

    • @junioraraujo178
      @junioraraujo178 7 лет назад +4

      foda-se

    • @paulsimmons5726
      @paulsimmons5726 7 лет назад +41

      cindy travis - Cindy, my dad always said that your dad was the best one-man band ever. My dad was a great guitar player but he always marveled at Merle's guitar work. Dad's been gone close to 40 years now but I still enjoy listening to the great songs from Merle Travis.

    • @shiningglaive1508
      @shiningglaive1508 7 лет назад +26

      He's credited with the fingerstyle Travis picking. He played banjo too, didn't he? He's a Legend of Rock Country Pop and he influenced TONS of us. everyday.

    • @rodneybissell3628
      @rodneybissell3628 7 лет назад +22

      cindy travis Much Love and Respect !!

  • @Wilkins_Micawber
    @Wilkins_Micawber 5 месяцев назад +30

    Ernie Fords version is probably my earliest musical memory of my life. I am now 77. I must say I like this version sang with such grit.

  • @MikeBrown-ii3pt
    @MikeBrown-ii3pt 2 года назад +755

    I've always liked 16 tons but this takes it to a whole new level. This is, honestly, the best cover of the song that I've ever heard.

    • @adameckard4591
      @adameckard4591 2 года назад +9

      Try the Eric Burden version in the movie Joe vs the Volcano. Good stuff too.

    • @stephenwhittier6439
      @stephenwhittier6439 2 года назад +14

      I could not disagree more.

    • @charlesstrouss
      @charlesstrouss Год назад +2

      @@adameckard4591 very cool, thanks for the tip

    • @Epicfunk
      @Epicfunk Год назад +11

      It's ZZ Top, you know it's going to be legendary!!!

    • @markvanpelt5583
      @markvanpelt5583 Год назад +4

      I wonder what they could do with 'Big John'...

  • @MsLimelighter
    @MsLimelighter 8 лет назад +886

    i am so glad SOMEONE realized this song should not die!

    • @gordonshumway2532
      @gordonshumway2532 5 лет назад +10

      great music never dies

    • @jimbomccloskey2456
      @jimbomccloskey2456 5 лет назад +3

      Magnificent 😎🏇✌️ giddy up

    • @MonaLisa-lf3vv
      @MonaLisa-lf3vv 4 года назад +1

      MANY of them , EARNED BLOOD, SWEAT, SORO, TEARS-

    • @coryburns1905
      @coryburns1905 4 года назад

      Along with ROCK AND ROLL will never die

    • @JeffMiletich
      @JeffMiletich 4 года назад

      Minneapolis band "thw=e April Fools" cover it. ruclips.net/video/lCVYW6EPivw/видео.html

  • @davidstout6051
    @davidstout6051 5 лет назад +550

    Oddly enough this works very well and I'm old enough to remember the original.

    • @Littlebird50
      @Littlebird50 5 лет назад +13

      Me too

    • @Forevertrue
      @Forevertrue 4 года назад +21

      Nothing odd about it. Greatness works. I Liked Tennessee Ernie myself unashamedly.

    • @da.reverend
      @da.reverend 4 года назад +12

      Me, too. On both counts.

    • @jeanettewaverly2590
      @jeanettewaverly2590 4 года назад +17

      Yeah. I had my doubts but I clicked on it anyway. Mighty glad I did!

    • @davidwillingham567
      @davidwillingham567 4 года назад +7

      Yes it does I was amazed

  • @jackhoffmann8646
    @jackhoffmann8646 8 месяцев назад +46

    Two of the best guitarists in history playing a great song it doesn't get any better.

  • @user-qh9ep1wf1o
    @user-qh9ep1wf1o 10 месяцев назад +20

    Jeff Beck always looked like he was having such a good time when performing live! RIP my friend

  • @mikehammer8737
    @mikehammer8737 4 года назад +289

    Now that was ONE HELL OF A TRIBUTE. Freaking awesome.

  • @davebeach2343
    @davebeach2343 3 года назад +284

    Isn't it amazing how good songs can be interpreted many ways while sounding fresh. Ernie might have liked that.

    • @timroden6617
      @timroden6617 2 года назад +10

      Ernie would be applauding the interpretation. This is brilliant.

    • @Tattman111
      @Tattman111 2 года назад +3

      Ernie would have bowed before Billy and thanked him!

    • @deusexaethera
      @deusexaethera 2 года назад +7

      Considering it wasn't Ernie's song to begin with, he would've enthusiastically agreed.

    • @comontoshi
      @comontoshi Год назад +5

      “Tennessee” Ernie would have LOVED that cover, trust me! 👍😁

    • @kevinmcgiffin10
      @kevinmcgiffin10 Год назад +2

      OH YES HE WOULD !!!✌

  • @cahg3871
    @cahg3871 2 года назад +244

    It doesn’t get any better-Brother Billy and JB playing one of the most iconic songs ever recorded together.Thanks for posting.👍✌️

  • @comontoshi
    @comontoshi Год назад +59

    Tennessee Ernie Ford! That took me back to the DAY! Jeff Beck and ZZTop . . . what a combo! 😁👍👍👏👏🥂🥂

    • @SusieVKaufman
      @SusieVKaufman 4 месяца назад

      Why are so many of you leaving out Tal in your compliments?

  • @thebackyardbear
    @thebackyardbear 3 года назад +501

    Billy is quite possibly the coolest man to ever walk the Earth.

    • @bubbag5888
      @bubbag5888 3 года назад +9

      if you see me comin' better step aside...

    • @427bullis
      @427bullis 3 года назад +3

      Keith is

    • @plrndl
      @plrndl 3 года назад +5

      Cool, yes. Cooler than Jeff (or Keef)?

    • @selinaboston9982
      @selinaboston9982 3 года назад +5

      Agreed

    • @jonnyrox116
      @jonnyrox116 3 года назад +2

      Earth?

  • @DucksDeLucks
    @DucksDeLucks 8 лет назад +739

    That's great that they had Tennessee Ernie on the screen behind them. It was his trademark song and I am old enough to have seen him sing in on his variety show! Great job by the band. Tal looks so good in green -- or anything (-:

    • @donwatkins5893
      @donwatkins5893 7 лет назад +18

      Tal is beautiful.

    • @randyphillips2263
      @randyphillips2263 7 лет назад +16

      Tal is great

    • @sonsofthunder915
      @sonsofthunder915 7 лет назад +10

      Huh ? Tal looks better in nothing.

    • @donrutter6765
      @donrutter6765 6 лет назад +2

      I didnt think Tennessee had a beard. Wow, there are a lot of prerecorded midi tracks sneaking through the console. I thought Billy was out of that stuff in the 80's with Sharp dressed man and fake drums and keyboards in the studio. I think the vocals are prerecorded too, but its hard to tell singing through a distortion box. Very cool song.

    • @howardfortyfive9676
      @howardfortyfive9676 5 лет назад +4

      +DucksDeLucks Before I was born I was listening to CW with Buck Owens Ernie & laughin' my butt off at Minnie Pearl's antics *in Beautiful black and white.*

  • @ketelbinky
    @ketelbinky 3 года назад +94

    Thanks to my Dad, I learned this song by heart, though I spoke no English. Now I speak English and am listening on my computer. The first time I heard this song was on my dad's record player in the early 50's. Love this rendition. Been coming back to it for a few years now.

    • @davidanderson8469
      @davidanderson8469 Год назад +2

      Welcome proud immigrants who want to assimilate and prreserve their heritage. You're in short supply these days especially the last three.

    • @rickrobitaille8809
      @rickrobitaille8809 Месяц назад

      ​@@davidanderson8469😂🇨🇦🇺🇸🌐🎶

  • @brianbole6139
    @brianbole6139 Год назад +12

    Rest In Peace , Jeff Beck - 24 June 1944 - 10 January 2023

  • @joeybologny6746
    @joeybologny6746 7 лет назад +232

    Tennessee Ernie Ford stood in my front yard and sang this song for us in Mt Vernon IL in 1963-4. :)

    • @joeybologny6746
      @joeybologny6746 7 лет назад +4

      Tennesee Ernie Ford's room mate in college was our neighbor, Dr George Waters of Mt Vernon IL. Ford came for a visit. No bologna here... :0

    • @joeybologny6746
      @joeybologny6746 7 лет назад +14

      His college room mate was my next door neighbor, Dr Geo Waters, DDS. Doctor Waters arranged a meet and greet and admonished one and all to not ask him to sing. Naturally, my Mom said "sing 16 Tons" and he very graciously started patting his thigh ala Buck Owens and sang the chorus for us.
      So there you have "the rest of the story"...
      PS: He drove an Eldorado with steer horns that mooed, and passed out silver dollars to us kids.
      :)

    • @gcrain464
      @gcrain464 6 лет назад +1

      Ernie didn't make it to McLeansboro where I lived in 64/65 but, Jimmy Dean did and we were fans of the two. On a side note ,our family doctor was the infamous Dr. Cavaness and my grandmother worked at the Methodist Children's Home with Rev. Paul Motzer in Mount Vernon.

    • @jefffoxx2940
      @jefffoxx2940 5 лет назад +1

      Moved to my. Vernon in 88. Didn't know Tennessee did that. What an Awesome memory. Way COOOL

    • @muffa9125
      @muffa9125 4 года назад +3

      someone poured a bottle of washer fluid on the snowman in my yard and he started singing I'll have a blue christmas. ☃️

  • @slatsgrobneck7515
    @slatsgrobneck7515 Год назад +35

    Very cool that Ernie Ford himself was on the screen!
    Loved this version.

  • @bryannelson6139
    @bryannelson6139 Год назад +46

    Like others have said, they took a very good song, and made it even better. Two of the greatest guitarists in history, make it even greater

    • @dontaylor7315
      @dontaylor7315 Год назад +2

      This version is top-notch folk rock but as for the song itself there's no way to "make it even greater." The thumbnail notwithstanding, it's Merle Travis's song not Tennessee Ernie's - and it's an awesome song whether it's performed by Ford, Travis, Doc Watson or ZZ Top & Beck.
      EDIT: I think I heard a terrific rendition of it by Big Bill Broonzy too.

  • @ckelly1472
    @ckelly1472 3 года назад +91

    I never thought I would live to see Ernie's song this way. Love it, and was pleased to see the screen with Ernie.

  • @dandille3101
    @dandille3101 4 года назад +106

    This made the hair stand up on my neck. I watched Tennessee Ernie Ford sing this on his daytime show years and years ago. They did it just right.

  • @1wirey
    @1wirey 3 года назад +45

    This song is awesome to begin with. Telling the story of hard working miners way up in the hills who barely got enough pay to begin with and then had spend it in the stores owned by the mining companies. Hence “owe my soul to the company store”

  • @goodtohaveinajam8148
    @goodtohaveinajam8148 3 года назад +85

    Realized I've been intently listening to--and hearing music for fifty years. This rendition gave me chills, it was soooo good. They set the beat so, that Billy totally lip synced with Ernie, and he never looked backward to even see it. These are professionals, at the top of their game.

  • @jeffschielka7845
    @jeffschielka7845 Год назад +7

    Tal is AWESOME. R.I.P. Jeff. The greatest guitarist EVER. 🎸🎸🎸⚘⚘⚘🕊🕊🕊

  • @bouncer71cp
    @bouncer71cp 7 лет назад +246

    Song is older than the bass player and 99% of the audience and is still simply awesome.

    • @mwm48
      @mwm48 5 лет назад +23

      bouncer71cp Their beards are older than that bass player.

    • @kevingooley9628
      @kevingooley9628 5 лет назад

      @@mwm48 hahahahahahahaha!! 😂

    • @terri200026
      @terri200026 5 лет назад +3

      @@mwm48 Now you made me laugh. LoL. Good shot.

    • @Guitarplayer724
      @Guitarplayer724 5 лет назад +7

      The song is older than Billy Gibbons too.

    • @GreenJeep1998
      @GreenJeep1998 5 лет назад +1

      @@Guitarplayer724 I was going to say that this song maybe be older than him and Beck.

  • @victoriapowers5628
    @victoriapowers5628 2 года назад +73

    I remember my mom listening to Ernie Ford sing this song by Merle Travis. She'd dance around the room clicking her fingers like she was all that! And now thanks to Jeff Beck and Billy Gibbons I'm rockin' it around my living room snapping my fingers! This is by far one of THE best tune-ups of an already awesome song that I have ever heard! Ernie Ford singing it on the backdrop -perfecto!! It's now on every one of my playlists. Thank you all

  • @johnspooner1403
    @johnspooner1403 Год назад +20

    I like the chugging, relentless groove, exactly the way to play it. Like a coal mine with its machines and miners, always going.

  • @viper2148
    @viper2148 2 года назад +42

    A little useless trivia: Jimi Hendrix once said Billy Gibbons was the best guitarist he'd ever heard, and when Jimi first arrived in London the one guitarist he wanted to meet was Jeff Beck.

    • @swimbikerunesq
      @swimbikerunesq 4 месяца назад +6

      Well done, and thanks for your comment. Few people appreciate the Reverend Willy G’s greatness.

    • @Duck_Dodgers
      @Duck_Dodgers 12 дней назад

      That's where he met Billy gibbons

  • @t4texastomjohnnycat978
    @t4texastomjohnnycat978 4 года назад +37

    Great tribute to "The old pea-picker" from beautiful Bristol, Tennessee. As everyone knows, this song was originally written AND recorded by the legendary guitarist Merle Travis ten years before Tennessee Ernie did it in 1955.🎸

    • @michaelterrell
      @michaelterrell 2 года назад +1

      It is still played on WSM once in a while.

  • @nthom1956
    @nthom1956 6 лет назад +51

    Giving away my age here, but I've had the good fortune of seeing Tennessee Ernie Ford, Jeff Beck and ZZ Top all perform live during my lifetime. Watching this brings a smile to face and a tear to the eye at the same time!

    • @jamesbenedict7206
      @jamesbenedict7206 5 лет назад

      Do you have the t-shirts to prove it?

    • @DLRyoung
      @DLRyoung 3 года назад +5

      @@jamesbenedict7206 we don’t need no stinking t-shirts. We got grey hair and wrinkles. 😘

    • @TXLorenzo
      @TXLorenzo 2 года назад +1

      @@jamesbenedict7206 They didn't do t-shirts back then.

    • @michaelterrell
      @michaelterrell 2 года назад +1

      @@DLRyoung I was completely gray at 20. I was 17 in the photo by my name. It was taken over 50 years ago.

    • @jayr526
      @jayr526 Год назад

      @@DLRyoung Amén. Preach it, brother.

  • @BJMauck
    @BJMauck 2 года назад +92

    Jeff Beck and Billy Gibbons…what a concert that would have been! Love their version of 16 Tons! 🤘🤘

    • @dmeachy
      @dmeachy 2 года назад

      Not to mention Tal Wilkenfeld and I forget the drummers name.

    • @jayeverett5732
      @jayeverett5732 Год назад +1

      Just saw them in Dallas on 9/24/22. JB was one of the opening acts, and came out and played a couple of songs with ZZTop at the end of the show. it was just magical!

    • @dirtyharry292
      @dirtyharry292 Год назад

      @@dmeachy Vinnie Colauita

  • @billswigart
    @billswigart Год назад +9

    RIP Jeff Beck you kicked ass!

  • @ergbudster3333
    @ergbudster3333 Год назад +6

    The Rev, Beck, and Tal. This kicks ass.

  • @tonystout902
    @tonystout902 4 года назад +25

    My grandpa was a miner in West Va. I know the reality of this song. John Henry Stout Sr. Thank you for your love to me your grandson Tony

  • @michaelclarke7551
    @michaelclarke7551 2 года назад +48

    I loved the original since I was a kid , heard some covers and this is the best one I’ve heard yet!

  • @jenniferobryan3434
    @jenniferobryan3434 Год назад +15

    Version of the song it really kicks butt. I love how Billy Gibbons is literally just growling it out I love his growling vocals

  • @jeanettewaverly2590
    @jeanettewaverly2590 7 лет назад +296

    Wow. They did it. I was skeptical when I saw the title, but they did old Ernie's trademark proud!

    • @sherillhanshew2859
      @sherillhanshew2859 6 лет назад +7

      I remember Tennessee E Ford everybody in the mines zzz top too coool

    • @walterchevalier2347
      @walterchevalier2347 6 лет назад +1

      Amarrillo by morning

    • @johncaash7868
      @johncaash7868 6 лет назад +3

      Really? You didn't think 2 of the finest guitar players in the world could pull off a simple 3 chord song?

    • @j.markwhite6707
      @j.markwhite6707 6 лет назад +2

      J.Mark....
      RoadRunner 69
      Minneapolis, Minnesota

    • @themalt-tonesbandnorthof8m593
      @themalt-tonesbandnorthof8m593 6 лет назад +1

      AH.......actually i think its a four chord song..........just sayin'

  • @Lost-In-Blank
    @Lost-In-Blank 10 месяцев назад +13

    I was born in 1954, and I remember watching Tennessee Ernie Ford on Canadian TV singing Sixteen Men so many times, always great, such a performer.
    It is a real skill to make a song like that sound good coming out of a 1960 vintage 4" oval speaker. Tennessee, you're remembered fondly. (And your technicians did a great job too.)

  • @phillipwalker6517
    @phillipwalker6517 3 года назад +16

    I first heard the original in 1955, I was thirteen and it probably set the scene for my taste in music from then on. This version is fantastic. I´ve never forgotten the words.

    • @16tons30
      @16tons30 3 года назад

      @Phillip Walker I very well remember the version they used to play on the American Forces Network radio in what should have been the year 1956. Of course, I did not get the meaning of lines such as "... another day older and deeper in debt" although I could translate the words. Only many years later did I learn what the company store system was all about. Nonetheless unforgotten song, perhaps exactly because its lyrics were so mysterious back then.

  • @bbcala9719
    @bbcala9719 2 года назад +6

    Damn as a trucker for over 35 years and still listening to the old trucker music all I can say is Damn that was very satisfying. Smokin hot 🔥. Just might have to jam down the highway with that tonight. Com on

  • @tonystakis8960
    @tonystakis8960 5 лет назад +29

    The immortal Sixteen Tons, great song from a great legendary songwriter Mr. Merle Travis!

  • @barbaracollier2272
    @barbaracollier2272 4 года назад +25

    This just blew me away, I am old enough to remember the original and this rendition was simply great

  • @HardRockMaster7577
    @HardRockMaster7577 Год назад +12

    16 Tons -- One of the first soulish songs I ever liked as a child. From a 45rpm that belonged to my father.

  • @jaytowne8016
    @jaytowne8016 3 года назад +22

    Heart warming and touching to pay homage to a song created by Merle Travis, brought to fame (and iconic status) by Tennessee Ernie Ford, and kept alive for more generations by ZZ Top.

  • @dsfeltman468134
    @dsfeltman468134 9 лет назад +319

    I unload trucks at walmart n this is our anthem

    • @mt3311
      @mt3311 8 лет назад +27

      +dsfeltman468134 This an anthem to everyone who works like a dog for a living.

    • @kakashi76767
      @kakashi76767 8 лет назад +13

      +dsfeltman468134 FORM A UNION DUMMY!!!!

    • @Gregorypeckory
      @Gregorypeckory 8 лет назад +43

      +The Infinity Frisbee You're screaming that he's a dummy merely because he has a job at Walmart. Try organizing a union yourself; its easier said than done, particularly at a giant corporation like Walmart. For all you know, the person you called a "DUMMY" might have been working on organizing for years; one doesn't just hold one meeting with a few friends and come out with an instant successful union for a huge anti-union employer.
      In other words, for making your stupid assumption and screaming out an insult of a hard working employee based on it, you're the dummy.

    • @RJ1999x
      @RJ1999x 7 лет назад +14

      The AMV TOP 50 Yes form a union, so they can take your money and "invest" it for you by paying their bloated administration, and get you no benefits that the law hasn't already got you

    • @mtnprivy
      @mtnprivy 7 лет назад

      "Dummies" don't talk, and yous guys are just jabbering' away. If one makes too many assumptions, though, they could be "stupid" or perhaps "careless." I'm gonna send "Mother" (Mary Harris) Jones out to set you two straight.

  • @raceforpride
    @raceforpride 8 лет назад +55

    I watched Tennessee Ernie Ford with my grandma back in the 50's. I always love this song especially. ZZ Top was my favorite group in the late 60's as I graduated High School, I discovered the beautiful sounds of Jeff Beck while serving in the Army in the 70's, I'm 65 yrs.old in the 15's and I feel like I just discovered musical history, Gal-dang that tune rips me to pieces

  • @hairy-dairyman
    @hairy-dairyman Год назад +13

    This is one of those songs that cannot be played loud enough

  • @joelgalvan8358
    @joelgalvan8358 11 месяцев назад +8

    Playing, together. No dueling. Fantastic cover.

  • @bradleyamor8854
    @bradleyamor8854 8 лет назад +118

    excellent song written by Merle Travis ,made famous by Tenesse Erne i Ford but this Billy Gibbons version is great!

    • @RobertWalker560587
      @RobertWalker560587 8 лет назад +3

      Man that was amazing. I have never heard ZZ Top do anything bad

    • @lacyswallows5046
      @lacyswallows5046 6 лет назад

      Fan as I am about Billy. Was this not a Beck production? And possibly best pick up ever? Who is the bass player? Not to mention the drummer? This was next level.

    • @pileofstuff
      @pileofstuff 6 лет назад +5

      Yes, this is Billy doing a guest spot with Jeff Beck's band (Tal Wilkenfeld on bass, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums)
      A bunch of musical monsters together on that stage.

    • @randybeeman7823
      @randybeeman7823 4 года назад

      Who is the bass player in the green top . Talented musician

    • @KutWrite
      @KutWrite 4 года назад

      @@randybeeman7823: Tal somebody. Scroll up to see discussion about her hotness.

  • @cooperb8068
    @cooperb8068 4 года назад +8

    27 years under ground retired coal miner , love it !!!

  • @michaelw366
    @michaelw366 2 года назад +12

    99% of the folks commenting here don’t realize that Ernie Ford’s recording of this song was a cover tune. Merle Travis wrote it in ‘46 and released it in ‘47. That’s 8 years before Ernie’s cut. Now… I get it. The 55 version is stellar and iconic as a vocal performance goes but can we give some props to the creator? The guitar wizard that was Chet Atkins’ hero? Mr Merle Travis.

  • @Indivo
    @Indivo  3 года назад +12

    R.I.P. Dusty Hill

  • @berniebittinger9154
    @berniebittinger9154 4 года назад +20

    If anybody could do that song proud it would be Billy,Jeff, & Tal. 3 of the greatest guitar players of all time. Each have their own claims to fame & play awesome together as well.

  • @pengle9154
    @pengle9154 7 лет назад +235

    This is 16 Tons on steroids. I always liked the original version but this supercharged version is even better.

    • @stovepipe9er
      @stovepipe9er 7 лет назад +3

      p Engle This version is hands down better!

    • @michaeljones107
      @michaeljones107 5 лет назад

      Wow

    • @snemeskay2009
      @snemeskay2009 5 лет назад +4

      Old enough to have grown up with Tennessee Ernie Ford....he'd be proud as hell!

    • @marcgrundfest1495
      @marcgrundfest1495 4 года назад +2

      Its supposed to be a durge.. and frankly was no closer to death before this performance than after..
      However if you look up dirge you might understand the irony of your statement, and mine..

    • @bunkman64
      @bunkman64 3 года назад +1

      There are only a few that can remake these old songs and make them GOOD. George Thorogood did it with "Six Days on the road" The Stray Cats with "Lookin' out my back door" just to name a couple.

  • @thundermorphine
    @thundermorphine 10 месяцев назад +5

    THIS is the most bad-ass song ever written!

  • @jimrichards1798
    @jimrichards1798 2 года назад +13

    You’ll not see two greater guitarists on stage together ever. Great rendition of great song.

    • @brownro214
      @brownro214 2 года назад

      Look up the RUclips video with Glen Campbell and Roy Clark.

    • @rhondaulrich2602
      @rhondaulrich2602 Месяц назад

      Tal on bass is quite the guitar player too

  • @williamcason5157
    @williamcason5157 10 лет назад +46

    one awesome version! This is bad to the bone! rest in peace Tenn. Ernie Ford!

  • @cmoore185
    @cmoore185 10 лет назад +6

    How could 40 people not like this. They are either brain dead or in the Walton family. Powerful song. I remember when Ernie sang it. I guess that's 'cause I'm an old fart. It seems like every few generations, at least in the US, people need to pay heed to that song.

  • @Frankincensedjb123
    @Frankincensedjb123 3 года назад +14

    Two of my favorite guitarists. What a pairing. Also never realized how this could easily be a ZZ Top song. Matches their style.

  • @37903eral
    @37903eral 2 года назад +9

    The way rock is supposed to be, thanks Billy. The old one's never get old no matter how you play them, well done 👏 👍.

  • @LesSmith45
    @LesSmith45 9 лет назад +109

    what a great video!!!!!! such a class act showing ole Tennessee Ernie Ford doing the original on the big screen. SOOOOOO COOOLLLL!!!!!!

    • @mikewills6753
      @mikewills6753 3 года назад

      Fords version is not the original. Merle Travis wrote and sang it .. Ford had a hit with it.

  • @lten514
    @lten514 9 лет назад +215

    looks more like Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top with the Jeff Beck group. Tal Wickenfeld is still a cute, hot bass playing mama!

    • @franklinrwful
      @franklinrwful 9 лет назад +7

      Indeed it is.

    • @hardyharhar9
      @hardyharhar9 7 лет назад +11

      Tal is amazing.

    • @gpcoins539
      @gpcoins539 6 лет назад +6

      Laurence Tenenbaum you got that right...saw her with Beck at Crossroads...amazing player and even more amazing looking...

    • @lacyswallows5046
      @lacyswallows5046 6 лет назад +4

      Think you answered my question. Who is she? Nailed the open. As did the drummer. My ears are ringing.

    • @cliffordmattern2454
      @cliffordmattern2454 5 лет назад +3

      Laurence Tenenbaum I hear that she's a fine piece of realastate green is my new favorite color.

  • @mikevaldez7684
    @mikevaldez7684 2 года назад +12

    So cool, a masterpiece with the key Tennessee Ernie Ford on the screen singing it in sync with Billy! Classic act!! All class

  • @veganman2945
    @veganman2945 Год назад +5

    Both a great song and a warning from history.

  • @mt3311
    @mt3311 10 лет назад +62

    Best line ever; "I was raised in a cane brake by an old mama lion, ain't no high toned woman make me walk the line."

    • @jeff7069
      @jeff7069 5 лет назад +1

      I had to look up the definition of 'canebrake' and it is a great line.

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 5 лет назад +2

      Millwright , actually, isnt it supposed to be "cane break", but frequently mispelled? I'll have to look it up...

    • @mljones655
      @mljones655 3 года назад +1

      Now do Big Bad John!

    • @mt3311
      @mt3311 2 года назад

      @@goodun2974 It is spelled with one word. According to Webster's dictionary,

  • @colechandwel9550
    @colechandwel9550 11 месяцев назад +12

    A beautiful tribute.

  • @frankreynolds445
    @frankreynolds445 8 месяцев назад +3

    The Tennessee Ernie Ford version was the very first song I heard in my life as a kid in 1963. This new version kicks ass.

  • @OneLastHitB4IGo
    @OneLastHitB4IGo 3 года назад +11

    As a kid I remember Ernie singing this. Loved it then, and hearing Billy and Jeff do it here I love it just a little bit more.

  • @fussy1958
    @fussy1958 3 месяца назад +3

    Yep knew this was Tal, I’ve admired her for a while. Love listening to her play the blues. Incredibly talented!

  • @bradleymcconnell470
    @bradleymcconnell470 Год назад +4

    For me personally this is awesome Tennessee Ernie Ford still being honored decades later. From Bristol TN pass by his home a lot. About 15 minutes from my house.
    And love the song father was a coal miner and relate a lot.

  • @gfrank8058
    @gfrank8058 2 года назад +11

    Billy Gibbons, Jeff Beck, and ZZ Top, still killing it. I enjoyed the hell out of this. Awesome job. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💣💣💣💣💣💣💣💣😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😎

    • @Straydogger
      @Straydogger 2 года назад +2

      Not ZZ Top. Just Billy Gibbons playing with Jeff Beck's band.

  • @michaelnelson1128
    @michaelnelson1128 3 года назад +18

    This is badass

  • @ginger4141
    @ginger4141 5 лет назад +17

    Wow I just came across this gem. Jeff Beck and Billy Gibbons rocking it out with a very cool old classic song. Sometimes RUclips can be surprising in a good way.

  • @toddlane4086
    @toddlane4086 4 года назад +19

    I keep going back to this and blasting it in my truck. Great job. Jeff is a blessing to any stage he walks on. Can put on a show anywhere anytime and make you dread having to leave.

  • @iap-ug3oy
    @iap-ug3oy 11 месяцев назад +2

    I bought Sixteen tons when I was 12 years in 1953…..I still play it to this day…All though I do not know who these people are playing this…THANK YOU…. x

  • @howardsmoyer1293
    @howardsmoyer1293 Год назад +6

    After listening and watching at least a dozen times … I’ll enjoy another dozen or two more. This kicks ass!

  • @qe114me
    @qe114me 7 лет назад +29

    Wow that blew me away!,

  • @jwatchorn
    @jwatchorn 10 лет назад +19

    Great rock version, love how it matches up with TEF

  • @GumbootZone
    @GumbootZone 3 года назад +83

    That guitar girl, Tal Wickenfeld, is just LOVING it! She knows she's playing base for a legend.

    • @DannyD714
      @DannyD714 2 года назад +3

      well, there is an opening in the band now.....too soon?

    • @scottkay6495
      @scottkay6495 2 года назад +2

      I'm thinking that Jeff and Billy r looking at the future. O, and the drummer is awesome

    • @bobbywoosley281
      @bobbywoosley281 2 года назад

      @@DannyD714 yes!!I'm very happy to see respect for the greats!!!

    • @bobbywoosley281
      @bobbywoosley281 2 года назад

      Billy you are my hero.

    • @terrybrett467
      @terrybrett467 2 года назад +7

      Tal Wilkenfeld is a much sought after musician in her own right and is no lightweight. She often gigs with Jeff.

  • @ald.5147
    @ald.5147 3 года назад +7

    I remember when Tennessee Ernie Ford was on an episode of the Beverly Hillbillies as "Cousin Ernie"

  • @wernervoss48
    @wernervoss48 7 лет назад +20

    I love the #Respect for Ernie Ford.

  • @NOWOKEXYZ
    @NOWOKEXYZ 6 лет назад +4

    "BLESS YOUR PEA-PICKEN HEART!" Simply an Outstanding Arrangement of Tennessee Ernie Ford's Signature Song! LOVE IT!

  • @richardhopp8378
    @richardhopp8378 3 года назад +9

    Great version of this classic!!! Never tire of this song. Thanks for posting.

  • @lisapayne7455
    @lisapayne7455 2 года назад +2

    Yassss 🎸🪄⛏️🎩🎯Last time I saw ZzT, my belt and his guitar strap were matchymatch. I'm easily thrilled. TEFord rocks. Double entandra! 🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🤜🤛

  • @celiagorleski2716
    @celiagorleski2716 4 года назад +4

    Tennessee Ernie would have loved this. He was a great mam. RIP.

  • @DNovac
    @DNovac 3 года назад +6

    This song never be an old.
    Outstanding cover.

  • @andrewmarshall360
    @andrewmarshall360 9 месяцев назад +3

    Jeff is one of my favorite guitarists

  • @cherylmcguire2972
    @cherylmcguire2972 10 дней назад

    I loved the original… And I love this version… but the combination of the two and the tribute to Tennessee Ernie Ford is absolutely fantastic 💥

  • @moodyh750
    @moodyh750 9 лет назад +35

    how badass is this!

  • @Doggeslife
    @Doggeslife 7 лет назад +27

    My first memory of him was cousin Ernie on the I LOVE LUCY show. My brother worked at a small market in Palo Alto where he shopped, and got to meet him. He told me Ernie drove a big car with the plate that said PPICKER (Pea Picker was his nickname).

    • @ericsissenwein3601
      @ericsissenwein3601 3 года назад

      Used to say “well bless your pea pickin’ soul. How many of you viewers know what the company store was?

    • @cooglerHere
      @cooglerHere 2 года назад

      Thanks, I had forgotten TN Ernie Ford's nickname. It's heart warming.

  • @jeffyoder8105
    @jeffyoder8105 Год назад +4

    That was certainly a version of an old Ernie Ford classic hit I never expected to hear but being a big time ZZTOP and Jeff Beck fan , I got to say I loved it 😊😅😮😂❤😂😊

  • @16tons30
    @16tons30 3 года назад +2

    II've always liked that song a lot.😉

  • @tygrlili
    @tygrlili 5 лет назад +7

    One of the best songs ever! And I love how they had Tennessee Ernie Ford on the big screen! If you’ve never seen his version of this song, watch it! It’s amazing!

  • @kevingriffiths9787
    @kevingriffiths9787 3 года назад +8

    My father was a miner and this was his favourite song. Miners were tough people, they had to be. I'm proud to come from a mining background. What a song!

  • @xanderk84
    @xanderk84 Год назад +12

    That was awesome! I love the single high note repeated on the guitar throughout most of it, like this menacing beeping. Really creative take on Sixteen Tons.

    • @sharvo6
      @sharvo6 Год назад +2

      I think of it more like a sledge hammer hitting rock in a coal mine ie, the 16 tons of coal.

    • @snotownbrewery6651
      @snotownbrewery6651 Год назад

      Gives it almost electronic feel!

  • @johndalton7878
    @johndalton7878 2 года назад +5

    ZZ TOP is an epic music group with an own, distinctive sound; STANDING OVATIONS 🤠