Who originally sang 16 tons?

“Sixteen Tons” is a popular song about the hardships faced by coal miners that was first written and recorded by Merle Travis in 1946, and then subsequently performed by many others, including Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Weavers, and Johnny Cash (accompanying video).

Why is it called 16 Tons?

According to Archie Green, author of Only A Miner: Studies in Recorded Coal-Mining Songs, the title refers to an old practice of initiating new miners by having them haul 16 tons, compared to the typical 8 to 10, on their first day.

Who Covered 16 tons?

1967: Johnnie Taylor covered the song on his 1967 album Wanted: One Soul Singer.

What is the lowest note ever sung?

According to Guinness World Records the lowest note ever sung is the F sharp three semi-tones above the note in Mealor’s De Profundis. The record was set by George Menees in 2010 (see video).