Sixteen Tons

~ Recording by Tennessee Ernie Ford

Appears on releases

#TitleLengthTrack ArtistRelease TitleRelease ArtistRelease Group TypeCountry/DateLabelCatalog#
Official
1.1Sixteen Tons2:34“Tennessee” Ernie Ford with Orchestra Conducted by Jack FascinatoSixteen Tons“Tennessee” Ernie Ford with Orchestra Conducted by Jack FascinatoSingle
  • US1955-10-17
Capitol Records (imprint of Capitol Records, Inc.)F3262
1.1Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordSixteen TonsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum
  • -1955
1.1Sixteen Tons2:34“Tennessee” Ernie Ford with Orchestra Conducted by Jack FascinatoSixteen Tons / You Don’t Have to Be a Baby to Cry“Tennessee” Ernie Ford with Orchestra Conducted by Jack FascinatoSingle
Capitol Records (imprint of Capitol Records, Inc.)CL.14500
2.5Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordEasy Listening CountryVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -1982
Reader’s DigestCELC-A-116
2.16Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordThe Number One CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Reader’s DigestRDC 91511 - 4
1.3Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie Ford20 Years of No. 1 Hits: 1956-1975Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -1987
BMG (the former Bertelsmann Music Group, defunct since 2004-08-05; for releases dated 2008 and later, see annotation), Reader’s Digest
1.3Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie Ford20 Years of No. 1 Hits: 1956–1975Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
RCA (RCA Records: simple ‘RCA’ or ‘RCA’ with lightning bolt in circle)RB4-243
3.24Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordYesterdays Gold: 120 Golden Oldies, Volume 1Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
YDG 2551
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie Ford30 Years of Number 1's, Volume 1: 1956-58Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Connoisseur CollectionTYNO CD 100
2.11Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordUnforgettable FiftiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Heartland Music, BMG Direct (BMG’s direct marketing company/club editions), RCA Special Products1072/4-2, DVC2-0867-1
1.24Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordYesterdays Gold, Volume 3Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Yesterdays GoldYDG 74605
1.19Sixteen Tons2:40Tennessee Ernie FordYour Hit Parade: 1955Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicHPD-09, TCD-125
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie Ford16 Tons of Boogie: The Best of Tennessee Ernie FordTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
  • US1990-05-29
Rhino (reissue label)R270975
1.6Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie Ford50’s Hits CountryVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -1990
Curb Records
1.25Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordClassic Country Music: A Smithsonian Collection, Volume IIVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
BMG Direct (BMG’s direct marketing company/club editions), RCA Special ProductsDMC4-0914, RD 042-2
1.9Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordCountry USA: 1955Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicCTD-19, TCD-118
1.10Sixteens Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordHit History, Volume 2: 1956Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EVA (for use with NL/BE/FR releases only. see annotation)PD 74772
1.23Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie FordSixteen TonsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
Bear Family RecordsBCD 15487
2.4Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordAs Time Goes By: The Greatest EntertainerVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
7 98173 2
1.25Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordCapitol Collector's SeriesTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
Capitol Records (imprint of Capitol Records, Inc.)C2-95291
1.4Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordJukebox Hits of 1955, Volume 1Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Double D Entertainment9155
1.8Sixteen Tons2:40Tennessee Ernie FordThe Rock 'n' Roll Era: US No. 1sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life Music845 794-2, TL 516/22
3.11Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie Ford40 Years of Top Ten HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Reader’s DigestRDCD401, RDCD402, RDCD403, RDCD404, RDCD405, RDCD406
1.8Sixteen Tons2:34Tennessee Ernie FordCountry ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Heartland MusicHD 2020-2
1.8Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordCountry Music Classics, Volume 1: 1950'sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
K‐tel (International budget record label)225-2
1.9Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordDe Pre Historie 1955Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
BMG Ariola Belgium NV/SA (do not use this as an imprint!)262.655
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordGreatest Hits: His Original Capitol RecordingsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
Curb RecordsD2-77625
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordGreatest Hits: His Original Capitol RecordingsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
Curb RecordsD2-77625
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordThe Best of Tennessee Ernie FordTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
CEMA Special Markets (a division of Capitol‐EMI Music, Inc.)S21 56979
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordThe Best of Tennessee Ernie FordTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
Heartland MusicHD 2085
1.8Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordMasters 1949 - 1976 (3 cd boxed set)Tennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
  • -1994-11-15
Liberty (a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.)30292
1.2Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie FordGolden Hit Collection, Vol. 1: 1955/1956Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Euro Trend152.113
1.1Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordPortrait of an Artist: 22 Legendary HitsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum
CEMA Special Markets (a division of Capitol‐EMI Music, Inc.)
1.1Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordRock Times ExtraVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Zounds27000596, 27000602
1.16Sixteen Tons2:35Tennessee Ernie FordThe Country & Western HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EVA (for use with NL/BE/FR releases only. see annotation)
1.14Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie Ford3UZ Golden Memories, Volume 2Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Columbia (Sony Music, worldwide except JP; formerly owned by CBS between 1938–1990 within US/CA/MX)4807742 2
2.11Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordMost Wanted Country, 53 av de største country & western slagerne i Norge!Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
The Record Collection480 880-2
1.5Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordOnly Country 1955-1959Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
JCIJCD-3152
1.4Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordRock -N- Roll’s Greatest Hits of All Time, Volume 1: Late 50’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -1995
Platinum Disc Corporation (La Crosse, WI)QS21-18420
1.4Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordRock -n- Roll’s Greatest Hits of All Time: 50’s Volume 9Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Platinum Disc Corporation (La Crosse, WI)521-18420
3.10Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordThe Fabulous FiftiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyHR 861972
2.21Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie Ford50 Number One Country HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
5.17Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie Ford200 Original Mega Jukebox HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyHR 871792
5.17Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie Ford200 Original Mega Jukebox Hits: Hot Dogs, Hits & Happy DaysVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDC 872982, DC 872992, DC 873002, DC 873012, DC 873022, DC 873032, DC 873042, DC 873052, DC 873062, DC 873072
1.15Sixteen Tons?:??Tennessee Ernie FordBest of Country ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
1.5Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordHits That Live Forever: 1950sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -1996
EMI (EMI Records, since 1972)7243 8 52628 2 1
5.17Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordMega Jukebox HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyHR 873652
1.20Sixteen Tons2:35Tennessee Ernie FordThe Best Country Album in the World... Ever!Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI Music South Africa (not for release label use!)CDBEST(WLMD) 1
1.2Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordA Time to Remember: 1956Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB1997-02-14
EMI (EMI Records, since 1972)
1.18Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordVintage CollectionsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
  • US1997-03-11
Capitol Records (imprint of Capitol Records, Inc.), Capitol Records Nashville54319, 7243-8-54319-2-0
1.18Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordVintage CollectionsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
  • US1997-03-11
Capitol Records Nashville
1.4Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordWorking for a LivingVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US1997-08-19
3.21Sixteen Tons2:35Tennessee Ernie Ford100 Non Stop Party HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyHR 877362
1.12Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordBig Hits of the 50'sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI-Capitol Special Markets72438-19472-2-7
5.17Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordChart Breaker: Greatest Hits of the 50’s and 60’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Disky
1.8Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie Ford20th Century Hits for a New Millennium: 40 Hits of 1955–1959Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDO 852772
2.12Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordAbsolute Hits of the 50'sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EVA Records (Denmark)8461192
1.8Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordClassic Country: 1950-1959Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life Music, BMG Special ProductsR808-03, TCD809
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordClassic Country: Legendary CountryVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music Special Products, Time–Life MusicA-32931, M18201
1.4Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordHistory of Country MusicVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
BMG Special Productshbpm22075
1.4Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordThe Late ’50s: The Top Ten CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Reader’s Digest
5.17Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie Ford200 Original Mega Jukebox Hits: Hot Dogs, Hits & Happy Days (3-1 is Reet Petite, not Sugar Sugar; 6-19 is Sally Was a Good Girl, not Rag Doll)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDB 248062
1.6Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordClassic Country: 1950-1959Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicTL 626/03
1.1Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie FordCountry ConnectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Reader’s DigestLCOCO-A-541
5.17Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordHotdogs, Hits & Happy Days (disc 5)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyBX 248832
2.9Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie FordThe Fabulous Fifties: Unforgettable FiftiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
BMG Special Products, Heartland Music1072/4-2, DVC20867
2.23Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordThe History of Pop 1955-1957Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Reader’s Digest
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordThe Fabulous Fifties: Back to the FiftiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI‐Capitol Music Special Markets, Time–Life Music72435-23039-2-2, M18619
1.8Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie FordClassic Country: 1950‐1959Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2001-02-20
Time–Life Music, BMG Special ProductsM18438, TCD836
2.24Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordAll Time Top 100 #1 Country ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
1.1Sixteen Tons2:40Tennessee Ernie FordThe EP Collection ...PlusTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
  • US2001-10-09
See for Miles Records733
3.1Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordA Celebration of American Folk MusicVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Reader’s Digest MusicA4 52392
1.8Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordClassic Country: 1950-1964Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2002-10-15
Time-Life Records (Time-Life Music subsidiary)M18502
1.18Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie Ford50 Years of No. 1 HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. (global media and direct marketing company, now known as Trusted Media Brands, Inc.)
1.1Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordAbsolutely the BestTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
302 061 189 2, 72435-38803-2-3
1.2Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordClassic Country GiantsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicTL 626/28
2.4Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordThe Very Best of Country LegendsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2003-07-22
Madacy RecordsMadacy 3338
1.4Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordFrom Latin to Jazz Dance, Volume 3Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • DE2003-10-20
Rare GrooveRG 2014 CD
2.9Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordThe Fabulous Fifties: Unforgettable FiftiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicTL FFC 03
2.16Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordYou Must Remember ThisVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Reader’s DigestB0000594-02 SSTC04196
3.16Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordMagic Moments: The Best of '50s PopVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2004-08-17
1.40Sixteen Tons2:41Tennessee Ernie Ford100 Hits The Midnight SpecialVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
RMG RecordsRMG 1405 MP3
1.15Sixteen Tons2:39Tennessee Ernie FordFrom Sea to Shining SeaVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Reader’s DigestA4 72872 SSTC0437
8.13Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordGreatest Hits of the 50’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDB 901865
1.9Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordMemories ...Are Made of This, Part TwoVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2005-02-21
1.12Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordSüddeutsche Zeitung | Diskothek: 1955: Ein Jahr und seine 20 SongsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • DE2005-06-17
Süddeutsche ZeitungISBN-10: 3-86615-060-1
1.3Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordClassic Country GoldVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2005-07-26
Hip‐O RecordsB0004989-02
1.19Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordGolden OldiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2005-09-12
Virgin TVVTDCD 749
3.19Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordHello Children EverywhereVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2005-11-28
2.18Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordCapital Gold Fifties LegendsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2006-09-11
Virgin TV
2.20Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordThe Best Country Album... Ever!Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2006-11-06
Virgin (worldwide imprint of Virgin Records Ltd. and all its subsidiaries)VTDCD 834
1.1Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie Ford36 All Time Greatest HitsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
  • US2006-11-21
Timeless Media Group72435-20337-2-0
1.6Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordLegends of Country: Classic Hits of the ’50s, ’60s & ’70sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2006-12-05
Shout! Factory
1.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordSixteen TonsTennessee Ernie FordAlbum + Compilation
Hallmark Music & Entertainment703032
1.8Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordThe Best of Classic Country '50sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Promotion
2.1Sixteen Tons2:36Tennessee Ernie FordCapitol Records 50th Anniversary 1942–1992Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US1992-04-27
Capitol Records (imprint of Capitol Records, Inc.)DPRO-79242, DPRO-79243, DPRO-79244, DPRO-79245, DPRO-79246, DPRO-79247, DPRO-79248, DPRO-79249
1.9Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordThe Hits of the 50'sVarious ArtistsCompilation
Custom CD
Pseudo-Release
1.4Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie FordPopcorn Oldies "The Great Singers" (disc 1)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Paradiso (Belgian label)PA 25 536
(unknown)
2.1Sixteen Tons2:37Tennessee Ernie Ford50 Years of CountryVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDB 992822
3.1Sixteen Tons2:38Tennessee Ernie FordTime Life: The Fabulous Fifties CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life Music

Relationships

acoustic guitar:Bobby Gibbons (on 1955-09-20)
bass clarinet:Darol Rice (on 1955-09-20)
clarinet:Red Mandel (on 1955-09-20)
double bass [bass]:Rolly Bundock (on 1955-09-20)
drums (drum set) [drums]:Roy Harte (drummer and Pacific Jazz founder) (on 1955-09-20)
finger snaps and lead vocals:Tennessee Ernie Ford (on 1955-09-20)
trombone:George Bruns (on 1955-09-20)
trumpet:Charlie Parlato (on 1955-09-20)
conductor:Jack Fascinato (on 1955-09-20)
arranger:Jack Fascinato
phonographic copyright (℗) by:Bacci Bros Records (in 2010)
Lucky Vintage (in 2014)
recorded at:Capitol Studios (1949–1956) in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States (on 1955-09-20)
compiled in:Way Out West by [unknown] (order: 6)
part of:Dave Marsh: The Best of the Top 40 Singles: 1955 (number: 12) (order: 12)
recording of:Sixteen Tons (on 1955-09-20: cover)

Related works

Sixteen Tons

lyricist and composer:Merle Travis
publisher:American Music, Inc.
Campbell Connelly & Co. Ltd.
referred to in medleys:Way Out West (K-Tel mix/medley) (order: 6)
later parody versions:Sixteen Tons (Parody)
later translated versions:Dieciséis toneladas
Sie hieß Mary Ann
Zestien ton
靜心等
parody version of:Sixteen Tons (yiddish parody)
is the basis for:Seize tonnes