This song scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. Y’all check out some Johnny Horton. His songs as loosely based on historical events. “Battle of New Orleans”, “North to Alaska”, and “Sink the Bismarck” are great start for Johnny’s songs. And, yes, this is THE Jimmy Dean of Jimmy Dean sausage!
For story telling, it's hard to beat Tennessee Ernie Ford "16 Tons" in particular. Johnny Cash also has great songs in "The Legend of John Henry's Hammer" and "One Piece at A Time".
True Story: I was a legislative page in the state capital when I was a youth. It was my pleasure to be on the dais when Mr. Ford came to a joint session and sang the entire thing acapella. It was awesome. At one point he pointed to the balcony and said (between phrases) take off those gloves so you can snap your fingers, lady." or words to that effect. That was a very long time ago.
Red Sovine is the ultimate country storyteller. His songs make you smile, laugh, bawl your eyes out or give you goosebumps. One thing about it, you'll never forget the story in the songs. The Last Goodbye, Roses for Mama, Vietnam Deck of Cards, Teddy Bear, Daddy's Girl, etc.There are so many more. Each one will touch you.
Jimmy Ray Dean (August 10, 1928 - June 13, 2010) was an American country music singer, television host, actor and businessman. He was the creator of the Jimmy Dean sausage brand as well as the spokesman for its TV commercials. He became a national television personality starting on CBS in 1957. He rose to fame for his 1961 country music crossover hit into rock and roll with "Big Bad John" and his 1963 television series The Jimmy Dean Show, His acting career included appearing in the early seasons in the Daniel Boone TV series as the sidekick of the famous frontiersman played by star Fess Parker. Later he was on the big screen in a supporting role as billionaire Willard Whyte in the James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever (1971) starring Sean Connery. He lived near Richmond, Virginia, and was nominated for the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, though died before his induction that year at the age of 81.
Everybody called my father-in-law Big Bad John! He was a 6’5” gentle giant that everyone loved. I also had a couple brothers involved in coal mine cave-ins, one came out, one didn’t so this song has always been special to our family. Love you guys and what you do!
Johnny Horton is another singer who could tell stories--these ones were songs about real-life happenings: "Battle of New Orleans" "North to Alaska" and "Sink the Bismark." Also, you recently did a Marty Robbins song, so you have to follow that up with his classic tune "El Paso"
Another storytelling song that I was thoroughly fascinated by as a kid in the 60s was " The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" by Gene Pitney. Listening to it is like watching a western movie. Also, "El Paso" by Marty Robbins.
Yes, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" by Gene Pitney. It is so much like watching a western movie. I can almost envision JohnWayne and Jimmy Stewart being in that movie. 😉
We watched Jimmy Dean’s television show religiously at our house when I was growing up. He always had great guests and good music and lots of laughs and good times. Another story telling song from the same era is Sixteen Tons by Tennesse Ernie Ford. You’ll love his deep smooth voice!
Jimmy Dean was the creator and founder of Jimmy Dean sausage. He several songs that were sequels to this song. He also has a song PT 109, which is song about President John F Kennedy.
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town” by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. That’s my favorite story song and NO ONE ever reacts to it. Be the first!! You’ll love it.
R.Tallgal, that's a good one I'd forgotten about. Songs that tell stories were big and got lots of play time. There's an art to it. If you haven't heard it, check out Live Like You Were Dying by Tim Mcgraw The video wear he's wearing a white shirt and black cowboy hat is the one to see. Thanks for mentioning the song Ruby...I've added it already to my listen list.
"City of New Orleans" by Arlo Guthrie is a perfect storytelling song. An iconic folk classic that I know you'd both love Jay & Amber. It was a worldwide hit for Arlo in the Summer of 1972 at the peak of the 1970s folk-country scene sound. Enjoy! Ps. John Denver does a fantastic live version he recorded at Red Rocks Amphitheater in 1973.
Red Sovine - "Teddy Bear" or "Phantom 309" and Johnny Cash - "Thing Called Love" are a must. Also, Ray Stevens is a master story teller but more "Novelty"/Fun songs.
I remember hearing this song on the radio. It was played in our kitchen and in the car. That was the main source of music in the 1950s and 1960s for my family. We had fewer than 10 records and a very cheap record player.
Story telling songs you should add to your lineup: Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford, El Paso by Marty Robbins, 3 wooden Crosses by Randy Travis, One Piece at a time by Johnny Cash, Harper Valley PTA by Jeanie C Riley, The battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton..Just to name a few. Im so glad you reacted to this classic. Always loved this song.
Jimmy Dean was a singer and actor. He appeared in one of my favorite Bond films, "Diamonds Are Forever". He was famous for "Big John". Now, he's more famous for his big sausage.
That song has jerked tears from my eyes ever since I was a young un, knowing the love he had for his fellow man, to do what he did to save them, and stand there alone, allowing all the other miners to escape.
The inspiration for the character of Big John was an actor, John Minto, that Dean met who was 6'5". Dean would call him "Big John" and grew to like the rolling sound of the phrase. Country pianist Floyd Cramer, who was hired to play piano on the song, came up with the idea to use a hammer and a piece of steel instead. "Big Bad John" is a country song originally performed by Jimmy Dean, who wrote and composed it & was released in September 1961 and by the beginning of November it had gone to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It won Dean the 1962 Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording, and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. His 'Jimmy Dean Sausage', a company that earned him millions more, in both dollars and breakfast fans!
Floyd Cramer's piano playing style influence generations of pianists. He was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I have a vinyl record of his, what a talent!
Not only was he the sausage king but in the late eighties he started packing his sausage boxes with baseball packs in each box. I still have lots and lots of those unopened packs of cards,( not the sausage). Quite the marketing scheme. Love listing to you two. I have a song for you to try. In the mid sixties, and the very beginning of garage bands is a really fun and crazy song called the surfing bird by a group called The Trashmen. You've probably never heard anything like it. For a short time the became a bit of a cult band, and now they are hard to find on vinyl...keep up the great work.
Big John still gives me chill bumps. Jimmy Dean was very famous & even starred in a James Bond movie. He had a late-night variety show in the early to mid 60s, with many famous guests. One unique feature to his show was his side kick: Rowlf the Dog, which was Jim Henson's first Muppet! Rowlf & Jimmy did a lot of duets together as well.
im from finland and old country music makes me tru bad times, sometimes the song doesnt need to be anything crazy or ground braking to calm me down. love to see you react to some feel good music! all the best to you guys.
When that song came out I was 9 years old and already 5’11” and my name is John . So I’ve been called Big John ever since and that is my theme song. That was a great song and it was played constantly on the radio. I’m glad new generations are hearing it. It’s from an era when boys wanted to grow up to be MEN and help and save people.
I actually met Jimmy Dean during a press junket when a film crew was shooting a TV movie nearby based on his song "Big, Bad John" with Dean playing a small-town sheriff. You couldn't have met a nicer, friendlier man. He told us that Big, Bad John is loosely based on a real person. When Dean was a young actor working in summer stock, one of his fellow actors was a big man named John. Dean said every time he ran into him, he would say, "Big Jo-o-ohn!" "And it has such a powerful sound to it: 'Big Jo-o-ohn!' So I stuck him in a mine, and I killed him," he said.
Tom T. Hall is a great story teller. Many of his songs have a story aspect, some humorous, but the best intro to his work is "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine". I think you'd really like this one.
A classic that brings back childhood memories. If you are looking for storytelling, the masters were Harry Chapin ('Cat's in the Cradle' and 'Taxi') and Jim Croce ('Operator' 'Working at the Car Wash Blues' 'You Don't Mess Around with Jim'). Plus, Billy Joel's 'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant' just might be the best of all.
This is one of those songs that has the honor of topping both the country and pop charts. They hired a pianist named Floyd Cramer to play on the song but he instead came up with idea of instead of a piano how about I play a piece of steel by hitting it with a hammer. You can hear that distinctive sound throughout the song. Ok, I'm off to eat some Jimmy Dean sausage links. 😋 As for a suggestion, Red Sovine, think you may have reacted to his Teddy Bear song a while back but he has other great story telling songs like "Roses for momma", "Phantom 309", "Little Joe", "Giddy up go", "Little Rosa", "Bringing Mary Home" among many other "hit you right in the feels songs".
Yes, this is the same Jimmy Dean of sausage fame. The next singer you should do, from about the same era, is Tennessee Ernie Ford and his song "16 Tons". I'm glad you liked this song. The follow up song by Jimmy Dean has to be "The Cajun Queen". It is literally the sequel to "Big John". Dean also did a song called "PT 109". Before he became President, JFK was in the Navy and was a war hero. This song tells that story. There's another song based on a true story called, "The Legend of John Henry's Hammer". Like many folk songs, there are different versions. One I recommend is by Johnny Cash and another is by Harry Belafonte.
"16 Tons" is one of THE best songs Ever! I'm a Gen-X'er, and still love it. I listen to it several times a year, at least. My mom, still alive today at 84, still sings it from time to time.
@@mkmstillstackin Aren't we blessed to still have our mothers? Mine turned 88 in April. My father turned 88 in December and passed away 3 days later. I owe my love of music to them, as well as an appreciation of different genres.
@@sagittarian1955 Indeed, we are blessed! My mom has done so much for me, gave me the love of music as did your folks. Sorry for your dad's passing. I can tell your folks have been quite loving to you. All the best to you and your mom going forward!
I first heard this 50 years ago when my mom got a double album of country hits. Another great story song in that collection was Johnny Horton's "Battle of New Orleans" - very fun history lesson.🙂
@@canonfodder2068, yup. I remember asking Mom what briars & brambles were (I was 5 - hadn't learned those words yet). Especially remember laughing hysterically with my brother when it got to the gator. 😁🙃💥
Jimmy Dean, of the Jimmy Dean sausage is the same guy. He first became famous as a Country Singer-Singwriter. In 1961 he released "Big Bad John", which became his most well known song. From 1963 - 1975 he hosted several music & variety series' on American local and network television that went by the name ~ "The Jimmy Dean Show". As far as his famous sausage, in 1969 he founded the Jimmy Dean sausage company.
For some storytelling but with some humor, check out Ray Stevens. His songs, "The Streak" and "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival" are hysterical!!! You'll love them!!
There are 3 Sequel Songs. One is called "My Big John" sung by Dottie West, it tells the story further from the point of view of Big John's Cajun Queen Wife. The third song "The Cajun Queen " is sung by Jimmy and tells the story of Queenie coming to rescue Big John. The fourth song, "Little Bitty Big John" who comes to work at the same mining town.
You have to check out Lorne Green singing Johnny Ringo, Walter Brennan as well as Red Sovine. All of these men did men did several story songs and they were flash in the pan in comparison to their Acting careers. Except for Red. But each man put his own twist due to their unique speaking voice. All the old Story Tellers were unique and each had their following. All were great when they did their thing.
Yes, he used to do the commercials for his sausage! AND "Big Bad John" topped the country, easy listening and pop charts in 1961. A year later, "The Cajun Queen" reached a respectable No. 16 on the country charts and crossed over to pop's Top 25. A separate song from 1962 focuses on one of John's children, "Little Bitty Big John."
So glad you guys reacted to this song. Jimmy was an actor and singer before he became the sausage man. Loved it! Now the next storytelling singer that has a rabbit hole of songs to go down is Red Sovine! He sang Truck Driver songs. Start with "Teddy Bear"and "Phantom 309".... Then react to another storytelling song: Tennessee Ernie Ford "16 Tons"
Yes, this is the same guy that sold sausages (he also had his own TV show back in the day). This was the first song in a trilogy - the others being, "The Cajun Queen," and "Little Bitty Big John." You should react to all three.
My grandpa worked in the WV coal mines back in the early 1900s. When I was a kid my dad would sing the song as it reminded him of his dad. My grandpa died before I was born and this song always makes me think about him and my dad. 😍
This song takes me back to Oklahoma. We visited my grandparents in Oklahoma every summer, and one year this was the big hit of the summer. When my sister and I would walk to the country store, we’d hear this song coming from every open window on the way. Nobody had air conditioning out in the country. I also love the steady beat of a tool hitting metal in this song. It gives you the feeling of being a miner. Great reaction, thanks!
That beat of the tool hitting metal was the sound of a man hand driving a long shafted star drill to make the holes to put the explosives in to keep opening the mine up. One man held the drill and turned in after every hammer blow by the striker. My Grandpa worked a mines blacksmithing shop sharpening the drills by re-forging the ends.
Y'all, you have GOT to do some Tanya Tucker! Some of the best story songs out there! Especially Delta Dawn (her first hit, when she was in junior high), Lizzie and the Rain Man, and What's Your Mama's Name?
You've done Marty Robbins and Jimmy Dean, now you have to do Johnny Horton.....Sink the Bismark, Battle of New Orleans, North to Alaska, All for the Love of a Girl, Whispering Pines or Camanche. All of those are great Johnny Horton songs
I knew it. I _knew_ you would love this one! The "clanking" you hear in "Big Bad John" is actually pianist *Floyd Cramer* hitting a piece of steel with a hammer, add that in with HEAVY background reverb, which in my opinion really paints a mental picture to what's happening in the story. So I can see how this wouldn't have worked with the piano. A very, *very* fine and well done song indeed. 👌
He grew up in Seth Ward, a community almost touching Plainview, TX. I grew up about 45 miles west of there. When he started the sausage company, that was the only sausage in our home. Singer, actor, TV personality, and business man. Thanks for letting me hear this again.
Amber you got that right that is Jimmy Dean sausage. Although he was friends with Frank music was different for Frank was friends with a lot of people, that he liked and trusted
"Big Bad John" by Jimmy Dean is rap before rap. And a beautifully written rap, which tells a well-constructed story and all... without swearing, profanity or filthy language. Like what, it is possible!
I am a retired guy and music is my thing. I listen to a lot of reactions because I am pleased when young people enjoy the good music of the past. You are the first reviewers I have ever subscribed to. If you really loved Big Bad John then you must listen to the sequel. The Cajun Queen. You MUST have the whole story
when I was a little boy, my Uncle Jimmy used to come over and visit us on Saturday mornings.... and when he seen me he would sing this song...🥲🥲... he died in his 30's.....💔. far too young. but my memories of him I take with me.
Great song by Jimmy Dean! True showman and he makes a mean breakfast sausage! Other great songs I'd recommend to the RSR family are: Robert Cray Band "Smokin' Gun" 1986. A smoky blues guitar accompanied by Robert's great voice. Jonny Lang "Lie To me" 1997. For such a young man, he is the vessel for old blues.
Jimmy Dean! The breakfast sandwich! A great story teller is Jimmy Dean. Nice memory, Amber. See, I'm gettin' chills. Big John. Super Americana story. Great reaction, Guys. Thanks.
Jimmy Dean is describing a quote unquote "Giant of a man" who was 6'6" and weighed 245. That was a huge guy in the 1961. Basically, slightly less than the average NFL tight end of today
This song came out in 1961, but Lorne Green (Ben "Pa" Cartwright from Bonanza) had a hit similar to this called, Ringo (1964), and he also has a deep, story telling voice that I'm sure you'd like.
I’m enjoying you young folks listening to the music I grew up on. Old music contains history, reflecting the times it was written in. Love seeing your reactions, and hearing songs I haven’t heard in decades!❤️
RIP jimmy dean he had several hits but this song was his best and yes Amber he started the sausage factory and he had a wonderful attitude and great jokes and he does sing 🎤 thanks for the memories Jay and Amber love you guys bless you guys
One of the top ten songs of 1961. I turned three that year and this is one of those time capsule songs for me where it not only brings me back, but as I would put it, "puts me in the 'living room' of those memories and times!"
Jimmy Dean not only preformed this song but wrote it as well. Jimmy before this song was only known to dedicated fans of country music this song exposed Jimmy to a national audience and was one of the cross over hits that helped popularize country music.
Harry Chapin's "Taxi", Arlo Guthrie's "City of New Orleans" and his "Alice's Restaurant Massacree", and Jimmy Buffet's, "He went to Paris" are some of my favorite story telling songs. Hopefully you'll get to check them out sometime.
@@TheDarkly81 haven't heard that one. I only heard "Little Bitty Big John" 2 weeks ago. I loved it. I'll go check the other one out in a bit. Thank you. 😊
This ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes. A real HERO story! Next..."16 Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford. Now keep in mind when you listen to it because it's an important part of the song...coal miners back in the day only had one place to purchase the things they needed...from "the company store" which was also owned BY the mining company.
Both my grandfathers were coal miners in Ohio and West Virginia. Yes, they had a company store in each town. The miners were not paid in money but in "script," which was only good at the company store.
Before he became associated with Jimmy Dean sausage, he was an actor and a singer. As an actor you can see him in the James Bond flick Diamonds are Forever. Also from 1963-1966 he had the Jimmy Dean Show. On the show he had such Country Music legends as Buck Owens ( "Tiger by the Tail"..."My Heart Skips a Beat"), Connie Smith ( "Once a Day"..."The Hurtin's All Over"), and Roy Clark ( "I Never Picked Cotton"..."Thank God and Greyhound").
Ghost Riders in the Sky is a another great story telling song. My favorite version is the studio version sung by Vaughn Monroe. It was released in 1949. There are other versions of the song such as the one sung by Burl Ives and another sung by Frankie Laine.
Hi guys. The (non radio version ended with "at the bottom of this mine lies one hell of a man", also Jimmy Dean is the sausage guy. He was a really sharp business man. Owned property, and started Jimmy Dean Foods. He was a Country Music guy who knew all the big stars of the day in all genres and in the movies too. Amber I think you might have been referring to a song called Roly Poly. There are lots of versions of it still today. It was originally done by Bob Wills and his band back in 1945. Here is a link to a video of the group Asleep at the Wheel doing a live performance of it. The 4 older guys dressed alike are members of the original Bob Wills band. Hope it brings back a good memory for you. ua-cam.com/video/Ar4H_3HGSVE/v-deo.html
Jimmy Dean had a very interesting life. He started out as a Country music singer, and to supplement his income in the early-1950s, hosted two local Country music TV programs in the Washington, DC/Arlington, Virginia area, "Town And Country Time" and "Country Style/The Morning Show/The Jimmy Dean Show", which was picked up by CBS for weekday daytime broadcasts from 1957 to 1959. From 1963 to 1966, Jimmy Dean hosted the ABC variety series, "The Jimmy Dean Show". According to Wikipedia, he gave the first national exposure for one of Jim Henson's Muppets, Rowlf The Dog. Henson was so grateful to Dean for this work, he offered him a 40 percent ownership share in his production company. Dean turned him down, stating that he (Henson) should reap the full benefit of all his hard work, and he made it a point in his later years to state that he did not regret his decision. In 1969, he formed The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company with his brother, Don. Jimmy Dean appeared in the early TV commercials to sell the product, and was a big success. In 1984, Jimmy and Don Dean sold The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company to what would become Tyson Foods, in 1984. Jimmy Dean had other hit songs in the 1960s, such as "PT-109", "The First Thing Ev'ry Morning (And The Last Thing Ev'ry Night)", "Stand Beside Me", "Sweet Misery', and "A Thing Called Love". Jimmy Dean's last hit record was the 1976 song, "I.O.U", which was a tribute to his mother, and mothers everywhere. After the end of his 1960s TV variety series, Jimmy Dean focused on acting on TV shows and movies. The huge success of The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company in the 1970s gave him the freedom to do whatever he wanted to do, and he did not have to record and tour nearly as much as he did in the past. In 2010, Jimmy Dean was named as an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, but he died a few months before his scheduled induction. Jimmy Dean was 81 years old, and according to Wikipedia, his estate was valued at $50 million dollars at the time of his death.
Hahaha, I grew up in Plainview, Texas, his home town, and have many stories, including the fact that my uncle worked with Don and poured the concrete for the pig barns that fueled the sausage. Also, I never hear/see anyone mention that JD had a regular role on the 'Daniel Boone' show with Fess Parker. I loved that show and that character as well.
One of my favorite country and story songs. And the sausage guy as well. Another great song to react to is 16 Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford about the harsh reality and plight of the coal miners during The Great Depression
Y'ALL makes me think of my Daddy ❤ he actually tore the door down at the hospital ER because a little girl had been ran over by a car Daddy was also a big tall man 6 ft 3 to 6 ft 5 I always thought he was 6 ft 4 his brother said he was 6 ft 5 either way I'm sure his adrenaline was pumping I'm sure too but he was a strong man and he would do anything for a child. I love and miss him so much. Daddy was a good man, but one day, I'll get to see him again in Heaven Back to the little girl, the main subject she recovered ❤❤❤❤ thanks, guys😊 Yes, I'm subscribed😊
*Cajun Queen* was the 2nd part of this song then others I like/suggest: *PT 109* & *Sixteen Tons* . My Dad introduced me to *Jimmy Dean* and his music. He had 2 albums of his & in the mid-late 70's we would listen to the records. I told my Dad later on that he's willing those records to me. The rest of the family can have everything else, the 2 records are MINE. After he passed in '14 I was given these 2 records. Every once in a while I pull them out & listen to them. Thank you for bringing back those memories (& my Dad was 6'4" & looked like Mr Clean, so he was *Big, Bad, John* or Dad/Chuck to me)!!!! Other songs *PT 109* , *Sixteen Tons* , & *
In October 1961, Dottie West recorded a sequel called "My Big John". This song is told from the point of view of the "Cajun Queen" that drove John away - her search for him, then discovering about his death. Its 1962 sequel, "The Cajun Queen", describes the arrival of "Queenie", Big John's Cajun Queen, who rescues John from the mine and marries him. Eventually, they have "110 grandchildren". This song's events are more exaggerated than the first, extending the story into the realm of tall tales. In June 1962, the story concludes with the arrival of "Little Bitty Big John", the flip side to "Steel Men" on Columbia 4-42483, learning about his father's act of heroism.
Thank you for this!! My Grandma had this song on a 45 record. Many a Saturday afternoon was wiled away listening to this song. Oh, the memories this brings back. If you like these type of songs that tell a story, you can't go wrong with "Running Bear Loved Little White Dove", by Johnny Preston.
Jimmy's voice when he calls out, "there's a light up above", he really conveys the sense of lost hope being recovered. Those 20 men really believed deep in their souls that they were about to die. Then Jimmy put the hope back in them.
I remember my dad playing this song. If you both love storytelling you have to check out Harry Chapin! Esp. Cat's in the Cradle. Also, The Kingston Trio with MTA ua-cam.com/video/S7Jw_v3F_Q0/v-deo.html
Yes! This song is great. Jimmy Dean IS the same guy as the sausage. PLEASE review Harry Chapin - GREAT 70's troubadour! Did great storytelling songs like Taxi, Cat's in the Cradle, WOLD, Corey's Coming....too many to name. Died WAY before his time on his way to a concert to benefit the hungry in 1980...
I remember hearing this as a young as a young child and being hooked on the story and it still has the same effect on me now. Simple tune and story that will be forever stuck in your mind from this day forward.
Jimmy Dean the singer and Jimmy Dean sausage is the same guy. Another great story teller.
No way! Too cool!
IMO, it's the best sausage. Yum.
I think he acted in some movies as well.
@@matthewsuchomski2593 He was actually in the James Bond movie "Diamonds Are Forever".
He was also an acyor
This song scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. Y’all check out some Johnny Horton. His songs as loosely based on historical events. “Battle of New Orleans”, “North to Alaska”, and “Sink the Bismarck” are great start for Johnny’s songs.
And, yes, this is THE Jimmy Dean of Jimmy Dean sausage!
Yes
Whispering Pines is my favorite.
@@patswanson2870 Whispering Pines whispering pines you're the one that knows.I also like "All For The Love Of A Girl".
They even still use his voice in commercials even though he's been dead for several years.
His best song was “When it’s Springtime in Alaska it’s Forty Below.”
For story telling, it's hard to beat Tennessee Ernie Ford "16 Tons" in particular. Johnny Cash also has great songs in "The Legend of John Henry's Hammer" and "One Piece at A Time".
Sixteen Tons is a must. Can’t beat Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Don't forget Ghost Riders in the Sky
Incredible cover of that tune by Jeff Beck and Gibbons: ua-cam.com/video/J2aqvKY6zLc/v-deo.html
True Story: I was a legislative page in the state capital when I was a youth. It was my pleasure to be on the dais when Mr. Ford came to a joint session and sang the entire thing acapella. It was awesome.
At one point he pointed to the balcony and said (between phrases) take off those gloves so you can snap your fingers, lady." or words to that effect. That was a very long time ago.
Geoff Castellucci's cover of 16 Tons and Big Bad John are the best covers I've ever heard...better than the original IMO.
Red Sovine is the ultimate country storyteller. His songs make you smile, laugh, bawl your eyes out or give you goosebumps. One thing about it, you'll never forget the story in the songs. The Last Goodbye, Roses for Mama, Vietnam Deck of Cards, Teddy Bear, Daddy's Girl, etc.There are so many more. Each one will touch you.
Giddyup Go, Phantom 309
Finally someone else talking about Red Sovine. Nobody could make you tear up like Red.
giddy up go.
sorry, but Red Sovine comes in a close second to Johnny Horton.
@@d.wayneharbison8691 Hiw many hits did Johnny have? I like his songs but don't agree with you on him being the better of the two.
Jimmy Ray Dean (August 10, 1928 - June 13, 2010) was an American country music singer, television host, actor and businessman. He was the creator of the Jimmy Dean sausage brand as well as the spokesman for its TV commercials.
He became a national television personality starting on CBS in 1957. He rose to fame for his 1961 country music crossover hit into rock and roll with "Big Bad John" and his 1963 television series The Jimmy Dean Show,
His acting career included appearing in the early seasons in the Daniel Boone TV series as the sidekick of the famous frontiersman played by star Fess Parker. Later he was on the big screen in a supporting role as billionaire Willard Whyte in the James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever (1971) starring Sean Connery.
He lived near Richmond, Virginia, and was nominated for the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, though died before his induction that year at the age of 81.
His TV show also featured appearances by the very first Muppet, the dog named Rowlf.
Everybody called my father-in-law Big Bad John! He was a 6’5” gentle giant that everyone loved. I also had a couple brothers involved in coal mine cave-ins, one came out, one didn’t so this song has always been special to our family. Love you guys and what you do!
So sorry for your loss 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sorry for your loss.
@@SimranSilva You are so sweet to notice this and mention it! I truly appreciate your kindness.
@@reneeholcomb205 Thanks you for your kind words. Thank you for reminding me that the ere are kind, thoughtful people out there.
@@leahlister6474 Aww you are most welcome. I know how it feels to lose a brother too.
Johnny Horton is another singer who could tell stories--these ones were songs about real-life happenings: "Battle of New Orleans" "North to Alaska" and "Sink the Bismark." Also, you recently did a Marty Robbins song, so you have to follow that up with his classic tune "El Paso"
Don't forget Johnny Reb, Comanche, Jim Bridger.
Do the "Battle Of New Orleans".
It's about July 4th !!
sort of....
Johnny Horton is an excellent storyteller with those songs.
If you do "El Paso", you have to do "El Paso City" as well, since they're connected!
Also "Faleena from El Paso" forms a trilogy. Also Johnny Horton "When it's Springtime in Alaska, It's Forty Below" and "Sleepy Eyed John".
Another storytelling song that I was thoroughly fascinated by as a kid in the 60s was " The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" by Gene Pitney. Listening to it is like watching a western movie. Also, "El Paso" by Marty Robbins.
Yes, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" by Gene Pitney. It is so much like watching a western movie. I can almost envision JohnWayne and Jimmy Stewart being in that movie. 😉
absolutely do Liberty Valence, loved that song since i was three years old, was one of my first four albums
John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart are great in that movie...
& Don't forget Liberty ( Lee Marvin ) 😎👍
No one like Gene Pitney!
@@gregorymoore2877 Gene Pitney's "A Town Without Pity" is also a great song. Heartbreaking, but a great song nonetheless.
We watched Jimmy Dean’s television show religiously at our house when I was growing up.
He always had great guests and good music and lots of laughs and good times.
Another story telling song from the same era is Sixteen Tons by Tennesse Ernie Ford.
You’ll love his deep smooth voice!
Jimmy Dean was the creator and founder of Jimmy Dean sausage. He several songs that were sequels to this song. He also has a song PT 109, which is song about President John F Kennedy.
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town” by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. That’s my favorite story song and NO ONE ever reacts to it. Be the first!! You’ll love it.
R.Tallgal, that's a good one I'd forgotten about. Songs that tell stories were big and got lots of play time. There's an art to it. If you haven't heard it, check out Live Like You Were Dying by Tim Mcgraw
The video wear he's wearing a white shirt and black cowboy hat is the one to see. Thanks for mentioning the song Ruby...I've added it already to my listen list.
I LOVE that song!
"City of New Orleans" by Arlo Guthrie is a perfect storytelling song. An iconic folk classic that I know you'd both love Jay & Amber. It was a worldwide hit for Arlo in the Summer of 1972 at the peak of the 1970s folk-country scene sound. Enjoy! Ps. John Denver does a fantastic live version he recorded at Red Rocks Amphitheater in 1973.
An excellent song!
Also by Arlo Guthrie but a lot longer is "Alice's Restaurant"
Jerry Reed's version of City of New Orleans is incredible ! You can find on youtube.
I thought Johnny Horton or whoever sang this song.
That’s the Battle of New Orleans nevermind.
Red Sovine - "Teddy Bear" or "Phantom 309" and Johnny Cash - "Thing Called Love" are a must. Also, Ray Stevens is a master story teller but more "Novelty"/Fun songs.
Phantom 309 is a stone-cold classic. I would love to see them react to it.
i had forgotten phantom 309 that is a classic.
Little Joe is a classic
The Hank Hill version of Teddy Bear is a killer!
Teddy Bear for sure.
Oh, this song was a highlight of my tender years - AM radio saved my soul
I remember hearing this song on the radio. It was played in our kitchen and in the car. That was the main source of music in the 1950s and 1960s for my family. We had fewer than 10 records and a very cheap record player.
Story telling songs you should add to your lineup: Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford, El Paso by Marty Robbins, 3 wooden Crosses by Randy Travis, One Piece at a time by Johnny Cash, Harper Valley PTA by Jeanie C Riley, The battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton..Just to name a few. Im so glad you reacted to this classic. Always loved this song.
And don’t forget Bobbie Gentry- Ode to Billy Joe
@@sheilaakridge4944 Another great one! I'm pretty sure they reacted to this one already
Johnny Horton is one of those "genre of his own" types that anyone liking story-telling songs needs to explore.
Also, "Marie Leveau" and "The Jogger" both by Bobby Bare, and "The Bird" by Jerry Reed.
@@titusgeorge9280 Both also good...The bird is hilarious!
The sausage is the same guy... later in his career he created the sausage company in 1969 but before that he was a country singer.
Jimmy Dean was a singer and actor. He appeared in one of my favorite Bond films, "Diamonds Are Forever". He was famous for "Big John". Now, he's more famous for his big sausage.
That song has jerked tears from my eyes ever since I was a young un, knowing the love he had for his fellow man, to do what he did to save them, and stand there alone, allowing all the other miners to escape.
My Dad was a coal miner back in the forties and fifties. He loved this song. Thanks for playing it.
The inspiration for the character of Big John was an actor, John Minto, that Dean met who was 6'5". Dean would call him "Big John" and grew to like the rolling sound of the phrase. Country pianist Floyd Cramer, who was hired to play piano on the song, came up with the idea to use a hammer and a piece of steel instead. "Big Bad John" is a country song originally performed by Jimmy Dean, who wrote and composed it & was released in September 1961 and by the beginning of November it had gone to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It won Dean the 1962 Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording, and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. His 'Jimmy Dean Sausage', a company that earned him millions more, in both dollars and breakfast fans!
Floyd Cramer's piano playing style influence generations of pianists. He was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I have a vinyl record of his, what a talent!
Not only was he the sausage king but in the late eighties he started packing his sausage boxes with baseball packs in each box. I still have lots and lots of those unopened packs of cards,( not the sausage). Quite the marketing scheme. Love listing to you two. I have a song for you to try. In the mid sixties, and the very beginning of garage bands is a really fun and crazy song called the surfing bird by a group called The Trashmen. You've probably never heard anything like it. For a short time the became a bit of a cult band, and now they are hard to find on vinyl...keep up the great work.
Yes, "Surfin' Bird" and "Papa Oom Mow Mow" by The Trashmen
@@gregorymoore2877 Was gonna say the same thing...lol. ;)
@@gregorymoore2877 I think Papa Oom Mow Mow is The Rivingtons....
@@hitman142002 I suppose that's possible. If so, I stand corrected.
@@gregorymoore2877 Nope, I stand corrected. Trashmen did a version as well!!
Big John still gives me chill bumps. Jimmy Dean was very famous & even starred in a James Bond movie. He had a late-night variety show in the early to mid 60s, with many famous guests. One unique feature to his show was his side kick: Rowlf the Dog, which was Jim Henson's first Muppet! Rowlf & Jimmy did a lot of duets together as well.
im from finland and old country music makes me tru bad times, sometimes the song doesnt need to be anything crazy or ground braking to calm me down. love to see you react to some feel good music! all the best to you guys.
When that song came out I was 9 years old and already 5’11” and my name is John . So I’ve been called Big John ever since and that is my theme song. That was a great song and it was played constantly on the radio. I’m glad new generations are hearing it.
It’s from an era when boys wanted to grow up to be MEN and help and save people.
Ok Big John, how tall are you now? 5'11 at 9 yrs old is pretty tall, I believe you, just curious how tall you finally got, lol👍✌️
I actually met Jimmy Dean during a press junket when a film crew was shooting a TV movie nearby based on his song "Big, Bad John" with Dean playing a small-town sheriff. You couldn't have met a nicer, friendlier man. He told us that Big, Bad John is loosely based on a real person. When Dean was a young actor working in summer stock, one of his fellow actors was a big man named John. Dean said every time he ran into him, he would say, "Big Jo-o-ohn!"
"And it has such a powerful sound to it: 'Big Jo-o-ohn!' So I stuck him in a mine, and I killed him," he said.
Artistic "license to kill." It serves the story. Good one, thanks for sharing.
Tom T. Hall is a great story teller. Many of his songs have a story aspect, some humorous, but the best intro to his work is "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine". I think you'd really like this one.
My fave of Tom T's is Ballad of 40 Dollars and "I remember when Clayton Delaney Died" and it's sequel.
The year that Clayton Delaney Died is my personal favorite by Tom T Hall.
Yes sir one of the best
''That's How I Got To Memphis'', the Bobby Bare version.
My favorite of his is Sneaky Snake, so funny, but love all his songs.
A classic that brings back childhood memories.
If you are looking for storytelling, the masters were Harry Chapin ('Cat's in the Cradle' and 'Taxi') and Jim Croce ('Operator' 'Working at the Car Wash Blues' 'You Don't Mess Around with Jim'). Plus, Billy Joel's 'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant' just might be the best of all.
Jay & Amber, I was going to suggest all of these, too! All great songs!!!
@@RD-gi3iq They did Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald a while ago.
Makes me cry every time.. I love it even if its fictional, rest in peace to big john
This is one of those songs that has the honor of topping both the country and pop charts.
They hired a pianist named Floyd Cramer to play on the song but he instead came up with idea of instead of a piano how about I play a piece of steel by hitting it with a hammer. You can hear that distinctive sound throughout the song.
Ok, I'm off to eat some Jimmy Dean sausage links. 😋
As for a suggestion, Red Sovine, think you may have reacted to his Teddy Bear song a while back but he has other great story telling songs like "Roses for momma", "Phantom 309", "Little Joe", "Giddy up go", "Little Rosa", "Bringing Mary Home" among many other "hit you right in the feels songs".
Yes, this is the same Jimmy Dean of sausage fame. The next singer you should do, from about the same era, is Tennessee Ernie Ford and his song "16 Tons". I'm glad you liked this song. The follow up song by Jimmy Dean has to be "The Cajun Queen". It is literally the sequel to "Big John". Dean also did a song called "PT 109". Before he became President, JFK was in the Navy and was a war hero. This song tells that story. There's another song based on a true story called, "The Legend of John Henry's Hammer". Like many folk songs, there are different versions. One I recommend is by Johnny Cash and another is by Harry Belafonte.
My grandpa love 16 tons this song always makes me think of him
Definitely Harry Belafonte! He's so completely overlooked it's criminal.
"16 Tons" is one of THE best songs Ever! I'm a Gen-X'er, and still love it. I listen to it several times a year, at least. My mom, still alive today at 84, still sings it from time to time.
@@mkmstillstackin Aren't we blessed to still have our mothers? Mine turned 88 in April. My father turned 88 in December and passed away 3 days later. I owe my love of music to them, as well as an appreciation of different genres.
@@sagittarian1955 Indeed, we are blessed! My mom has done so much for me, gave me the love of music as did your folks. Sorry for your dad's passing. I can tell your folks have been quite loving to you. All the best to you and your mom going forward!
I grew up listening to this music, my father taught us to listen to all genre's I am so glad that you two do as well
Mine too. Good music is good music, my dad would say.
I first heard this 50 years ago when my mom got a double album of country hits. Another great story song in that collection was Johnny Horton's "Battle of New Orleans" - very fun history lesson.🙂
"They ran through the briars
And they ran through the brambles
And they ran through the bushes
Where the rabbit couldn't go!"
@@canonfodder2068, yup. I remember asking Mom what briars & brambles were (I was 5 - hadn't learned those words yet). Especially remember laughing hysterically with my brother when it got to the gator. 😁🙃💥
A good Female Friday song from that album would be Lynn Anderson's "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden".
@@canonfodder2068 "...they ran so fast that the hounds couldn't catch 'em
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico."
There are 3 parts to this song. 2 The Cajun Queen and 3 Little Bitty Big John. They are all awesome songs.
Jimmy Dean, of the Jimmy Dean sausage is the same guy. He first became famous as a Country Singer-Singwriter. In 1961 he released "Big Bad John", which became his most well known song. From 1963 - 1975 he hosted several music & variety series' on American local and network television that went by the name ~ "The Jimmy Dean Show". As far as his famous sausage, in 1969 he founded the Jimmy Dean sausage company.
For some storytelling but with some humor, check out Ray Stevens. His songs, "The Streak" and "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival" are hysterical!!! You'll love them!!
These are great! Keep up the story-telling songs with Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C Riley, a perfect play for Female Fridays!
I’ve recommended that many times!
@@elainemarsh5170 I have too. :-)
There are 3 Sequel Songs. One is called "My Big John" sung by Dottie West, it tells the story further from the point of view of Big John's Cajun Queen Wife.
The third song "The Cajun Queen " is sung by Jimmy and tells the story of Queenie coming to rescue Big John.
The fourth song, "Little Bitty Big John" who comes to work at the same mining town.
You have to check out Lorne Green singing Johnny Ringo, Walter Brennan as well as Red Sovine. All of these men did men did several story songs and they were flash in the pan in comparison to their Acting careers. Except for Red. But each man put his own twist due to their unique speaking voice. All the old Story Tellers were unique and each had their following. All were great when they did their thing.
a voice and drums is all that was needed for this song
Yes, he used to do the commercials for his sausage! AND "Big Bad John" topped the country, easy listening and pop charts in 1961. A year later, "The Cajun Queen" reached a respectable No. 16 on the country charts and crossed over to pop's Top 25. A separate song from 1962 focuses on one of John's children, "Little Bitty Big John."
If you like this song, 16 tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford is a must listen!
Yes, he was the sausage guy too. You might want to do some Johhny Horton story songs too. Sink the Bismark or Battle of New Orleans
Basically anything by the Statler brothers, arguably the best country quartet to ever sing, and almost all their songs are stories.
Jimmy Dean was ALL OVER the media of the day. Radio and television.
Well done you guys...
So glad you guys reacted to this song. Jimmy was an actor and singer before he became the sausage man. Loved it! Now the next storytelling singer that has a rabbit hole of songs to go down is Red Sovine! He sang Truck Driver songs. Start with "Teddy Bear"and "Phantom 309".... Then react to another storytelling song: Tennessee Ernie Ford "16 Tons"
And don't forget "Giddyup Go" by Red Sovine too! I actually still have the 45 of that one, about 60 or so years old.
Red Sovine - Rapper.
I love Red Sovine to death but I can't listen to his songs as they always get to me hard...Especially Teddy Bear.
@@TheDarkly81 I used about half a box of tissues listening to Teddy Bear.
@@TheDarkly81 I completely understand. I intentionally did not mention the song Giddyup Go for that very reason. Have a great day.
Yes, this is the same guy that sold sausages (he also had his own TV show back in the day). This was the first song in a trilogy - the others being, "The Cajun Queen," and "Little Bitty Big John." You should react to all three.
His show was also the first major show to feature 5he Muppets.
This is the sausage Jimmy Dean. He was a big star in early television and really helped out the Muppets early career.
My grandpa worked in the WV coal mines back in the early 1900s. When I was a kid my dad would sing the song as it reminded him of his dad. My grandpa died before I was born and this song always makes me think about him and my dad. 😍
This song takes me back to Oklahoma. We visited my grandparents in Oklahoma every summer, and one year this was the big hit of the summer. When my sister and I would walk to the country store, we’d hear this song coming from every open window on the way. Nobody had air conditioning out in the country. I also love the steady beat of a tool hitting metal in this song. It gives you the feeling of being a miner. Great reaction, thanks!
That beat of the tool hitting metal was the sound of a man hand driving a long shafted star drill to make the holes to put the explosives in to keep opening the mine up. One man held the drill and turned in after every hammer blow by the striker. My Grandpa worked a mines blacksmithing shop sharpening the drills by re-forging the ends.
@@billharsey1270 thanks, man. I didn’t know that.
Y'all, you have GOT to do some Tanya Tucker! Some of the best story songs out there! Especially Delta Dawn (her first hit, when she was in junior high), Lizzie and the Rain Man, and What's Your Mama's Name?
You've done Marty Robbins and Jimmy Dean, now you have to do Johnny Horton.....Sink the Bismark, Battle of New Orleans, North to Alaska, All for the Love of a Girl, Whispering Pines or Camanche. All of those are great Johnny Horton songs
I knew it. I _knew_ you would love this one!
The "clanking" you hear in "Big Bad John" is actually pianist *Floyd Cramer* hitting a piece of steel with a hammer, add that in with HEAVY background reverb, which in my opinion really paints a mental picture to what's happening in the story. So I can see how this wouldn't have worked with the piano.
A very, *very* fine and well done song indeed. 👌
Floyd Cramer in my time was the greatest piano man. So many hits. The man sure could tickle them ivories. Glad you brought that up Guitarzan.
Johnny Cash singing The Ballad of Ira Hayes. A thoughtful true story about one of the guys that raised the flag over Iwo Jima.
He grew up in Seth Ward, a community almost touching Plainview, TX. I grew up about 45 miles west of there. When he started the sausage company, that was the only sausage in our home. Singer, actor, TV personality, and business man. Thanks for letting me hear this again.
Amber you got that right that is Jimmy Dean sausage. Although he was friends with Frank music was different for Frank was friends with a lot of people, that he liked and trusted
He also payed Willard White in James Bond Diamonds are forever
I always think of this as the first Rap ever recorded. He does his rhymes and the background singers just add to it. Well done!
"Big Bad John" by Jimmy Dean is rap before rap. And a beautifully written rap, which tells a well-constructed story and all... without swearing, profanity or filthy language. Like what, it is possible!
Agreed. And no killing people, raping or beating women, or being bad to people in any other way.
He had a hit TV show back when Country music was called Country Western!!!
you have got to hear "to a sleeping beauty" by Jimmy Dean it's a father talking to his sleeping daughter it's an absolutely beautiful song
This was one of my dads favorite songs…he’s been gone 34 years…hearing it brings back great memories!!!! Thank you guys for reacting to it❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is a story song in 3 parts: Big Bad John; The Cajun Queen; and Little Bitty Big John. Certainly worth checking out :)
Love this song by Jimmy Dean! Here's another story song by Johnny Cash!! One piece at a time! I believe Jay will love this one!!
I am a retired guy and music is my thing. I listen to a lot of reactions because I am pleased when young people enjoy the good music of the past. You are the first reviewers I have ever subscribed to. If you really loved Big Bad John then you must listen to the sequel. The Cajun Queen. You MUST have the whole story
when I was a little boy, my Uncle Jimmy used to come over and visit us on Saturday mornings.... and when he seen me he would sing this song...🥲🥲... he died in his 30's.....💔. far too young. but my memories of him I take with me.
Great song by Jimmy Dean! True showman and he makes a mean breakfast sausage! Other great songs I'd recommend to the RSR family are:
Robert Cray Band "Smokin' Gun" 1986. A smoky blues guitar accompanied by Robert's great voice.
Jonny Lang "Lie To me" 1997. For such a young man, he is the vessel for old blues.
Okay, y'all want storytelling songs: BILLY DON'T BE A HERO by PAPER LACE, RUN JOEY RUN by DAVID GEDDES
Jimmy Dean! The breakfast sandwich! A great story teller is Jimmy Dean. Nice memory, Amber. See, I'm gettin' chills. Big John. Super Americana story. Great reaction, Guys. Thanks.
Jimmy Dean is describing a quote unquote "Giant of a man" who was 6'6" and weighed 245. That was a huge guy in the 1961. Basically, slightly less than the average NFL tight end of today
This song came out in 1961, but Lorne Green (Ben "Pa" Cartwright from Bonanza) had a hit similar to this called, Ringo (1964), and he also has a deep, story telling voice that I'm sure you'd like.
I would love to hear Geoff Castelluci cover "Ringo".
@@rickdeleon7386 Never heard of 'em, but I really love Lorne's version.
Now you have to add Geoff Castellucci's cover of this song to your list. You'd be amazed.
I’m enjoying you young folks listening to the music I grew up on. Old music contains history, reflecting the times it was written in. Love seeing your reactions, and hearing songs I haven’t heard in decades!❤️
RIP jimmy dean he had several hits but this song was his best and yes Amber he started the sausage factory and he had a wonderful attitude and great jokes and he does sing 🎤 thanks for the memories Jay and Amber love you guys bless you guys
So much great music in the 60's. I'm still hoping you do "Black Is Black" by Los Bravos, such an iconic 60s hit.
One of the top ten songs of 1961. I turned three that year and this is one of those time capsule songs for me where it not only brings me back, but as I would put it, "puts me in the 'living room' of those memories and times!"
This is the first of a trilogy of songs. Next in line is - - - The Cajun Queen and finally - - - Little Bitty Big John.
Jimmy Dean not only preformed this song but wrote it as well. Jimmy before this song was only known to dedicated fans of country music this song exposed Jimmy to a national audience and was one of the cross over hits that helped popularize country music.
Harry Chapin's "Taxi", Arlo Guthrie's "City of New Orleans" and his "Alice's Restaurant Massacree", and Jimmy Buffet's, "He went to Paris" are some of my favorite story telling songs. Hopefully you'll get to check them out sometime.
Harry Chapin “Taxi” for sure! Also “WOLD”, “A Better Place to Be”, and “Mr. Tanner”
Yes every Thanksgiving gotta listen to Alice's restaurant
Grew up listening to his Christmas album. It was always a fav of our family ❤️
Jimmy Dean was a great story teller with his songs.
I love this song. And did you know Jimmy Desn did a sequil to it called "Little Bitty Big John"? You have to hear that one now. 🎼🎵
Can't forget the other sequal song, "Cajun Queen".
@@TheDarkly81 haven't heard that one. I only heard "Little Bitty Big John" 2 weeks ago. I loved it. I'll go check the other one out in a bit.
Thank you. 😊
This ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes. A real HERO story! Next..."16 Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford. Now keep in mind when you listen to it because it's an important part of the song...coal miners back in the day only had one place to purchase the things they needed...from "the company store" which was also owned BY the mining company.
Both my grandfathers were coal miners in Ohio and West Virginia. Yes, they had a company store in each town. The miners were not paid in money but in "script," which was only good at the company store.
I agree, it still brings me to tears.
Before he became associated with Jimmy Dean sausage, he was an actor and a singer. As an actor you can see him in the James Bond flick Diamonds are Forever. Also from 1963-1966 he had the Jimmy Dean Show. On the show he had such Country Music legends as Buck Owens ( "Tiger by the Tail"..."My Heart Skips a Beat"), Connie Smith ( "Once a Day"..."The Hurtin's All Over"), and Roy Clark ( "I Never Picked Cotton"..."Thank God and Greyhound").
Don't forget Daniel Boone. ua-cam.com/video/gXu40tMxh-w/v-deo.html
"I love it when songs don't get in a hurry." What a great comment!
Ghost Riders in the Sky is a another great story telling song. My favorite version is the studio version sung by Vaughn Monroe. It was released in 1949. There are other versions of the song such as the one sung by Burl Ives and another sung by Frankie Laine.
Hi guys. The (non radio version ended with "at the bottom of this mine lies one hell of a man", also Jimmy Dean is the sausage guy. He was a really sharp business man. Owned property, and started Jimmy Dean Foods. He was a Country Music guy who knew all the big stars of the day in all genres and in the movies too. Amber I think you might have been referring to a song called Roly Poly. There are lots of versions of it still today. It was originally done by Bob Wills and his band back in 1945. Here is a link to a video of the group Asleep at the Wheel doing a live performance of it. The 4 older guys dressed alike are members of the original Bob Wills band. Hope it brings back a good memory for you. ua-cam.com/video/Ar4H_3HGSVE/v-deo.html
Jimmy Dean had a very interesting life. He started out as a Country music singer, and to supplement his income in the early-1950s, hosted two local Country music TV programs in the Washington, DC/Arlington, Virginia area, "Town And Country Time" and "Country Style/The Morning Show/The Jimmy Dean Show", which was picked up by CBS for weekday daytime broadcasts from 1957 to 1959. From 1963 to 1966, Jimmy Dean hosted the ABC variety series, "The Jimmy Dean Show". According to Wikipedia, he gave the first national exposure for one of Jim Henson's Muppets, Rowlf The Dog. Henson was so grateful to Dean for this work, he offered him a 40 percent ownership share in his production company. Dean turned him down, stating that he (Henson) should reap the full benefit of all his hard work, and he made it a point in his later years to state that he did not regret his decision.
In 1969, he formed The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company with his brother, Don. Jimmy Dean appeared in the early TV commercials to sell the product, and was a big success. In 1984, Jimmy and Don Dean sold The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company to what would become Tyson Foods, in 1984.
Jimmy Dean had other hit songs in the 1960s, such as "PT-109", "The First Thing Ev'ry Morning (And The Last Thing Ev'ry Night)", "Stand Beside Me", "Sweet Misery', and "A Thing Called Love". Jimmy Dean's last hit record was the 1976 song, "I.O.U", which was a tribute to his mother, and mothers everywhere.
After the end of his 1960s TV variety series, Jimmy Dean focused on acting on TV shows and movies. The huge success of The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company in the 1970s gave him the freedom to do whatever he wanted to do, and he did not have to record and tour nearly as much as he did in the past.
In 2010, Jimmy Dean was named as an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, but he died a few months before his scheduled induction. Jimmy Dean was 81 years old, and according to Wikipedia, his estate was valued at $50 million dollars at the time of his death.
Hahaha, I grew up in Plainview, Texas, his home town, and have many stories, including the fact that my uncle worked with Don and poured the concrete for the pig barns that fueled the sausage. Also, I never hear/see anyone mention that JD had a regular role on the 'Daniel Boone' show with Fess Parker. I loved that show and that character as well.
He also had a steady part on the TV show with Fess Parker "Daniel Boon".
One of my favorite country and story songs. And the sausage guy as well. Another great song to react to is 16 Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford about the harsh reality and plight of the coal miners during The Great Depression
Love 16 tons, and then they can also react to the Geoff Castalucci cover of it as well.
The number one song on the billboard charts the day I was born. I know every word.
Y'ALL makes me think of my Daddy ❤
he actually tore the door down at the hospital ER because a little girl had been ran over by a car Daddy was also a big tall man 6 ft 3 to 6 ft 5 I always thought he was 6 ft 4 his brother said he was 6 ft 5 either way I'm sure his adrenaline was pumping I'm sure too but he was a strong man and he would do anything for a child. I love and miss him so much. Daddy was a good man, but one day, I'll get to see him again in Heaven
Back to the little girl, the main subject she recovered ❤❤❤❤
thanks, guys😊
Yes, I'm subscribed😊
you would love Tennessee Ernie Ford singing 16 Tons another great story telling song about a minor. He also has a super deep voice
*Cajun Queen* was the 2nd part of this song then others I like/suggest: *PT 109* & *Sixteen Tons* .
My Dad introduced me to *Jimmy Dean* and his music.
He had 2 albums of his & in the mid-late 70's we would listen to the records.
I told my Dad later on that he's willing those records to me. The rest of the family can have everything else, the 2 records are MINE.
After he passed in '14 I was given these 2 records. Every once in a while I pull them out & listen to them. Thank you for bringing back those memories (& my Dad was 6'4" & looked like Mr Clean, so he was *Big, Bad, John* or Dad/Chuck to me)!!!!
Other songs *PT 109* , *Sixteen Tons* , & *
Red Sovine is a great story teller any song is great but Teddy Bear is most favorite its an awesome rabbit home
hole not home
In October 1961, Dottie West recorded a sequel called "My Big John". This song is told from the point of view of the "Cajun Queen" that drove John away - her search for him, then discovering about his death.
Its 1962 sequel, "The Cajun Queen", describes the arrival of "Queenie", Big John's Cajun Queen, who rescues John from the mine and marries him. Eventually, they have "110 grandchildren". This song's events are more exaggerated than the first, extending the story into the realm of tall tales.
In June 1962, the story concludes with the arrival of "Little Bitty Big John", the flip side to "Steel Men" on Columbia 4-42483, learning about his father's act of heroism.
I remember different version where he says “At the bottom of this mine lies one hell of a man, Big John.” That’s the version I grew up hearing.
Thank you for this!!
My Grandma had this song on a 45 record. Many a Saturday afternoon was wiled away listening to this song. Oh, the memories this brings back.
If you like these type of songs that tell a story, you can't go wrong with "Running Bear Loved Little White Dove", by Johnny Preston.
Jimmy's voice when he calls out, "there's a light up above", he really conveys the sense of lost hope being recovered. Those 20 men really believed deep in their souls that they were about to die. Then Jimmy put the hope back in them.
Yea and 'Big John' gave his life for everybody else.
I remember my dad playing this song. If you both love storytelling you have to check out Harry Chapin! Esp. Cat's in the Cradle.
Also, The Kingston Trio with MTA
ua-cam.com/video/S7Jw_v3F_Q0/v-deo.html
and Taxi
Yes! This song is great. Jimmy Dean IS the same guy as the sausage. PLEASE review Harry Chapin - GREAT 70's troubadour! Did great storytelling songs like Taxi, Cat's in the Cradle, WOLD, Corey's Coming....too many to name. Died WAY before his time on his way to a concert to benefit the hungry in 1980...
...and Taxi
I remember hearing this as a young as a young child and being hooked on the story and it still has the same effect on me now. Simple tune and story that will be forever stuck in your mind from this day forward.
Now you need to hear "The Cajun Queen" and "Little Big John" by Jimmy Dean...
YES!!!!
In Cajun Queen......I guess Big John ended up being a loving "Zombie" ROTFLMAO