Big Bad John

[kentuck]

[jkirch]

1. Thank you.

That was wonderful to hear again.

[KPN]

2. And a miner cried out there's a light up above ...

Big John!

Haven’t thought of those words in probably decades. I’ll have to play the video later today/tonight — a mega-blast from the past.

[Skittles]

3. great song

and may I say, I love Jimmy Dean's breakfasts - great for quick breakfasts!

[Tanuki]

4. Backup singers on this cut are the Jordanaires, best known for their work with Elvis,

and that is none other than legendary pianist Floyd Cramer in the background banging on a piece of metal with a hammer to simulate the sound of a miner's pick! Jimmy Dean wrote the lyrics on the back of a boarding certificate on a flight from NY to Nashville for the recording session, where it was only meant to be the B-side of another single. More on "the story behind the song" (and Jimmy Dean's role in launching The Muppets) below:

https://m.facebook.com/ClassicCountryMusicStories/posts/775977355861848

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https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/The_Jimmy_Dean_Show

The Jimmy Dean Show was an hour-long variety show hosted by country singer Jimmy Dean which aired on ABC from September 19, 1963 until April 1, 1966. Rowlf the Dog was a regular on the show, billed as Jimmy's "ol' buddy." Between 7-10 minutes of every show were devoted to a spot with Rowlf and Dean. Many of the comedy sketches ended with Rowlf and Jimmy singing a duet together. Rowlf's tenure on The Jimmy Dean Show allowed Jim Henson, for the first time, to develop an original character over a period of time. In addition to providing national exposure for the Muppets, it also brought a steady source of income that allowed Henson to develop and finance other projects.
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