If You Are Listening to Music...

[Matt Dillon]

My daughter said they sang this at Railbird Fest yesterday. Tells a lot of people’s family stories, including mine.

Patty Loveless sings one of my favorite versions.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yqDVObM1kxc

The song, and especially the accompanying video, brings back lots of old memories. Although I've lived in and around Corbin for over 70 years, and it's where I tell anyone who asks that's where I'm from, I'm originally from Harlan Co. Dad worked in the mines in the 1930's before there was any regulations or unionization. He worked most of the places at one time or another (Mary Helen, Kitts, Lanteroo, Black Star, etc.). He said it was bad. He said there were times he worked in mines with ceilings so low he had to load coal on his knees and the shovel would barely fit between the top of the mine car and the mine ceiling. He got caught in a slate fall and had to quit. By the time the Black Lung Act was enacted, all the places he worked had long since gone out of business and the people he worked with were either dead or their whereabouts unknown. Without any proof of where he worked, or when, he never received a penny in Black Lung benefits.

[capcat]

I’m sorry about your dad, Matt. Mine didn’t have that experience with coal mining, but they worked hard and provided in difficult situations. I’m proud of their resilience and resourcefulness and to descend from those generations.

[Matt Dillon]

I’m sorry about your dad, Matt. Mine didn’t have that experience with coal mining, but they worked hard and provided in difficult situations. I’m proud of their resilience and resourcefulness and to descend from those generations.

I hear ya, capcat. Generally speaking, miners and their families have always been a special breed. I credit God and dad, mom and a favorite aunt for my humble accomplishments. Their sacrifices and encouragement went a long way.

[Matt Dillon]

"My Cherie Amour" - Stevie wonder

[Matt Dillon]

"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" - Marvin Gaye

[Matt Dillon]

"My Girl" - The Temptations

[Matt Dillon]

"Tracks Of My Tears" - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

[Matt Dillon]

"Heat Wave" - Martha & The Vandellas

[Matt Dillon]

"Ain't It A Shame" - Fats Domino

[Matt Dillon]

"I Hear You Knocking" - Fats Domino

[Matt Dillon]

"Blueberry Hill" - Fats Domino

[Matt Dillon]

"Three Nights A Week" - Fats Domino

[Matt Dillon]

"Bring It On Home" - Sam Cooke

[Matt Dillon]

"Cupid" - Sam Cooke

[Matt Dillon]

"Only Sixteen" - Sam Cooke