Dad wrote this song for June Carter Cash. They were recording a Christmas album at the House of Cash. June, John, Dad and others were talking about their memories of Christmas as a child. June talked about the last train leaving Poor Valley until the next spring. Dad came home that night and wrote the song sitting at the kitchen table on Richland Ave., Nashville, in about 15 minutes.

This music changed my life my approach to playing to RIP Tony Rice they will never be another one like you my friend

What a poignant historical tribute to miners, adults & children, not just in the USA but world wide (still like this & worse in some places). What a treasure to have TR’s voice singing….

A great song by a legendary talent. Many commenters are unhappy with the visuals but they portray the reality across the planet.

Great Norman Blake song. Thanks for posting. And what a great montage of photographs.

Yes, the photo is the Country Gentlemen from about 1972...back cover of Remembrances & Forecasts album

Great song. Thanks for posting.

Poignant to the nth. Thank you.

Good rendition!

So that is Charlie Waller in photo. Looks like Jerry Douglas, Doyle ¿ anybody know? Ricky and ¿ anybody know? Great singing, great universal photos - Thanks ddbrown22

Mighty fine!

Nice video dd. #Solidarity

Why the shot of “The Country Gentlemen”? Has no bearing on any of this. Great song, Norman is an amazing writer, singing this solo takes guts, the “Seldom Scene” version is pretty much the best full band version ever but, Tony knew how to make you live the story.

Is that Charlie Waller on guitar in the photo?

Sorry, this song is straight from southern Appalachia, and is more about the people than the mining industry, yet the collage in this video depicts mining scenes from everywhere else in the world. Great rendition by Tony Rice, nevertheless.

What year was this?

USA_-day.

The Seldom Scene's version is perfect IMHO. Tony Rice provides great picking on this one. but the vocals pale in comparison to the SS's.