Big Bad John | Low Bass Singer Cover
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มี.ค. 2022
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At the bottom of this mine lies a big big man... "Big Bad John" was highly requested and I hope I've given Jimmy Dean's tune a little extra love and fresh air with this re-imagining of it. Thanks for watching!
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RELEVANT HASHTAGS #Bass #BigJohn #Singer #GeoffCastellucci
Arranged, Produced, Filmed, Performed, and Edited by Geoff Castellucci
Production Manager: Kathy Castellucci
Mix Engineer: Ed Boyer
Filmed at Pattycake Productions Studio - / pattycakestudiospace
"Big Bad John" was a grammy winning number 1 hit in 1961. The was song originally performed by Jimmy Dean (yes, the sausage guy) and to date, I've never heard another song quite like it. It really sticks with you. If you haven't heard the original, do yourself a favor and seek it out. I hope you enjoyed this updated version of it. Thanks for watching! - เพลง
The reality behind the legend is Big Bill Murphy, who rests in the cemetery in Tonopah, Nevada. On February 23, 1911 a fire broke out over a thousand feet down, in a mine full of men. Big Bill got out to the surface - and then turned around and went back in to rescue others. He went down three times; he came up again twice.
Wow never knew that
That is something people need to know. Bill Murphy was a hero.
Born in 75. It's one of my favorates
A lot of commentary here on Geoff's low register, but I'm equally impressed with his resonance at the top of his range. His voice isn't just a gimmick; it's a brilliant instrument.
I know right? Like it's one thing to be able to hit crazy low notes, but he can also hit notes that are pretty high too!
Well said...
Absolutely sir, you are so right. I found his voice about 2 months ago and his range is truly amazing.
Jimmy Dean, best known for his famous sausage brand, was also a successful country music singer and songwriter. In 1961, needing a fourth song for a recording session, he penned "Big Bad John" on a plane, drawing inspiration from a tall actor named John Minto he'd met previously. Dean's simple lyrics and haunting melody, along with the iconic sound of Floyd Cramer striking steel with a hammer, propelled the song to the top of both the country and pop charts. Its tale of a mysterious, larger-than-life miner struck a chord, establishing "Big Bad John" as a timeless country music classic.
Primary Source:
Dean, Jimmy. Big Bad John and Other Fabulous Songs and Tales. New York: Columbia Records, 1961.
Thank you for this.❤
The legend of a man that saved 20 something men from a cave in with sheer brute strength could only ever truly be complimented by being sung by a voice that could have easily matched that of big john
Yee
Hello why don’t you text me here okay ❤
hes samson but the other way around
The reality behind the legend is Big Bill Murphy, who rests in the cemetery in Tonopah, Nevada. On February 23, 1911 a fire broke out over a thousand feet down, in a mine full of men. Big Bill got out to the surface - and then turned around and went back in to rescue others. He went down three times; he came up again twice.
Whatever you just said just rolled right off my tongue as I read it.
Somewhere in there is the makings of a dedication song
Every time we think we've gotten over how good a voice he has, he comes back and makes our jaws drop again and again.
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Exactly!!
Aw… shucks.
Right!?!?
I second that.
We older folks nod our heads in recognition and sit back to hear Geoff's perfect handling of a classic, and the younger types get the pleasure of hearing a classic for the first time and enjoying Geoff's voices. And, yes, kids, Jimmy Dean did more than create a sausage empire.
And you got to watch Jim Henson and the muppets on his show before they became famous.
I was wondering who else remembered that Jimmy Dean made this famous long before he made sausage.
I am 29, and am familiar with the original due to having a taste for old music. I like this one as well as the old one, but gotta say that the original one appeals to me more due to its more steady rhythm
This Jimmy Dean song and the "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" were the two hits that would make my cornball-eared younger self run across the room and turn the radio up. Oh, also Peter, Paul & Mary's Puff the Magic Dragon too. Radio? Is that still a thing?
@@stifledvoice I'd pay to have Geoff do Puff The Magic Dragon. I can already hear him singing it in my head.
You know his voice is gonna get deep when he starts singing with his hands.
well, he's italian, so... talk with the hands... sing with the hands. :D
Those hands get serious
he's an exceptional singing Italian.
His voice registers 8.5 in the Richter scale
Думаю, всё-таки 10!
My grandfather used to sing this song to me when I was a kid whenever I was feeling bad, or had hurt myself running around with the other kids, or just when I was scared. It was one of the first "grown-up songs" I ever knew all the words to. He sang bass also, though you've got him beat for depth and range. Anyway, today would have been his 100th birthday. Unfortunately, we lost him when he was barely into his 60s. But this brought back good memories, and now I'm sitting here typing this with tears in my eyes. Thanks, Geoff. This was good. I appreciate it.
Your grandfather was a treasured person in your life and I can tell even though I don't know you
My grandma was born 1921. A year or a couple of months earlier than your grandfather.
I love the fact that Geoff responded to your comment. Just another example of his heart for his fans. His voice is phenomenal, to say the least.
I remember my parents playing this song. Dean's voice was smooth as silk for his time.
As for your Grandfather, what an amazing story! Thanks for sharing 🥰
May he rest in peace knowing you grew into a fine person
Ghost Riders Please! your voice was made for that song! lol again you knock it out of the park on this song, fantastic!
Yes!
Great idea!!!!
Yes! And then image Geoff's version of King of the Road. SSSAAWWEEEEEEETTTT!
YES YES YESS GHOST RIDERS! And King of the Road!
My next top request for Geoff is The Highwayman. To me it is reminiscent of Ghost Riders, but I haven't seen as many requests for it. definitely waiting on Ghost Riders too (seems to be the other top request from people so he will likely tackle it at some point) King of the Road is also a favorite song of mine, although I am neutral on Geoff taking that one on.
His voice is astounding and MAN! Can he carry a tune perfectly in each of his ranges. You’ve got a GIFT, my friend!
I feel like Big Bad John would give the greatest hugs
What a couple of weeks! Dragonborn Come, We Don't Talk about Bruno, and now Big, Bad John! What a run of great music and videos. Loved going to the black and white section and only 1 Geoff. Perfection for that section!
Thanks!!!
Is it just me or was there a section in Dragonborn Come that Geoff did a Sub-Harmonic overtone? Much like Avi Kaplan's Harmonic Overtones but in a bass note? I am pretty sure it happened, I just want confirmation that I am hearing it right.
@@JQuallsPhotos do you have a time stamp?
Yes, and Shenandoah...
@@cluelesscat2840
I’ll have to find it and time stamp it.
I also need to turn on notifications,
Geez.
Geoff, listening to this I suddenly realized what a talented storyteller you are. You brought the story in this song to life, and I can feel the emotions behind each and every line.
At first there's a real tough-guy energy like Sixteen Tons, and then the mood turns ominous and gossipy with the talk about John's shady past. Suddenly the words come more rapidly with the tenseness and fear of the trapped miners, but then a hopeful new voice breaks in like the light from above; followed by a softer, more somber tone as we learn of John's lonely death. But the song ends triumphantly, as a tribute to that "big big man" who sacrificed himself for the rest.
All of this is subtle though; there's a solid, measured presence throughout the song, much like John himself.
I don't have the technical know-how to describe it any better than that, or to notice all the clever little details you've surely used to achieve this. All I can say is that you've brought out the emotion here in a way that's really incredible, and you've told this story better than anyone else I've ever heard.
Very well said!!
Yes, I agree. I found myself crying from the story and I’m old enough to remember this song from my childhood.
Wow. Thank you!
Wow, well said indeed! I love the word-pictures you give us to go along with the music.
Idk what's more impressive; this guy's lowest notes, or his massive range! WOW! 🤯
Both
…yes.
Fantastic range ❤
I think it is the fact that he sounds good in all parts of his range.
Both ofc
It’s crazy how Geoff was born into a set of identical quadruplets
thats what im saying
There are 3 more of them ????
@@kittysage2475 I think people affectionately call them the "Geoffettes".
Wie bitte, was???
I've seen 5 of them!
When Geoff hits those low notes, you gotta believe there's some seismologist in Japan or the like going: "What was that?" and recording a magnitude 5 on the paper graph. Geoff, thank you so much for covering this. It just goes to show that great music doesn't age.
I guess we now know where chinese "alien signal" came from.
😭😭
Nah, but it would be a prank if a seismologist was singing like that close to a seismic station. Sometimes you do see funny weird data from them.
He must wreak havoc with LIGO.
🤣 Oh man. Too true
This song is defenition of BASS so here are the best low's from Geoff!
0:22 - G1 Spoken
0:27 - C2
0:30 - *G1*
0:45 - G1 Spoken
1:00 - G1 Spoken
1:08 - D2
1:33 - *G1*
1:45 - G1 Spoken
2:19 - A1 Brief
2:25 - A1 Brief
2:42 - G1 Spoken
3:14 - G1 Spoken
3:24 - *G1*
3:31 - A1 Brief
3:48 - *G1*
This song is G city. Holy moly.
I think at 0:48 there‘s a F1 subharmonic
@Debajyoti Roy I think they are all chest
3:43 brief C1 sub? maybe just fry
@Debajyoti Roy Nah. That aint no subharmonics. All chest.
THIS is what I call "real" singing"!
I am Fat, i can go lots deeper 😎😎
I can't remember when I last heard this song. It had to have been the late 50's or early 60's. Thank you for reviving the low bass voice. It is the perfect voice for this song that celebrates American heroism -- the sacrifice of oneself for others.
you must live in a cave if you haven't heard this in that length of time.
Well put, Phil!
This song was still playing on the radio and every juke box, in every bar and every little Podunk town in America when I was born in '66. By the time I turned six, it was STILL on the radio and in bars. My mom drank and dragged me along to the bar with her. I'd sit at the dark end of the bar w/ my mom drinking virgin Shirley Temples thinkin' I was all that...listening to this song and others like it.
It was a different time, a different place, a different era and, a different mind set back then. My mom was a single mother in the 60's.
So please don't judge my mom. She did the best she could w/ what she had... RIP, Mom.
Geoff, I'm sure that you've more than done justice to this song. I love that you've given new life to some great, old songs. I look forward to your interpretation of it! :)
When I was a kid I remember hearing the original by Jimmy Dean on the radio. I always stopped to listen.
I grew up in south Texas in the 90’s and it STILL got radio play when I was a kid.
Classic.
The original version of this is on my standard Spotify playlist right now.
No one except you has the right to judge your mom.
The moms that love us do the best they can.
❤️
@@renpixie ❤
Me: “What’s the lowest note you can hit, Geoff”?
Geoff: “Yes”.
So true
I think it's a G# in the 5th octave
@@ryanlester4698 LOWEST NOT HIGHEST
Just sucks, because I can match him note for note... until it comes to that low G1... my lowest note in chest is an Ab1... one half-step higher, lol.
@@johndeeregreen4592 well for me I can hit a bit but I’m not deep yet cuz we’ll I is a teen lol but I do go low just havnt found my range notes yet (don’t comment or like this comment)
Moment of silence for Big John 😔
As a 6ft 4 man of 280 pounds named John.... I approve of this message. Lmao. Love this cover my dad and uncle used to sing this saying it was my theme song when I was a little kid.
Chills and tears, sir! That's all I've got to say. Chills and tears!
Now, having said that, _Ghost Riders in the Sky!_ With your ear for arrangement, plus your unearthly range, you could bring those ghosts to life! Chills and tears on steroids!
Yes, oh my yes.
See, more and more people are asking for the Ghost Riders! I hope that convinces him!
Yes please!
Definitely!!!
Absolutely.
Yes, yes, we all know Geoff's a fantastic bass singer (and I'm a sucker for the drop), but what's really come through more and more as time's gone on is the development of his upper register. Listen to the tonal quality of those top lines! Gorgeous. Come for the bass, stay for the whole sound.
agree
Tim is still better. :)
@@windchaser12 I love them both!
@@windchaser12 Agree
Pipe down
My favorite part is when the "miners" are softly, tentatively singing the chorus of "Big John". It tells a story of everybody getting to safety and once the panic is over they're starting to call for John's rescue. Makes Me tear up every time. ❤️
My Dad, back in the 60s, used to sing "Big John" and "Sixteen tons" to me when I was a little tyke.. Brings tears to my eyes and great memories when I hear that song. You guys rock!
Actually, it's just one guy. INR?
@@pettytoni1955 Well there is still the band and production time.
@@pettytoni1955 I was wondering if it was just him, or if he’s a quadruplet. ?
@@alan30189
Yes I was confused at first too.
It's ONE GUY who films himself multiple times and then all the pieces are edited together.
So -- so twins, no body doubles. Just one MASSIVELY talented guy with an excellent video team.
“Tyke” i can tell that was 60s😂
This feels like a bridge between the songs and the narrations previously done by Geoff, and as someone who loves both I'm very happy with the fusion of those two parts, because it feels as relaxing as the narrations, but with the melodic quality of a song. At the same time this version feels lighter to me than the version from Jimmy Dean, which makes this version a lot more approachable and nice to listen to ❤️
And then the twist in the imagery really brings in the cilling feeling of the story told in the song.
I grew up listening to the original version. Geoff’s version brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful rendition.
100% agree, thats what i thought. pure gold
@@georgexouryas : you means real gold like 24k solid gold. Sold on that reply.
I know that Valhalla is meant for those who die in combat, but having heard Geoff's rendition of this song, I'm sure that Odin would make an exception for Big John.
Actually, Wallhalla is for the brave and valorous souls. So someone like Big John, who sacrificed himsel for 20 friends, would be welcomed with mead and backslaps.
Greater love hath no man than the man who lays down his life for his friends.
Big John died fighting the earth itself to save others. His seat is at Odin's side.
Not quite yet, though. Go have a listen to "Cajun Queen," another song by Jimmy Dean.
Odin welcomed Big Bad John with open arms and a tankard of mead.
I didn't think anyone's voice could go that low until I heard Geoff ❤
My son, who is now 34, use to love that song when he was just a little lad. He would listen to it repeatedly, sing and dance around in his cowboy boots. Thanks for the sweet memory!!
I only discovered Geoff catsellucci and his A cappella group Voice play a week ago but I am obsessed with all of Geoff’s musical abilities
th-cam.com/video/_U3iEbD4F6o/w-d-xo.html
Yeah that's what happened to me about one and a half year ago lol
Welcome to the Fandom!
This is a very interesting and exciting rabbit hole. 🥰 Welcome! 😊
Haha, same here! Went from ignorance last June to total obsession. I can hardly believe how much joy I've experienced in the last 8 months just because of Geoff and Voiceplay!🥰
Seriously, Geoff, I wish your songs came with a whisk broom so I could brush my jaw off after I pick it up from the floor. Every time you release something, I always think: "That's it. No way he'll EVER top that one!" Thanks for proving me wrong. Again. You, sir, are a planetary treasure!
THANK YOU!
@@GeoffCastellucci I agree with every word also this was hands down the most beautiful version of this I've ever heard and it was well timed at least for me I wasn't able to sleep as I was having one of those nights where breathing wakes you up lol and your overlay voice was literally the one thing to calm me down I was listening to this and about halfway through I was finally able to feel like relaxing your voice is just so soothing and you killed it as usual 👍 ❤️ amazing performance
@@GeoffCastellucci You already recorded several of my favorite songs in your awesome way - hope you'll do "GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY" one day!
@@gabi_uhl_musicand he did!
@@felicitymcdonald24 Yes, and I was very happy about it! 🙂
You are amazing! I'm 75 and remember when Tennessee Ernie Ford came out with 16 Tons. I played your version expecting to be disappointed but instead was blown away. You have one helluva vocal range. My dad was baritone/bass and he'd sing Old Man River, a 3 octave song to me. Do you think you could record it? It'd be heavenly to hear it well sung again. You are a wonderful addition to my library.
Isn't that the truth? More often than not, covers are disappointing! Not this time!! ❤
Yes Please do! "Old Man River" would be perfect for your voice Geoff!
I found another one today by Tennessee Ernie Ford that would be awesome for Geoff - Cry of the Wild Goose
I remember listening to this song growing up and feeling like it was a ghost story told in song. Listening to Geoff's rendition, it feels like a heroic tale. None of the gravitas or meaning is lost, but I have a new appreciation for the story. Well done.
To me it was always the sad end of a brave man, but even so I never once cried when I heard it--until this rendition. His arrangement takes it far and above just a sad song.
I absolutely agree with you, thank you for putting it into words
Totally awesome…
This was one of my favorite songs as a kid. We had it on a 45 rpm record. I have no idea how many times I listened to it then but I really like this version. ❤️
Yes!
I think Jimmy Dean would have approved of this cover. Great job, Geoff.
This absolutely did not disappoint, you know exactly how to construct cover music somehow you know exactly what to change, where to add, and where to hold back. Bravo 👏
At first I was afraid of big bad John, then he sounded like a gentle giant. Then he sounded terrifying again with what he did over that Cajun queen. Then I was holding my breath in anticipation of what would become of the other men and him in that mine. Now I'm sitting here crying for big bad John. I'm exhausted but I loved every second of it!
I’m just a cuddly wee granny living in Belfast NI, and I had this record in my teens…… my grandchildren are going to be amazed , when I play this back to them asap…….. I know ALL THE WORDS. My singing is definitely‘questionable as I had a stroke 4 yrs ago and my speech is still ‘dodgy’ at best….. but I’ll give it a go. Loved this rendition of , Big Bad John. Thanks for the memories of my happy teen days with my lovely Dansette record player.
Another old song I grew up along with 16 Tons. I love the combination of narration and singing. I’m glad I broke down and listened to it. This song always makes me so sad. (My grandfather had to work in the coal mines during the depression and narrowly escaped being trapped in a cave in. He drove the coal train which pulled the coal out and the end of the train was trapped under the rock. The narration at the end (solo) moved me to tears. All I could think of was my tough as nails Grandpa and the devastated look on his face when this song came on the radio. He would just sit there and slowly shake his head. Well, if you will excuse me now, I have to go find my box of tissues 😢
My dad always played this song for me when I was young, can’t wait to hear Geoffs telling of the 6’6” giant who saved those miners 😮
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The vocal range of Geoff Castellucci is mind boggling. The Most Amazing vocalisation I've ever heard in my life.
Listen to Dimash singing SOS
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This was amazing. The most amazing vocalization I've ever heard was Dimash’s cover of SOS.
Check it out
The G1 after the narration is one of the best G1s I've ever heard🤯
16 Tons is among the greatest re-imaginings I've ever heard, (up there with the likes of Disturbed's Sound of Silence), so I anticipate more of the same. Gonna make work in the morning much more enjoyable. Cheers.
That's high praise, Thank you!
I prefer Marcel Marceau's cover if Sounds of Silence... It's got a very classical feel to it, I'd go as far as to say Visigothic!
@@EarlJohn61 : definitely Disturbed version
My grandfather was a coal miner, so I grew up listening to Big Bad John and Sixteen Tons. Geoff does such a wonderful job re-imagining them.
It's really nice to see that the guy from my late Grannie's romance novels got a gig singing her all time favorite song. Seriously, thanks for bringing back such a good one.
В этом видео прекрасно всё: текст, картинка и, конечно, голос. Браво, Джефф🎉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 ты - лучший!
...At the bottom of this mine STANDS a big, big man..
Big Bad John hides inside everyone of us, that inner hero, sort of inner Shrek, quite big, quite bad and quite silent till that very moment when he has a chance to save someone.
And he is still standing there under that pit, holding the nearby town from collapsing into the old mines, like an underground Atlas. Who knows?!
That there is some next level imagery and myth making. Thank you.
@@joyfulyes Yeah, I don't like idea of Big Bad John dying, I think he deserves a better ending.
There's a second song. A sequel.
@@gleep984 Which one? Can you point to?
This is THE BEST version of this song. I just wish my dad and my father in law had had the opportunity to listen to Geoff’s smooth, deep voice in his rendition of this song. It’s so soothing. 🥰❤️🎶
The original version of this song is just as old as I am. It was released in September 1961 and I was born in October 1961. It’s a very old song… 🎶❤️
My father just passed and this was one of his favorite songs I'm sure he would have loved this 💗
It sounds better but i feel that it lacks the conviction and power that the original did.
HOW DOES HE DO THIS!! HOW DOES HE DROP FROM HIGH TO THAT LOW?!
edit: This man's voice just cured my headache with that final drop. I can THINK again.
I love this song me and my grandfather would sing this in my car before he passed away and I'm in New Orleans rn for the first time and this is on my Playlist on repeat while I'm here❤
Everyone thought they had breathed their last, except John. Turns out that everyone was wrong, including John.
Lyrics:
...
Every mornin' at the mine you could see him arrive
He stood six-foot-six weighed two-forty-five
Kinda broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip
And everybody knew ya didn't give no lip to big John
(Big John, big John)
Big bad John (big John)
Well nobody seemed to know where John called home
He just drifted into the town and stayed all alone
He didn't say much, kinda quiet and shy
And if you spoke at all, you just said hi to Big John
Somebody said he came from New Orleans
Where he got in a fight over a Cajun Queen
And a crashin' blow from a huge right hand
Sent a Louisiana fellow to the promised land, big John, c'mon
(Big John, big John)
Big bad John (big John)
Well, then came the day at the bottom of the mine
When a timber cracked and men started cryin'
Miners were prayin' and hearts beat fast
And everybody thought that they'd breathed their last, 'cept John
(Big John) Big John yeah (big, big John)
Big bad John (big John)
Through the dust and the smoke of this man-made hell
Walked a giant of a man that the miners knew well
Grabbed a saggin' timber, gave out with a groan
And like a giant oak tree he just stood there alone, big John
(Big John, big John)
Big bad John
And with all of his strength he gave a mighty shove
Then a miner yelled out "there's a light up above!"
And as twenty men scrambled from a would-be grave
There was only one left down there to save
(Big John) (big John) (big John) Big John (big John) big John
With jacks and timbers they started back down
Then came that rumble way down in the ground
And then smoke and gas belched out of that mine
Everybody knew it was the end of the line, for John
...
Now, they never reopened that worthless pit...
They just placed a marble slab in front of it...
And these few words, are written on that stand
At the bottom of this mine lies a big, big, man
(Big John, big John)
Big bad John (big bad) (big John)
Big John yeah (big John)
Big bad John
Big John (big John)
(Big John)
Big bad John (John).
Thank you for posting the lyrics.
This song reminds me of the Sicilian legend of Colapesce (Nick the fish) that my grandmother used to tell me. Nicola , Cola for short, lived in Sicily at the time of Charlemagne. He lived by the beach and loved swimming and diving so much that his friends started telling him that he was half fish and gave him the nickname of Colapesce. Nick could dive and stay under water so long that he became famous in all the island. When Charlemagne who was visiting Sicily heard of this young man, he went to the harbor to meet him. Nick was thrilled to meet the emperor who asked him to dive and to tell him about the underwater wonders, Nick did so and came back with coral and pearl for the emperor. Charlemagne asked Nick the fish to dive again and to tell him what was keeping Sicily from sinking in the sea, Nick dove once again and came back telling Charlemagne that Sicily was sitting on top of 3 giant columns and that one looked like it was in bad shape. The emperor asked Colapesce to dive once more to confirm the status of the column, but this time he did not come back, because he is holding the cracked column together and preventing Sicily from sinking into the sea.
Thanks for posting this, but I must admit this is one of those circumstances where a word gets reused over and over and eventually it looks wierd. By the time I'd sang John 50 times the spelling looked wrong for some reason lmao
@@Fenthule Probably, i listened to it like 20 times in a row to correct mistakes and by the end the words made almost no sense lmao
Geoff's voice goes so deep and rich. When he hits that lowest note. My ears can feel his voice from my earbuds I am wearing in my ears. And they vibration is very strong from him hitting that lowest note he does. And wow I love it.
When he hits those low notes I get goosebumps and my spine straightens. It’s like it brings something to life inside me.
This song always made me cry. This is the first time it’s ever been performed so visceral and so real! No way to describe how I’m feeling.
Have you heard the second song about big John being brought back to life? It makes the first one not so sad. Lol
WARNING: War and Peace-length appreciation analysis ahead… This song is like a narration set to music - the Storyteller is great and engaging…but because I’m a chord junkie, my focus was grabbed by each transition in the harmony parts. Each one sounded carefully crafted to be interesting and unique, to move the song along, to take us on an emotional journey. Whenever choices have been made that deviate from the predictable, it’s like candy for my brain, and lucky for me, you seem to love to do that, Geoff. This is my brain on your songs:
The original version of this song keeps to the same, repetitive chord structure throughout. Verses with a pulsing, bare G-F-G, and the choruses utilizing the “50s progression” - the I-vi-IV-V that everyone learns on the piano to play with their friends. I was happy to see that you kept this progression through a lot of the song, but I was *extra* happy to see when you deviated from this, in the verse (1:13) where, deliciously, you went with I-bVII-IV-V7 instead. It made that C major chord sooo extra tasty, and that bVII (the F major chord) made me sigh with delight and sent shivers up my arms.
0:45: i-V-bVII-I (Gmin / D maj / F maj / G maj). Sung notes: G A Bb D C Bb / A / F / G (Oh boy! There’s that bVII again!! :D )
I literally couldn’t get past this chord progression the first time I listened to the song. It struck me in my soul somehow. Often we hear those sung notes paired with an Aeolian cadence (in this case, that would be walking up the chords of Eb, F, then G) but this is even better! The choice to flirt with G min, when we’ve been in G maj this whole time, was amazing. That sung A is the fifth in the D maj chord and carries over to become the third of the F maj chord, and resolves up to B, back into the G major chord, giving almost a Picardy third feel because of that hint of G min at the beginning of the phrase. F maj is a non-diatonic (out of key) chord, something that pops out as an interesting deviation from the norm, but of course ties in nicely with the repeating G-F-G throughout.
“There came a day at the bottom of the mine when a timber cracked…” (1:13) Now that we’ve heard John’s backstory, we are being told about the actual story here, and with that, the instrumentation is bigger, fuller, more present and driving. This section is also introduced with another quick peek at a G min chord. This is going to be an interesting story.
1:47: I-vi-iv7-V (Gmaj / Em / Cm7 / D) Sung notes D C / B G A / Bb C D / D
A nod to the 50’s progression of the chorus of the original. The iv7 (Cm7) *(am I imagining this is Cm? Is there actually an Eb in there?)* is again non-diatonic and is again, well, delicious. (I’ve said “delicious” so often here that this is turning into a gourmet meal.)
So cool how at 1:55 you have actually *invented* a bridge for Sixteen Tons Geoff to sing - he likely has quite a few mining stories of his own, too. During the phrase “light up above,” (2:05) the notes also go up - nice attention to detail there.
Immediately, the tone is brought down (2:20). We only hear the root note of the song from the harmony singers in staggered unison with a bit of extra reverb, like they are calling out to Big John down the mine shaft. I can almost see and feel the aftermath, the plume of dust spilling forth, the stunned looks. What is going to happen next? My curiosity is piqued…
Ahhh, there it is. 2:32 - We have moved fully into G *minor*, a brilliant choice to convey this next part of the story - the tragic part of the story. In the original, the entire song is in G major, and this departure from the original for this part of the song is a much more emotional way to tell this tale. The i-bVII-IV-V progression is a nice nod back to the deviation from the 50’s progression you set earlier, and at 2:52, the F#4 (the 5th in that D major chord) sung in the harmony part feels like the penultimate chord that is going to lead back into G…but that is withheld from us. Leads us to lean in closer, cock an ear toward the sound…NOW what’s going to happen??
Now we get gentle arpeggios from the harmony parts while the Storyteller tells us what has happened to John. Realization is setting in. Starting with a simple G minor arpeggio (2:55) in the background singers, root position (G Bb D), we then get the most heartbreaking chord of them all. That second arpeggio. OMG. 3:00 - C major 1st inversion (E C G), i.e., bass is on the third. In any song, when the lowest note of a chord or arpeggio is on the third, it evokes such sweet sadness to me and almost immediately brings tears to my eyes. AMAZINGLY arranged during this part in the lyrical journey.
Hey, remember what I said about the incredible emotional impact 1st inversion chords have on me? Get a load of this run of chords in the harmony parts at 3:04: Gmin, Bb/F, C/E, Cm/Eb, Gm/D, D. Geoff, you master emotional manipulator, you!
I love that we now return to the 50s progression to finish out the song, bringing it back full circle. Thank you for this incredible re-imagining of this song, Geoff!
Angie, this is incredible. Thanks for sharing!!
I knew that I loved the transitions and how the chords kept changing throughout the song, and I particularly loved the amount of dissonance introduced a bit after the 3-minute mark. Thank you for writing it all out so I could look at it and analyze it!
This is a really cool write up, your excitement is palpable! So much to learn and dig through! Thank you for sharing, Angie, really.
@@maeco7 it’s literally my pleasure.
@@JGMeador444 I’m so glad to hear I’ve found another transition-lover!
It is amazing how you just have to grin when Geoff sings. His lows, his highs, his super lows his looks... I mean... Thank you, Geoff 🥰
We always hear tenors all the time. A real deep bass voice really is very warming and calming.
I apologize for the translation from Google, but I think that this is the best male voice of our time, please continue to delight us with your incredibly beautiful voice
"Grab your picks and shovels and join me below" Okay, you got it! ⛏️
😄 It's always fun reading your video descriptions for little gems like this.
Does anyone else think Geoff has taken his vocals to a new level lately? The lows on Big Bad John sound so powerful, and then add in the absolutely epic bass he adds on the Halo Theme. Just amazing.
Yes, he does seem to have leveled up.
Oh wow. I just found this channel and I have never cranked the bass on my speakers for a human before.
You should check out Voiceplay's channel, too. He's the bass for them. Their newest cover has some seriously low notes!
Wow! I’m floored by this guy’s unbelievable vocal range, it’s insane.
65 years old, and heard the original and always smiled, but like a fine wine this is even better
Geoff, you are an incredible storyteller. I wasn't over the moon about the original, but you've taken a song I was lukewarm on and made it a real joy to listen to. You've combined two of my favourite things (your narrations and your music) to share this somewhat dark tale in a fascinating way. Well done, sir!
Incredible range!
Absolutely amazing!! I am a composer, and I was working on an A Capella intro to a piece and did some searching for ideas. That is how I discovered your amazing talent. Your range is amazing! I look forward to hearing more!
I know you will most likely not see this. But I’m a huge fan. I’m in 9th grade and joined choir because of your voice. I’ve worked so hard to try and make my voice go as low as you. I’m in 9th grade and so far have hit every note you’ve sung for bass. It’s very impressive what you do. So keep on inspiring and singing that very clean low note.
aye keep on workig at it bud, it's worth the sweat and tears for the voice
You hit those notes at 14???! 😱😱😱 Your voice might get even deeper as you get older too!
Never quit, no matter what. Even if you take long breaks, always go back to music. It may save your life one day. It did mine.
Whether it becomes your profession or not (and getting so low so young it migh indeed!), keep singing. Even if there are times when you only sing alone in your car...
@@kit_kat5999 Lots of guys can hit those notes, hitting them and sounding good is another story.
I HEARD THIS SONG ALL THROUGH MY CHILDHOOD. NO ONE SINGS THIS ANYMORE. WONDERFUL!
I have never heard this before.. but now after listening to this version, I don't think I want to know any other.
@@sabrina-ss6bu You really should check out the original by Jimmy Dean. While this cover is good, the original is much much better!
I didn't think it was impossible to improve on Big Bad John, and I stand corrected. And with a voice as deep as that godawful mine, no less.
I love the way he retreads these great old songs that only take a voice like his to keep the atmosphere intact with those folktale songs.
Very reminiscent of his cover of "Sixteen Tons," but with a speaking/ monologue role like in "Headless Horseman." Love both of those covers and this one as well. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next, either solo or with VoicePlay. Both, I'm sure will not fail to impress. You have tremendous God-given and hard-earned talent Geoff...keep it up! 👍 Shout out to your lovely and much talented wife Kathy as well. Quite the power couple. Much love and admiration to you both 💕
I had no idea how much I wanted to hear him do this song until I saw the thumbnail...
th-cam.com/video/_U3iEbD4F6o/w-d-xo.html
how lucky he is to have 3 brothers that can sing?
Four! Daryl must've been busy the day this was shot. But Goff, Jeoph and Jeff did a fine job.
When I clicked on the song, I wasn't expecting the story to be so sad. Geoff's voice just multiplied the effects of the story tenfold. There's something about voices like his, that just takes every emotion that a song brings up, and magnifies it. It's amazing, but also now my heart hurts. So thank you 😅
Great job, as always.
THANK YOU, darlin'!!!
I remember hearing this song on the radio when it first came out in 1962. I was 9 years old. It was special in our home in Georgia, not only because we were Jimmy Dean fans, but also because my father was already known as "Big John". He wasn't quite as big, but he was 6'3" and 225# of muscle. Soon after it came out, my brother came home with the 45rpm vinyl that we played over and over. Daddy would have loved this! He watched Lawrence Welk every Saturday night just to hear Larry Hooper sing. Harold Reid was another of his favorites. I lost him to a heart attack in 1987, the most devastating day of my life. I can't tell you how much I appreciate having these most precious memories brought out for some air when our world is in such a dark place. Bless your heart. 💗
Made me cry. The story, Geoff's soothing voice... Very moving.
My dad loved this song. I'm so happy to find such a beautiful remake of it. It brings back many fond memories spent with my dad.
Really
Geoff, you are one very talented guy. Besides your stunning vocals, the arrangement is excellent and creative. That really impressed me. I "sang" this song with my a cappella quartet years ago, but you take this to another level.
Love how genuinely heroic it got when Big Bad John did his thing.
We already had Geoff in a shirt, Geoff as a vampire, Geoff in a sweater, Geoff in a T-shirt ... Now comes a whole new level - Geoff in a white tank top, in a black tank top and in an open shirt and that all AT THE SAME TIME!!! And of course music is awesome, aragement is insane... as usual :)
Now that’s an example of the best reason to do a cover. Something excellent to add to the landscape. Will never replace the original and no need since this one stands on its own merits as an excellent interpretation of a classic.
I haven't heard this song in over fifty years. I made up for list time and listened to this so many times. What a talent!!!!!!!!
This is first time hearing his voice. When he hit those low notes, singing "Jooohn", I shouted, "OH DAMN!!" I love his voice! This man can sing!
I’m crying happy/sad tears. My dad loved this song. He passed almost 20 years ago but hearing this song brings back memories. Thank you!💜
Forget todays modern music , this man brings out the best of the coolest oldies , what a voice
This is a really "miese Masche". It's awful and crushing at the same time.
I always try to find out where the hell this bass comes from....
Goosebumps.
Shivering.
Very impressive and adorable.
I love being a patron of yours, you leave me in awe of the creativity that you possess and I love being able to contribute a small portion of it. Geoff, this one is so fascinating. The original song does not do anything for me, so I was curious how you'd approach this song.
The moment I hit play, I kept replaying it. There's so much to listen for, you've made this version have a certain drive and musicality which I so appreciate about your music. You build it up so nicely towards the end, and it stays so interesting to listen to, with each replay.
Though the backlighting on narrator Geoff might be a bit strong for me at times, it completely builds the right atmosphere for this theme and setting. How fun it must be to sing songs about mining AND get to do an obscure lighting of your scene. You can go a long way with a low amount of props and set pieces and you prove that with this one as well.
I like the lines in the shot you've created for this one, the different singers at different heights, playing around with different angles, and proximity in shots offers a nice variety, gives us something new to look at with each cut. Those edits at the end were so good too, I really liked that little addition.
Seeing sheet music for this one would be SO interesting, just putting that out there :)
With each new visit to the mines, you come back and have dig up new gold, and I am just overjoyed you are willing to share with us.
Thank you for creating music I would otherwise not necessarily seek out myself.
I love how you’ve described things here!
WOW JUST WOW!!!!! The original was a very powerful song, that and thought provoking too. BUT, This version brings it all back PLUS way more!! WELL DONE Geoff!!
I find song and the performance of it so impressive. In fact, it became one of my favourites sung by G. Castellucci, along with Sixteen Tons and Folsom Prison Blues. Each one of the three is story-telling sung with great skill - and it isn't only because the range of Geoff's remarkable voice, but it is the sort of emotional expression contained in it.
this man is one of the most gifted singers......in my book ever!!!!
This song has always reminded me of my grandfather, a big big man named John.
A fitting tribute to Jimmy Dean. Love your personal touch on it, Geoff. Not only your low notes (which are still freakin' awesome), but to the emotion you pull on it. The original always made me tear up, due to my family being miners during the 50's-70's. This didn't bring tears, but made me feel proud of that family history. I can't explain "why" in words, only that it's the emotion your song pulled.
So please let me say a heart-felt Thank You.
OMG 😱 ! I am a sucker for a bass voice. Ooh La La. Yes, crazy their quadruplets and all can sing. The harmony is so beautiful and they compliment each other so well. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It's only one guy... with top notch video editing (and music arranging) skills ❤
This man's voice is incredible every time I hear it
Decades back, in what was almost another life, my band used this song as a crowd calmer (played in a lot of rough joints). You've transfigured it. I cried when I heard it, missing my old friends - and so glad to have found your wonderful voice and recordings. Thank you.
I hear your deep low voice and it makes me melt into a puddle of jelly. Gives me those shivers up my spine. And how you did this song, which I have listened to ever since my granddaddy was alive; it is so spot on the money to his words within the original; that it brings back memories of hearing my granddaddy sing it. Different little twist in how you performed it though. Which did bring my memories of granddaddy back. Thank you.
Hello Tina. How are you doing?
@@DavidSmith-nk2rc she’s a puddle of jelly, clearly
I've literally never heard this before but I've been binging your content and I don't know why it's this mad me cry SO HARD.
As someone who grew up with an aunt who actually listened to these on an old 8 track player I've a lot of respect for these sorts of "songs" that are really more like stories set to music. Things like this and Sixteen Tons. It's nice to see those old songs being brought back for newer audiences to experience.
That´s right. But only a few really sing them as a story without parody, irony or mockery.
Thank you, Mr. Castellucci.