The Ballad of American Steel mp3


Tom Johnson is a West Virginia steelworker and singer-songwriter. With an insider's view and knowledge of the steel industry, it was natural for him to compose "The Ballad of American Steel" in 1985 when American steel was first threatened by foreign markets.

"Grew up in a small town, by the mountains and the hills and the plains, down in those smokey valleys, that the workers of the steel mills made.

"Now they're going to shut those places down, and I don't like the way it makes me feel, been making steel for a hundred years, and I think we got a rotten deal."

Tom met personally with Congressmen in Washington, D.C., lobbying for the preservation of American steel, and the Weirton Daily Times featured Johnson [02/15/99], in front page coverage. A video is available, as are CDs.

Tom is a grassroots songwriter and also sings and plays guitar. His "Ballad" crosses Light/Contemporary Rock, Country, and Folk/Worldbeat styles. Visit him on mp3.com/AmericanSteel