Recorded by the likes of Merle Travis, Doc Watson, and Tony Rice, “Nine Pound Hammer” has its roots deeply-seated in the folk tradition. The song’s origins lie among the forced laborers of the prison, mining, and railroad camps of the late 19th century. Out of such hardship and oppression rose perhaps the greatest folk hero in folk music, John Henry, who of which is the inspiration for the “Nine Pound Hammer” shirt design.