Los Angeles, CA (Top40 Charts/ Mad Racquet) - 29 miners were killed at the Upper Big Branch Mine on April 5, 2010 due to an powerful explosion of gas and coal dust. The mine over the the last five years was cited for 1,342 safety violations. When safety regulations are not enforced miners die. The media and politicians turn out in droves with each disaster, but nothing is ever done. The dead miners are quickly forgotten and the safety violations continue. With the technology available today, miners shouldn't be getting killed in methane explosions and working in dangerous unsafe conditions.
Folk singer Mike Stout remembers the miners of the Upper Big Branch mine in the new song "29 Miners Buried and Gone". He asks
Who' gonna remember these miners who died?
Who's gonna get justice for these miners who're gone?
Mike Stout is a singer-song writer / social activist who follows in the tradition of Woody Guthrie. Using fiddle infused folk and Americana sounds, he sings about what's wrong and urges people to rally together to fix the world. Like Woody he performs on picket lines, at protest rallies, in union halls, schools, music festivals, and concert halls. He was the head grievance man at the late great Homestead Steel Works, before becoming folk singing activist. His latest CD release "Americana Dreams" includes hard hitting songs about the dangers of Marcellus Shale drilling and the need to invest in America. It also features the gentle melodic folk ballad "The Promise Kept" about lasting relationships. In the song "Calling Steeler Nation" Mike page tribute the the hard working people from Pittsburgh who moved around the world with the closing of the mills.
Mike Stout's music can be heard at Mikestoutmusic.com and on Reverbnation.com/mikestout
