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"The Longest Johns" are a British folk music group known for their a cappella sea shanties and folk songs. One of their most popular songs is "Wellerman," which gained widespread recognition on social media and streaming platforms like TikTok. Here are some interesting facts about "The Longest Johns" and their song "Wellerman":

1. Viral TikTok Success: "Wellerman" went viral on TikTok, with users creating various videos and memes featuring the song. This viral trend helped propel the song into the mainstream, and it gained millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

2. TikTok Remixes: Many TikTok users created remixes and duets of "Wellerman," contributing to its viral success. The song's catchy melody and lyrics made it a perfect choice for user-generated content.

3. Historical Inspiration: "Wellerman" is based on the historical practice of shore whalers in New Zealand being supplied by "wellermen" or supply ships. These ships would bring essential goods and supplies to the whalers, including items like sugar, tea, and rum. The song tells the story of waiting for the wellerman to arrive with these supplies.

4. Collaborative Effort: "The Longest Johns" created "Wellerman" as a collaborative effort. It's not an original composition but rather a traditional sea shanty that has been adapted and performed by many artists over the years.

5. Nautical Themes: The Longest Johns specialize in sea shanties and maritime-themed music, which often celebrate the lives and experiences of sailors and whalers. Their music draws from the rich tradition of sea songs and reflects their passion for maritime history.

6. Album Releases: "The Longest Johns" released their album "Cures What Ails Ya" in 2019, which includes "Wellerman" as one of the tracks. The success of this song helped boost their recognition and contributed to the album's popularity.

7. Folk Revival: "The Longest Johns" are part of a broader folk music revival that has gained popularity in recent years. Their harmonious a cappella performances and use of traditional folk themes have resonated with audiences looking for a connection to history and tradition.

8. Collaborations: Following the success of "Wellerman," "The Longest Johns" collaborated with other musicians and groups, both within and outside the folk genre, to create new and innovative versions of the song.

9. Online Community: The Longest Johns have a strong online presence, with an active fanbase on platforms like YouTube and Discord. They engage with their fans through live streams, Q&A sessions, and other online interactions.

10. Impact on Folk Music: "Wellerman" and "The Longest Johns" have played a significant role in popularizing traditional folk music, introducing it to a new and diverse audience, and sparking interest in sea shanties and maritime history.

"The Longest Johns" and their rendition of "Wellerman" have made a notable impact on the world of folk music, bringing traditional sea shanties into the modern era and inspiring a new generation of folk music enthusiasts.