Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 001: Grand Ole Opry – October 14, 1939

Main Theme & Purpose
This episode transports listeners back to a live 1939 broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, evoking the communal spirit of the "Golden Age of Radio," when families would gather together to enjoy live music, humor, and regional color. The show marks a milestone as it expands its reach across a new nationwide network, connecting communities from the Mexican border to the mountains of Virginia.

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

The Grand Ole Opry Goes National

• Celebrating a new network: David Stone (Host) proudly announces that the Grand Ole Opry is now being broadcast on a network spanning a vast region of the United States ([01:05])

  "We're starting on a network of stations that reaches all the way from the Mexican border to the mountains of Virginia. We are mighty proud and happy to be on this network and we are mighty proud of our sponsor, the people who make Prince Albert smoking tobacco." – David Stone [01:05]

Opening Music and Festive Spirit

• Kicking off with energy: Uncle Dave Macon sets the mood with a rousing song, followed by Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys with "Ida Red" ([00:44], [02:13]).

  "God, my son is shoes on... Having a big time tonight and of good Prince Albert boys are pleasure bound..." – Uncle Dave Macon [00:44] "Red she ain't no food scotch mule... I'm in love with I.d." – Roy Acuff/Uncle Dave Macon [02:13]

Tobacco Talk & Period Advertising

• Interwoven sponsorships: Throughout the episode, David Stone discusses Prince Albert Tobacco, championing its "cool burning" and "no bite process" (e.g., [03:49], [15:33], [29:59]).

  "Prince Albert burned 86 degrees cooler than the average of the 30 other of the largest selling brands tested... the national joy smoke." – David Stone [03:49] "Try Prince Albert tomorrow." – David Stone [15:33]

• Classic ad delivery: These segments mirror a bygone era when hosts and musicians wove advertisements seamlessly into the entertainment.

Showcasing Musical Talent

• Diverse acts: The cast features a blend of groups, soloists, and instrumentalists:

  • Uncle Dave Macon (banjo, vocals)
  • Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys
  • Grandpappy George Wilkerson and his Old Time Band (the Fruit Jar Drinkers)
  • DeFord Bailey (harmonica legend, called the “little mascot”)
  • Rachel and Oswald performing “John Henry” ([23:13]).

• Highlighted performances:

  • “Cannon County Hill” by Uncle Dave Macon ([05:06])
  • “The Great Speckled Bird” by Roy Acuff ([12:32], [12:56])
  • “Nobody's Darling But Mine” ([16:29])
  • “Old Joe Clark,” “Fox Chase,” and “Memphis Blues” by DeFord Bailey ([19:08], [28:29], [28:54])
  • “John Henry” by Rachel and Oswald ([23:13])
  • “Way Out on the Mountain” ([26:32])

  "What a beautiful thought I am thinking concerning a great speckled bird..." – Uncle Dave Macon [12:56]

Messages from the Audience and Notables

• Widespread popularity highlighted: On-air telegrams reveal the Opry's growing fanbase and importance to American culture.
  • Governor Prentice Cooper of Tennessee ([09:45])

    "I am listening tonight in Jacksonville Florida to WSM's friendly and entertaining program that we of Tennessee have enjoyed for many years. The Grand Ole Opry..." [09:45]

  • Gene Autry, "America’s Cowboy Number One" sends congratulations and promises a film collaboration ([10:31]).

    "Congratulations to the WSM Grand Ole Opry on its initial NBC network broadcast... Regards from Gene Autry." [10:31]

  • Congressman Luther Patrick and Governor W. Lee O’Daniel of Texas, plus Sergeant Alvin C. York and U.S. Senator Albert B. Chandler also send warm wishes ([10:57], [20:24], [21:17]).

    "Having listened to the Grand Ole Opry ever since the day of earphones... glad news indeed to learn that you are going NBC..." – Governor W. Lee O’Daniel [20:24] "The Grand Ole Opry has been so much enjoyed for so many years and has now become a password in almost every home." – Sergeant Alvin C. York [21:17]

Lighthearted Banter & Community Feel

• On-air camaraderie: The announcer (“Solemn Old Judge”) provides friendly transitions, encourages musicians, and lightly jokes with cast members ([05:21], [24:45]).

  "Make yourself at home because we're going to call on those fruit yard drinkers..." – Grand Ole Opry Announcer [07:00] "Rachel's kind of around here, isn't she? All right. Well, say, that calls for another little, too. Now, gather the boys around those Smoky Mountain boys and let's call old Rattler from the bar..." – Grand Ole Opry Announcer [24:45]

Memorable Musical and Spoken Moments

• Vivid musical imagery: Multiple songs and instrumentals evoke Southern rural life, from moonshiners to whip-poor-wills, fox chases to mountaintop eagles.

  • "Possum in a cinnamon tree. Raccoon on the ground. The raccoon says, you son of a gun shake. I'm Simon Sound." – Uncle Dave Macon [25:18]
  • "Where the whip wheel thing meets me... An eagle roost on rocks..." – Uncle Dave Macon [27:00]

• Signature sign-off: The show ends in traditional style, gathering all for a "good night tune," followed by a future programming reminder ([29:35], [31:33]).

  "Well, friends, it's just about quitting time on the Grand Ole Opry. We appreciate this opportunity to be on the NBC network, and we'll be looking for you to listen in at this same time, same stations next week at this time..." – Grand Ole Opry Announcer [31:16]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:31] — Show introduction; Grand Ole Opry moves to a national network
• [02:13] — Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys perform “Ida Red”
• [05:06] — Uncle Dave Macon: “Cannon County Hill”
• [07:00] — Fruit Jar Drinkers’ segment
• [09:45] — Audience telegrams (notable fans incl. Prentice Cooper, Gene Autry, etc.)
• [12:32] — “The Great Speckled Bird” by Roy Acuff
• [16:29] — “Nobody's Darling But Mine” by Uncle Dave Macon
• [19:08] — D. Ford Bailey: “Fox Chase”
• [20:24] — More greetings from fans/governors
• [23:13] — Rachel and Oswald: “John Henry”
• [26:32] — Uncle Dave Macon: “Way Out on the Mountain”
• [28:00] — Evening blues and “Memphis Blues” with D. Ford Bailey
• [29:59] — Final Prince Albert pitch
• [31:16] — Conclusion, show close-out and next week’s preview

Notable Quotes

• David Stone: “We are mighty proud and happy to be on this network and we are mighty proud of our sponsor, the people who make Prince Albert smoking tobacco.” [01:05]

• Uncle Dave Macon: “Bright lights on Broadway the sunshine down in Dixie the moon county the Cannon county hills.” [05:06]

• Gene Autry (via telegram): “Congratulations to the WSM Grand Ole Opry on its initial NBC network broadcast. It is one of my favorite programs and I'm looking forward with much pleasure to members of this program coming to Hollywood to appear with me in the Republic picture titled Grand Ole Opry.” [10:31]

• Grand Ole Opry Announcer: “We appreciate this opportunity to be on the NBC network, and we'll be looking for you to listen in at this same time, same stations next week at this time.” [31:16]

Tone & Atmosphere

The show’s language and tone are homey, communal, and celebratory, with a strong sense of Southern tradition and musical camaraderie. There’s a palpable pride in the program’s cultural role and in its transition to a broader network audience. Advertisements are delivered in a folksy, conversational manner, seamlessly blending into the broadcast’s musical and communal rhythms.

In Summary

This Grand Ole Opry episode is a lively, authentic slice of Americana. With toe-tapping old-time music, messages from prominent fans, and the gentle banter of hosts and musicians, it highlights what made live radio an essential part of American life in the late 1930s. The show celebrates its expanded reach, welcomes new listeners, and remains rooted in the musical and cultural traditions that made the Opry a household name.