001-Grand Ole Opry-10-14-39

Summary

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.

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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]

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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

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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]

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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.

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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.

Transcript

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[David Stone]

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[Uncle Dave Macon]

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[David Stone]

Prince Albert, the world's most popular smoking tobacco, brings you the South's most popular program, the Grand Ole Opry.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

God, my son is shoes on God my hair is big down Having a big time tonight and of good Prince Albert boys are pleasure bound Having a big time tonight Going to the hoedown in my Sunday clothes Having a big time tonight Wanna still be dancing Winter is a crow Having a big time.

[David Stone]

Tonight yes, it's the Grand Ole Opry. The same program with the same people you've been listening to for the past 14 years. Only tonight it's different because 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. And now, friends, here is George Hay, the solemn old judge, our master of ceremony.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you, David. Thank you. And hello, everybody. Here we are with our show, ready to ride right down the middle of the road. For our friends and neighbors throughout America, the Grand Ole Opry house is packed and we're ready to start the shindig. Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys lead off with that good old breakdown, Ida.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Red Let her go, Roy. Red she ain't no food scotch mule red he red I'm in love with I.d. i'm in love with I.d. Red I green the prettiest girl I ever seen idy red out of red I'm in love with id red I red I read I'm in love with id. Red I blue I'm in love with idy too red I'm in love with I red I red I red I'm in love with id red.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you, Roy. That's well off to a great big start on the Grand Ole Opry. And now we introduce our good friend and partner, David Stone, who has some mighty good news for us.

[David Stone]

All right, David, men, if you're interested in facts about smoking tobacco. You'll be glad to hear these results of a series of impartial tobacco tests recently made by a group of laboratory experts. They wanted to know about cool smoking. 31 Brands of smoking tobacco were tested in automatic smoking and heat registering machines. The winner, Prince Albert. Yes, Prince Albert burned 86 degrees cooler than the average of the 30 other of the largest selling brands tested. Coolest of all, Prince Albert smoked so rich, so tasty, yet so mild and mellow. Thanks to Pa's choice of tobaccos, the famous crimp cut and the no bite process. You like Prince Albert? The national joy smoke.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you David. And here we are with our senator from the Cannon county hills. Uncle Dave making the Dixie do drop with his plug hat, gold teeth, chin whiskers, whole horse and buggy hitched up outside and Doris is right here with him. This first tune will be Cannon County Hill. All right Uncle Dave. It's all.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

In the Cannon county mountains. We have sweet and flowing fountains on every hill they have a still bright lights on Broadway the sunshine down in Dixie the moon county the Cannon county.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Hill.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Those beautiful hills beautiful. Big Polishman busy running around and here's 10 Lizzy. Of course we have a new day to fulfill but listen and remember a hundred years from next November. Folks were crazy old election. Of course we need protection for all denominations to fulfill. But the captains never hollered and moonshine won't be bothered they'll have moonshine in the Cannon County.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you today that's. Well have a seat now make yourself at home because we're going to call on those fruit yard drinkers Grandpappy George Wilkerson and his old Time Band. They're going to cut a cord of wood right out here, right out in the middle and it's look out up jumped old man trouble himself. Let it go. Sam. Thank you boys. And now friends, we introduce our little mascot D. Ford Bailey with his harmonica. And he's got those two choo choo bluehoo ready take off.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Sam.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you Dee Ford. Thank you the Grand Ole Opry. We have a few messages here. One from our good friend Governor Prentice Cooper of Tennessee date of Jacksonville, Florida. The governor says 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. I am glad that this Saturday night program of old fashioned southern music will be enjoyed by the folks of so many other states through the medium of the National Broadcasting Company Network covering states from Virginia to Texas sign Prentice Cooper. Governor, we thank you so much for that message and we're going to do our best for you. David how about have you got another one over there?

[David Stone]

Judge we have a nice message right here from Hollywood, California, America's cowboy number one. It says 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. Regards from Gene Autry.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Gene that's. Well, we sure do appreciate it and we'll be out there whenever you you get ready for us, my friend. And now here's one from Washington, D.C. glory B. Grand Ole Opry has at last found its place in the sun. And mark me words, brethren, she'll stay thar. Luther Patrick, congressman from Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Patrick, we certainly appreciate that. Thank you so much. We're going to stay right in there and pitch. Yes, we are. Now we hear from Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys.

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[Uncle Dave Macon]

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[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

It's one of the most popular numbers we ever presented on this Grand Ole Opry. The Great Speckled Bird.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

What a beautiful thought I am thinking concerning a great speckled bird. Remember her name is Recall recorded.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

On.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

The pages of God's holy word Desoring. To lower her standard. They watch every move that she made. They long to find fault with her teachings. But really they find no mistake. I am glad I have learned of her meekness I am proud that my name is on her bosom For I long to be one Never fearing.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

The.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Face of my soul Sa. When he cometh descending from he on the clouds as he rides in his.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Words.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

I'll be joyfully carried to meet.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Him.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

On the wings of that great speckled bird. That's fine, Roy.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you so much. That was Roy Acuff with his famous number, the Speckled Bird. And now we're going to call on our good friend David Stone for some more news about Prince Albert. All right, David.

[David Stone]

Thank you, Judge. You enjoy cooler smoking with Pa? Prince Albert is crimp cut and made under the famous no bite process. Quality tobaccos and special methods of manufacture are your protection from the irritation and the discomforts of excess smoking. There's no parching bite with Prince Albert because Prince Albert smokes so cool. You enjoy all of the rich, full body and fragrance of Pa's choice tobaccos. Know the smoke, joy and comfort of Prince Albert. Pleasure in every smoke. It's the world's most popular smoking tobacco. Try Prince Albert tomorrow.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you, David. We continue with our Grand Ole Opry by presenting Uncle Dave Macon, the Dixie Dew Drop. And this time it'll be one of his favorite numbers, Nobody's Darling But Mine. All right, Uncle Dave.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Come sit by my side Dear old darling Come lay your cool hand on my brow. Be nobody's golly in the. I'd rather be some old man's darling Than a young girl that no young man knows Goodbye, Goodbye, dear old Charles I'm leaving the stable behind. Ah, that's fine.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

That's. Well, akadem. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. And now those fruit jar drinkers again. Grand Pappy George Wilkerson and the Old Time Band. Old Joe Clark front and center. Let him go. It, Sam. All right, boys. Okay. Come on out here, little D4.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Wake up here.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Come on out here, son. My goodness sakes. Tonight, D4 Bailey. And it'll be his famous fox chase. All right.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Hey, second. Yeah, yeah. Hey, kevin, ticket. Hey. Ticket. Yeah, yeah. Hey, catch it. Get it. Hey, take it.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Hey, get it.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Good.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Okay, okay there.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

D4.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Don't. Okay, thanks a lot, David. We have a couple more messages there, haven't we?

[David Stone]

We certainly have, Judge. Another telegram from Hollywood, California. Wish you all the success in the world with your new network program starting tonight. May the Grand Ole Opry live for years and years. It's from Republic Productions Incorporated. And here's one judge from Austin, Texas. Having listened to the Grand Ole Opry ever since the day of earphones and have been able to enjoy it as a common citizen and equally as much now in the governor's mansion, it is glad news indeed to learn that you are going NBC so the WBAP and Fort Worth can broadcast same stop. I hope when you go NBC that you do not go high hat, but that you retain the traditional dignity of the Grand Ole Opry, which has so long touched the hearts of millions of us common citizens. It's signed W. Lee O'Daniel, Governor of Texas.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you, Governor. Thank you. You needn't worry about our hat getting too tall, friend. We're going to keep it just like it is and be lucky to keep it on. In fact, we have one here from Sergeant Alvin C. York of Jamestown, Tennessee. Congratulations on your first night on the network covering our great Southland. The Grand Ole Opry has been so much enjoyed for so many years and has now become a password in almost every home. Sergeant, we certainly do thank you for that. And here's one from Washington, D.C. hearty congratulations on your opportunity to serve a greatly enlarged audience. All of those who have a part in the Grand Ole Opry program have my very best wishes signed Albert B. Chandler, United States Senator from Kentucky.

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[Sleep Number Customer Inquiry]

Can I make my sight softer?

[David Stone]

Can I make my sight firmer?

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Can we sleep cooler?

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[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Senator, we certainly do thank you. We certainly do and appreciate your thoughtfulness. And we're going to stay right in there and pitch. Now, friends, we introduce Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys. But little Rachel will be out there ahead of the boys with her brother Oswald. Rachel and Oswald. And it'll be John Henry. All right, Rachel. Let her go.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

John Henry was little boy. John.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

He drink.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Nothing but a man.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Wait a minute.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Wait a minute.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

And our boy Rachel. Roy, 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. Let it. Raccoon's got a bushy Tail upon it is fire.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

A rabbit's got no tail at all with a little bunch of hair all around it from the barn here and here. All around it from the barn here and here. Possum in a cinnamon tree. Raccoon on the ground. The raccoon says, you son of a gun shake. I'm Simon Sound. All right. From the barn here and a here. All right. From the barn here and here.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Good. Thank you. Now, come on out here. Uncle Dave, will you please let's have that way out on the mountain. Come on, get. Get going here. Get some gear now. Are you ready? Let her go.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Yes, sir. I attacked my grandpa.

[David Stone]

Mountain.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Oh, yeah. I going to die. Time to the land of the sky where we out on the mountain.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Come on. Where the whip wheel thing meets me.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Bad night that's lovely. An eagle roost on rocks. I scared him old I fe on the meat and honeysuckle. Your street. Time tonight.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you. Thank you, Uncle Dave and Aunt D. Ford. Let's have a little bit of those Evening Prayer blues. So sad and lonesome.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Sam.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Keep it up, you're doing fine. D4. Keep it up, you're doing fine. And now, D. Ford, come here. Let's have. Let's have another little hot tune. A little touch of that Memphis blue. Let it go, boy.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

It.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

Thank you. D4. Thank you. And now, friends, let's gather around for the good night tune here on the Grand Ole Opry. Gather round, boys, Gather round. But before you do get too close here, I think we better call on brother Dave Stone for some time some good news. All right, David, I didn't get you. I sure didn't.

[David Stone]

Right here. Just imagine what a difference cooler burning can make in testing for better smoking. Cooler smoking plus a difference in mildness, in aroma and in grand taste. In fact, all along the line. Well, that's what cooler burning Prince Albert means. Details of how science has determined this was announced on this program earlier in the evening. The secret of this remarkable coolness is in Pa's choice rich tobaccos in Pa's famous crimp cut and no bite process. And here's a hint for all of you makin smokers too. See for yourself how rich, how tasty, yet how cool and mild Pa really is. In roll your own cigarettes, you'll find Prince Albert rolls up easier, faster and neater too. There are around 70. Fine. Roll your own cigarettes in every handy tin of Prince Albert. Remember, Pennsy, the National Joy smoke. There's no other tobacco like it.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

All right, boys, let's go. Come on. Oh, we'll kill an old red rooster, wenchy clown.

[Grand Ole Opry Announcer]

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. All right, boys.

[David Stone]

And here's another thing to remember for your radio entertainment. Monday night, tune in Blondie, the adventures of that famous comic strip couple, Blondie and Dagwood Buffalo. Tuesday night, listen to Bob Crosby and the Best Dixieland Band in the Land with Helen Ward and Johnny Mercer. And Saturday night, there are two great programs for your entertainment, Benny Goodman and the Grand Ole Opry. And all during the week for your smoking enjoyment, it's Prince Albert, the National Joy Smoke.

[Sleep Number Advertiser]

Why choose a Sleep number?

[Sleep Number Customer Inquiry]

Smart bed Can I make my sight softer?

[David Stone]

Can I make my sight firmer?

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Can we sleep cooler?

[Sleep Number Advertiser]

Sleep number does that cools up to eight times faster and lets you choose your ideal comfort on either side. Your Sleep Number SETT Link JD Power ranks sleep number one in customer satisfaction with mattresses purchased in store and online. And now, the more you buy, the more you save on beds, bases and more limited time. For J.D. power2025 award information, visit jdpower. Com Awards. Check it out at the Sleep number store or sleepnumber.com today.