10-2-4 Ranch 43-02-26 174 1st Song - 'A Cowboy Has to Sing'

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 10-2-4 Ranch (February 26, 1943)

First Song: "A Cowboy Has to Sing"

Release Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Starring: Dick Varan, Martha Mears, The Sons of the Pioneers, Art Gilmore

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the golden era of American radio with a complete broadcast of the "10-2-4 Ranch," aired on February 26, 1943. The show blends lively Western music, warm camaraderie, and period advertisements, recreating the family-friendly, communal vibe that characterized radio before television. Expect musical performances, comedic banter, heartfelt dedications, and classic sponsor messages—all wrapped in nostalgia.

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Key Discussion Points and Content

Welcome & Introductions

• [00:05] The cast welcomes the audience with warmth and immediacy, inviting listeners into the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the 10-2-4 Ranch.
  • Notable Quote:
    A: “Hi, everybody.”

Musical Performances

• "A Cowboy Has to Sing"

  • [00:26] - [01:51]
    Dick Moran (Dick Varan) sings the show’s opening number—an optimistic, rolling cowboy tune that captures life on the plains and the longing for home.
  • Notable Lyrics:
    “For a cowboy has to sing and a cowboy has to yell, or his heart would break inside of him at the gates of the home corral.”

• "Enchantment" Dr. Pepper Segment

  • [01:52] - [02:37]
    Art Gilmore delivers a whimsical, poetic ode to Dr. Pepper, playfully blending the sponsor message with notions of “enchantment.”
  • Memorable Moment:
    C: “Enchantment, I'll say, is enchantment in its dry and tart, yet sweet and mellow flavor... I'm telling you, it's a thrill to remember and one to repeat whenever you're thirsty, hungry, and tired.” ([01:52])

• Romantic Ballad Interlude

  • [02:37] - [03:37]
    Martha Mears (Miss Peggy) and others perform a soft romantic ballad about music, love, and the tender quietude of night.

• Comedy & Musical Banter

  • [04:14] - [04:52]
    Light-hearted back-and-forth between Miss Peggy and Foghorn provides comic relief.
    • Notable Exchange:
      B: “...I suppose you'd want to sing one of your song titles like Grandpa was born on March 1. That's why he always comes in likely a lion. And when Grandma gets through with him—"
      E: “…he goes out like a lamp.” ([04:31])

• "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"

  • [04:56] - [06:18]
    Foghorn delivers a soulful rendition of the spiritual, adding a sincere, emotional moment to the program.

• Song Dedication: "The Golden Wedding Waltz"

  • [06:18] - [10:13]
    Tim Spencer introduces a song written in honor of a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Miss Peggy reads an affectionate dedication describing their history and Tim’s personal memories.
  • Notable Quote:
    B: “Most of the music I write here on the 10-2-4 Ranch reflects the west as I see it. But when this particular number came to mind, I was thinking of two people I remember as a youngster back in Missouri.” ([06:35])

• "Beautiful Dreamer"

  • [11:24] - [14:01]
    A calming, melodious version of “Beautiful Dreamer” serves as a post-dedication performance, further emphasizing the program’s theme of nostalgia and tenderness.

Sponsor Segments: Dr. Pepper

• History and Claims

  • [10:17] - [11:24]
    Art Gilmore provides historical context for Dr. Pepper, humorously disclaiming any medicinal powers, and encourages listeners to enjoy it at their “10, 2, and 4 o’clock” moments for energy and pleasure.
  • Notable Quote:
    C: “Dr. Pepper truly is a delicious liquid bite to eat... All for one little nickel. Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2 and 4 o'clock every day.” ([10:17])

• Closing Jingles

  • [14:01] - [14:17]
    The cast sings a playful Dr. Pepper jingle and reminds the audience of the sponsor’s slogan.
    • Notable Quotes:
      • A: "Pick Dr. Pepper and you'll enjoy life more." ([14:06])
      • D: "Remember Dr. Pepper 5 at 10, 2, and 4." ([14:10])

Closing Remarks

• Farewell & Credits

  • [14:17] - [14:35]
    The cast thanks the audience, provides performer credits, and delivers a final well-wish from sponsor Dr. Pepper.
  • C: “This is Art Gilmore wishing you good luck and good going with Dr. Pepper at 10, 2 and 4.” ([14:20])

• World War II-Era Message

  • [14:35]
    Memorable, era-specific appeal: B: “And remember to buy all you can of Uncle Sam's war bonds and stamps.”
    Reflects the patriotism and communal spirit of the time.

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Show Introduction: [00:05] – [00:21]
• "A Cowboy Has to Sing": [00:26] – [01:51]
• First Dr. Pepper Advertisement ("Enchantment"): [01:52] – [02:37]
• Romantic Song Performance: [02:37] – [03:37]
• Comedy Segment & Setup for "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot": [04:14] – [04:52]
• "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot": [04:56] – [06:18]
• Dedication & "Golden Wedding Waltz": [06:28] – [10:13]
• Dr. Pepper History & Health Message: [10:17] – [11:24]
• "Beautiful Dreamer": [11:24] – [14:01]
• Dr. Pepper Jingles: [14:01] – [14:17]
• Farewell & Credits: [14:17] – [14:35]
• Patriotic War Bonds Message: [14:35]

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is warm, jovial, and heartfelt—characterized by cowboy camaraderie, gentle humor, and nostalgic storytelling. Seamless sponsor content is woven melodically into the fabric of the show, making the commercial feel as much a part of the entertainment as the music itself.

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In Summary

This episode of 10-2-4 Ranch, as presented by Harold's Old Time Radio, is a charming snapshot of 1940s American radio. It offers a delightful blend of Western songs, playful repartee, wholesome sponsor moments, and period-appropriate patriotism—capturing the spirit of a bygone era for both nostalgic listeners and new generations interested in audio history.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Hi, everybody.

[C]

Hello, folks. Welcome to the 1024 Ranch.

[D]

Yes, the 1024 Ranch, starring your radio and screen favorites, Dick Faran, Martha Mears and the Sons of the Pioneers. Transcribed and brought to you by your Dr. Pepper bottler and the thousands of Dr. Pepper dealers from coast to coast.

[C]

And here's our foreman, Dick Moran, to sing for you.

[B]

When a new day is born I go riding Wide open plains I rol and the sun through the hills goes hiding There'll always be someone glad When I come home and of day home we go For a cowboy has to sing, love and a cowboy has to yell or his heart would break inside of him at the gates of the home corral Now's a long day through on the prairie Hanging sun in the sky Our home corral we will tarry and we'll sing of the roundups in the days gone by A it's the O and the day when we go For a cowboy has to sing and a cowboy has to yell or his heart would break inside of him at the gates of the home corral. Thanks, boys. Thanks. Now here's Art Gilmore with a little lecture on the subject of Enchantment. Okay, Art.

[D]

Thanks, Dick. Speaking of things Enchanted, I'd like to recommend that cold, frosty Dr. Pepper bottle one gets from a nearby cooler. The one with a clock dial on its side with that rich, deep mahogany hued elixir inside. Enchantment. I'LL say is Enchantment in its dry and tart yet sweet and mellow flavor. Enchantment in its rich, full bodied substance that satisfies more than thirst. They say distance lends enchantment. But I say if you want to collect alone, just put that Dr. Pepper bottle close against your lips. Take a long, deep drink. Brothers and sisters, I'm telling you, it's a thrill to remember and one to repeat whenever you're thirsty, hungry and tired.

[C]

The spring, the fall, in fact, most anytime at all is right for falling in love.

[B]

Just give me feed me in the.

[C]

Night Flickering shadow.

[B]

In the embers Flowing with love's delight Twilight will soon fade away.

[C]

And within will go the chaos of the day.

[B]

So give me music.

[C]

In the.

[D]

Well.

[B]

Now, Miss Peggy, if you really want someone to give you music, how about me singing for you?

[C]

I suppose you'd want to sing one of your song titles, like Grandpa was born on March 1. That's why he always comes in likely a lion. And when Grandma gets through with him, he goes out like a lamp.

[B]

Now, Miss Peggy, you're making fun of me. I'm really a serious artist and I want to sing something serious for a change.

[C]

Well, all right, Foghorn, what do you want to say?

[B]

Well, I want to sing Swing Low, Sweet chariot.

[C]

Well, bless your heart, Foghorn. You go right ahead.

[B]

Swing low, swing low Sweet carrier come and Lord I carry me home Queen for to carry me home oh, I looked over Jordan and what did I see Coming for to carry me home A band of angels a coming after me Coming for to carry me home Swing low, swing low Sweet chariots Coming for to carry me home Slang low we carry on Coming for to carry me home Coming for to carry me home.

[C]

And now, Tim, speak. Spencer has written something special in the way of a number. And I think he has something very special in the way of a dedication for it. Is that right, Tim?

[B]

Yes, Miss Peggy. I've written out what I want to say. But, gosh, I wish you'd read it for me. Will you?

[C]

Why, you know I will, Tim. Let me see what you've written. Oh, yes, Tim. Most of the music I write here on the 1024 ranch reflects the west as I see it. But when this particular number came to mind, I was thinking of two people I remember as a youngster back in Missouri. And even then they were known as the happiest couple in town. Last week my mother sent me a little newspaper story which says they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary today. Now, maybe they don't remember Tim Spencer very well. I was just a tow headed kid then. About like my own youngster now. But I remember them. I remember them as two of the grandest people I have ever known. Right now they're listening to this program over station WKY in Oklahoma City. And so I dedicate this song to them and to their first 50 years together. The Golden Wedding Wall.

[B]

While with them our golden wedding walls Little lady turning grave Let me thank you for a sweet romance Heaven bless our golden wedding day Darling, remember a long time ago on our first anniversary day we went romancing and dancing till dawn Love was so young and gay now in the sunset of life's golden dream While eyes and shadows draw near in my arms Let me hold you Send wall once again for us Something to tell you, my dear While we dance Our golden Wedding ball Little lady cur Let me thank you for us sweet romance let's go sweeter day by day Let me hold you close while I struggle Let me kiss your tears away While we themselves Heaven blessed are golden wedding oh, swell, Tim, swell. It's really fine. And now, here again is Art gilmore.

[D]

The name Dr. Pepper is not intended to imply medicinal claim. No, the name is just a happenstance. Somebody dubbed it Dr. Pepper away back in 1885 in Waco, Texas, where it was originated, and it stuck. Dr. Pepper is just a fine, wholesome soft drink not claimed as a cure for anything except temporary relief from hunger, thirst and fatigue. Dr. Pepper truly is a delicious liquid bite to eat. It does give you a flashlight energy lift. And it does give you a needed drink of crystal pure sparkling water. Now, that water is important to your health, especially in winter when we all are prone to forget to drink enough. A wonderful combination of advantages. Yes, indeed. Health, pleasure and motive power. All for one little nickel. Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2 and 4 o' clock every day it surely does help.

[B]

Starlight and dew drops are waiting for thee well heard in the dead Lullaby the moonlight have all passed away Beautiful dreamer Queen of my song Blest while I owe thee with oft melody none other cares of life's busy throne Beautiful dreamer Awaken to me O go the care of life Busy throne Beautiful dreamer Awaken to me Beautiful. Well, boys, saddle up. Time to be a rider. Come on. Here we go, Sam.

[C]

When you want a welcome drink that picks up energy, just ask for Dr. Pepper and you'll sing along with me.

[B]

Drink Dr. Pepper and you'll enjoy life more. Remember Dr. Pepper, sign at 10, 2 and 4. Well, that's all for now, folks, but we'll be seeing you.

[D]

Dick Ferran appears on the 1024 ranch through the courtesy of Universal Pictures. The Sons of the Pioneers by arrangement with Republic Studios. Martha Mears is Miss Peggy and this is Art Gilmore wishing you good luck and good going with Dr. Pepper at 10, 2 and 4.

[C]

And remember to buy all you can of Uncle Sam's war bonds and stamps.

[E]

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