10/13/1939 Alvino Rey Show - Vulga Boatman

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Alvino Rey Show: "Vulga Boatman" (10/13/1939)

Original Airdate: October 13, 1939
Podcast Release Date: March 22, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Theme: A musical journey through the Golden Age of Radio, featuring a full-length broadcast of The Alvino Rey Show with The King Sisters, live from the Glendale Civic Auditorium. This episode revisits radio’s family entertainment roots, bringing listeners a vibrant parade of big band arrangements, vocal harmonies, and iconic tunes.

---

Episode Overview

This featured episode transports the audience back to 1939, presenting the full Alvino Rey Show as it was originally heard. The musical program spotlights the innovative stylings of Alvino Rey and his orchestra, the harmonies of the renowned King Sisters (Alice, Donna, Yvonne, Louise), and a setlist of beloved classics and jazzy renditions. Announcer Jim Burton guides the proceedings and introduces each segment, creating a lively, warm atmosphere emblematic of radio’s golden days.

---

Key Segments & Musical Highlights

Opening & Announcements

• [00:30] – Announcer Jim Burton welcomes listeners, setting the scene from the Glendale Civic Auditorium. He introduces Alvino Rey’s unique approach—"music that is different, music with strange tonal effects, made modernistic"—and the evening's featured performers.

“They bring us a parade of the current fashions of music, styled by the star of the singing guitar and his orchestra. Music that is different, music with strange tonal effects made modernistic in the Alvino Ray fantasy on the Russian river chant the Volga Boatman.” — Jim Burton [00:30]

---

Performances

“Over the Rainbow”

• [04:45–07:00]
  The King Sisters deliver a stirring rendition of the Wizard of Oz classic, their harmonies and sentimental tone evoking the hope of the times.
  • Notable vocals:
    • "Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true." — Singer E [05:11]
    • "Why, oh, why can't I?" — Singer D & F [05:44]

“Farewell Blues”

• [07:00–08:19]
  The Alvino Rey instrumental quartet displays their improvisational style, bringing a swinging energy to this standard.

“Salutation to You”

• [09:26–13:55]
  Yvonne King steps forward for a tender vocal turn with Rey’s orchestra, transforming the program into an ode to gratitude and affection.
  • Standout lines:
    • "I'll bring sunbeams from heaven above to you." — Singer E [11:00]
    • "Your kiss was a real inspiration to greater things." — Singer E [11:22]
    • "I owe it all to you." — Singer E [12:31]

“St. Louis Blues”

• [13:55–19:35]
  An evocative arrangement with soulful vocals, featuring expressive blues lines and authentic swing. The performance evokes classic themes of heartache and longing.
  • Notable lyric:
    • "Oh, I hate to see that evening sun go down. Cause my baby, he done left this town." — Singer E [15:08]

“Rendezvous Time in Paris”

• [19:35–21:43]
  Sprightly and romantic, this number takes listeners to the boulevards of Paris, capturing the atmosphere of spring and young love.
  • "April has opened her gates, robins have dates with their master. If they have, why haven’t we?" — Singer E [19:47]

“Irish Washerwoman”

• [21:43–24:13]
  The King Sisters infuse this traditional tune with playful energy, swinging between an Irish jig and American swing.
  • Lighthearted lyrics and rapid-fire delivery showcase the sisters’ versatility.

“William Tell Overture”

• [24:13–30:01]
  The show crescendos into an orchestra-driven, rhythmic fantasia of the classic overture, displaying Rey’s signature showmanship and blending classical with contemporary flair.

---

Closing Remarks

• [30:01] – Jim Burton reflects on the evening and underscores Alvino Rey’s influence on the “music styles of tomorrow.”

“From California have come the music styles of tomorrow with Alvino Ray and the famous King sisters, who from the Glendale Civic Auditorium have staged a parade of fashions and music styled by the star of the singing guitar.” — Jim Burton [30:01]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Distinctive Style Introduction:
  “Music that is different, music with strange tonal effects made modernistic in the Alvino Ray fantasy…” [00:30]

• Classic Sentiment:
  “Your kiss was a real inspiration to greater things.” — Singer E [11:22]

• Playful Imagery:
  The fun, rapid verses of “Irish Washerwoman” with lines like:
  “Molly’s busy ringing, but you hear her singing, look out you get your finger in the ringer…” [21:58–24:13]

• Nostalgic Finale:
  “…a parade of fashions and music styled by the star of the singing guitar, Alvino Ray…” — Jim Burton [30:01]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:30] – Show Introduction / Alvino Rey & King Sisters announced
• [04:45–07:00] – “Over the Rainbow” (King Sisters)
• [07:00–08:19] – “Farewell Blues” (Instrumental Quartet)
• [09:26–13:55] – “Salutation to You” (Yvonne King Feature)
• [13:55–19:35] – “St. Louis Blues” (King Sisters & Orchestra)
• [19:35–21:43] – “Rendezvous Time in Paris” (Alice King Feature)
• [21:43–24:13] – “Irish Washerwoman” (King Sisters – Jig/Swing)
• [24:13–30:01] – “William Tell Overture” (Orchestra Finale)
• [30:01] – Closing / Recap (Jim Burton)

---

Tone & Atmosphere

The show exudes a warm, communal, and slightly formal tone, representative of 1930s family entertainment. The King Sisters’ spirited harmonies and Jim Burton’s rich narration foster a sense of nostalgia, making the listener feel transported to a live broadcast of yesteryear.

---

For Those Who Missed the Episode:

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio offers a true-to-era musical variety show, seamlessly blending jazz, swing, blues, and classical crossover. Alvino Rey’s pioneering guitar work, the King Sisters’ tight harmonies, and the guiding voice of Jim Burton together make for a lively, heartfelt listening experience—a window into the world before television reshaped family entertainment.

---

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league anyways.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Announcer Jim Burton]

From KHJ and the Don Lee Network, Alvino ray and his music. From California Mutual presents Alvino Ray and the famous King sisters, Alice, Donna, Yvonne and Louise. From the Glendale Civic Auditorium in Southern California. They bring us a parade of the current fashions of music styled by the star of the singing guitar and his orchestra. Music that is different music with strange tonal effects made modernistic in the Alvino Ray fantasy on the Russian river chant the Volga Boatman. You've heard it a hundred times, but never like this. Over the Rainbow from Wizard of Oz with Alice, Donna, Yvonne and Louise looking for the elusive pot of gold.

[Singer D]

There over the rainbow Way up high There's a land that hurt all once in a lullaby Somewhere over the rainbow Skies are blue and the dream that

[Singer E]

you dare to dream really come true

[Singer D]

Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me where trouble smell like lemon drops Way up of the chimney tops that's where you'll find me Somewhere over

[Singer F]

the rainbow Blue birds fly Birds fly

[Singer D]

over the rainbow Fly then a wide can I. Somewhere over the rainbow Way up above the sky so high Somewhere drawn out reach There's a land I heard of in a lull lullaby Somewhere rainbow skies are blue Dreams come true really they do Dun dun dun dun Ride it up. Read. Someday you wish upon a star when you wake up you wonder where you are where trouble smells like glamour drums away from that's where you find me Somewhere over the rainbow Blue birds fly so high, so high High over the rainbow Fly little why can't I you be so happy There da da da da Read it. Never there I'll meet you there over the rainbow.

[Announcer Jim Burton]

Alvino Rey's instrumental quartet already has been tagged as different, so this is but a gentle reminder to listen to their improvisations on Farewell Blues.

[Singer D]

Sa.

[Singer F]

Sam,

[Announcer Jim Burton]

Eenie meenie miny moe. And the finger points to Yvonne, youngest of the King sisters, to take her place at the microphone and join Alvino Ray and his orchestra in the musical Salutation to you.

[Singer D]

To you.

[Singer E]

I give all of my heart and my love to you.

[Singer F]

To you.

[Singer E]

I'll bring sunbeams from heaven above to you. To me. You're an angel and you mean the world to me I'll be forever.

[Singer F]

Your

[Singer E]

smile made the clouds and the shadows on high take me. Your kiss was a real inspiration to greater things. My dreams I'm so thankful and grateful to say came true.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

With VRBoCare, help is always ready before, during and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind. And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize, maximize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league anyways.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Singer E]

I owe it all to you.

[Announcer Jim Burton]

Now is the time for all good dancers to come to the front of the bandstand. Relax your reflexes and get in a mood of Mississippi Melancholia. As Alvino Ray and the King sisters concertize St. Louis Blues.

[Singer F]

SA. Sate to see that evening sun sun go down.

[Singer E]

Oh, I hate to see that evening sun go down. Cause my baby he done left this town

[Singer D]

St. Louis woman with all her diamond ring who's that man around by

[Singer E]

her apron stream

[Singer D]

24 pounder and for store bought hair that man of mine he wouldn't go nowhere I hate to see things I go down I hate to see. Letting the sun go down. Ra.

[Singer F]

Sam. Sau we blew.

[Announcer Jim Burton]

The streets of Paris and swinging gaily down the boulevard Comes Alice King. Yes, it's rendezvous time in Paris Spring

[Singer E]

has a date with a sing

[Singer D]

Someone

[Singer E]

has one wish or may it's rendezvous time, can't you see? Rendezvous time in Paris Blossoms that bloom by the lane Wait for a date with the rain the wind blows a kiss to a tree it's rendezvous time in Paris Recall the dreary fall how old and great a world was then but spring came by again and mother earth is young and shy again April has opened her gates Robins have dates with their master if they have, why haven't we? It's rendezvous time in Paris.

[Singer F]

Sam.

[Announcer Jim Burton]

An Irish jig gone Hollywood or for that matter Keokuk Iowa Alice, Donna, Yvonne and Louise Switch from jig time to swing time with the Irish washerwoman.

[Singer D]

Fine Irish lady the poorly and humble the smalliogrady is not you to grumble she says doing washing is just so much fun she never complains when the washing ain't done the Molly's in love with Murphy the clock and when he returns from the speed of the block he hears Molly singing over the top and he swings along with the Rub a dub dub Rubba da da da da Rub, rub, rub a da da da da da da rubb A dub dub dub Scrubs well rub the D D Molly ringing but you hear her singing Shoot the blue into me Murphy, me boy the Molly's so tight that the fellows all go for but they never rake calls to try to stop so fun you must be the calm shiver she gives all her time Cause he helps him hang out the clothes of the line the Molly's a bell on the billy so gay and there was a reason the people I say she hangs a washing on her leaves day the claws never have that way Rub a dub dub dub Rub, rub rubba dub dub Da da da Rubba da da da da Scratch, scrub Rubba dub dub dum da da da Molly's busy ringing but you hear a singer look out you get your finger in the ringer the taily of the Delia tiger. Wash, wash, wash to ride the river Rub, rub, rub, splash, splash oh boy Wash away your truffles Turn them into bubbles Keep on singing and you'll never go wrong as long as you are ringing don't forget this song she's in My border all the time.

[Announcer Jim Burton]

Alvino Ray and his orchestra play hosted our finale with brass and woodwind wins Piano, drums and guitar exhibiting a rhythmic fantasy of the William Tell Overture.

[Singer D]

It.

[Singer F]

Sam. It.

[Announcer Jim Burton]

From California have come the music styles of tomorrow with Alvino Ray and the famous King sisters, Alice, Donna, Yvonne and Louise, who from the Glendale Civic Auditorium have staged a parade of fashions and music styled by the star of the singing guitar, Alvino Ray and his orchestra. Your announcer, Jim Burton. The program was presented through the KHJ Don Lee Studios in High school Hollywood. This is the mutual broadcasting system.

[Bubba Wallace]

Hey, it's Bubba Wallace from 2311 Racing. You know what feels like forever sitting on a plane waiting for takeoff. Good thing I've got Jumba Casino. With Daily Boost and Social Casino games on tap. This is the kind of fun that makes time fly. Why not turbocharge your downtime play now at jumbacasino.com let's Jumbo sponsored by Champa Casino.

[Announcer Jim Burton]

No purchase necessary. VGW Group voidware prohibited by law 21 terms and conditions apply.

[Grainger Representative]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place, from H VAC and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the CL clock, so your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-granger. Visit grainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.