Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: A Song and A Story: First Song - Oh, Miss Hannah
Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featured Performers: Jimmy Newell, Pat

Episode Overview

This episode brings the atmosphere of the Golden Age of Radio to life with beloved songs, lighthearted banter, and nostalgic storytelling. The episode features Jimmy Newell entertaining listeners with classic songs, peppered with humorous and friendly exchanges with his co-host, Pat. The centerpiece is the performance of "Oh, Miss Hannah," followed by popular tunes from both Broadway and Americana.

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. Opening Musical Performance: “Oh, Miss Hannah”

• Segment Start: [00:38]
• Jimmy Newell opens the show singing the upbeat tune "Oh, Miss Hannah."
• The song captures the lively and communal spirit of old-time gatherings, inviting listeners to imagine a moonlit Southern scene, complete with fiddling, banjo strumming, and dancing.

2. Pat and Jim's Friendly Banter

• Segment Start: [02:14]
• Pat compliments Jimmy’s performance, mentioning the nostalgia attached to the song.
• Jim reveals his familiarity with "Oh, Miss Hannah" comes from performing it in an old Western film, which sparks a playful exchange about the fast-paced, action-heavy nature of Westerns:

  Jim [02:49]: "You can't, Pat. You know, most Westerns only run 59 minutes, of which 48 are used up in fights and chasing bandits. So that only leaves 11 minutes to meet the heroine, save the old homestead, get married and live happily ever after."

3. Second Song: “All Through the Day”

• Segment Start: [03:12]
• Jimmy transitions into a gentle performance of "All Through the Day," evoking themes of longing and devotion.

4. Light-Hearted Word Play: “They Say It’s Wonderful”

• Segment Start: [05:47]
• Pat requests a song from Irving Berlin's new hit musical, "Annie Get Your Gun," leading to a classic who's-on-first style misunderstanding about the tune's title.

  Jim [06:09]: "The name of the song I'm going to sing is quote, they say it's wonderful. Unquote." Pat [06:17]: "Oh. Oh."

5. Third Song: “They Say It’s Wonderful”

• Segment Start: [06:28]
• Jimmy performs "They Say It’s Wonderful," a popular standard from “Annie Get Your Gun,” capturing the romantic optimism of Broadway.

6. Broadway Musings and Ethel Merman

• Segment Start: [09:50]
• Pat praises the song and the musical's success.
• Jim credits Ethel Merman’s star power and personal warmth for the show's popularity, reminiscing about rehearsing with her for "Rain" in New York:

  Jim [10:09]: "However, those long weeks of rehearsal with Ethel were about as pleasant an experience as I ever had in the theater. She's a great entertainer and deserves her huge success."

• Pat jokes about Merman’s "grand comeback," with Jim quick to note she never really left the spotlight.

7. Finale Song: “I'm Always Chasing Rainbows”

• Segment Start: [11:01]
• Jimmy closes the musical portion by performing “I'm Always Chasing Rainbows,” reflecting on dreams and disappointment in a wistful tone.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jim on Westerns:
  "Most Westerns only run 59 minutes, of which 48 are used up in fights and chasing bandits. So that only leaves 11 minutes to meet the heroine, save the old homestead, get married and live happily ever after." ([02:49])

• Song Title Mix-Up:
  "The name of the song I'm going to sing is quote, they say it's wonderful. Unquote." – Jim ([06:09])

• On Ethel Merman:
  "Those long weeks of rehearsal with Ethel were about as pleasant an experience as I ever had in the theater. She's a great entertainer and deserves her huge success." – Jim ([10:09])

Important Timestamps

• Oh, Miss Hannah: [00:38]
• Banjo Strumming & Westerns Banter: [02:14–03:03]
• All Through the Day: [03:12]
• Pat & Jim Comedy About Song Titles: [05:47–06:17]
• They Say It’s Wonderful: [06:28]
• Ethel Merman Reminiscence: [09:50]
• I'm Always Chasing Rainbows: [11:01]

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a light, warm, and nostalgic tone, blending humor with musical nostalgia. Friendly banter and playful misunderstandings between Pat and Jim echo classic radio comedy routines, making for an engaging and comforting listen.

Summary Takeaway

This episode is a charming tribute to the era when radio was America's main stage. Through lively songs, cheerful dialogue, and nods to Broadway stars and western films, Jimmy Newell and Pat offer listeners both entertainment and a heartfelt glimpse into the family-oriented radio era.