Amos & Andy 39-09-21 Singing Lessons

Summary

---

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Amos & Andy 39-09-21 Singing Lessons
Original Air Date: September 21, 1939 (re-broadcast October 4, 2025)
Featured Characters: Andy Brown, Amos Jones, Friend/Commentator, Henry Van Porter
Sponsor: Campbell Soup

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Amos & Andy, part of Harold's Old Time Radio, revolves around Andy's struggles and anxieties as he prepares for a singing recital. A series of comedic mishaps, nervous jitters (or "buck fever"), and friendly teasing paint a lively picture of life—complete with misunderstandings, neighborly banter, and charming 1930s humor. The theme touches on performance anxiety, pride, friendly rivalry, and the lengths people go to save face.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Technical Difficulties and Episode Delay

• The episode opens with a real interruption (03:10), as the sponsor’s announcer explains there are technical difficulties and fills the slot with an organ interlude before Amos & Andy resumes.

2. Andy’s Singing Woes and Pre-Recital Jitters

• Andy confesses to Amos and a friend that he forgot the words to his song, had issues with his duet partner (Mrs. Van Folder), and is anxious about performing in public.

  • "Then you know that Mrs. Van Folder and myself ain't speaking to each other and we were supposed to sing together." (03:24, Andy)

• The friend zeros in on Andy’s anxiety, labeling it as "the fear germ" that starts performance nerves.

  • “You done beat round a bush. You done finally got in there where the rabbit is.” (03:48, Friend)
  • “That is the germ that starts the whole fever. That fear germ.” (03:53, Friend)

• Andy protests, denying he is scared and claiming he is “in great shape.” He’s put on bravado about being a future “success.”

  • "No, no, I tell you, I know that I gonna be a success. I know that the newspapers is all gonna Be there to hear me sing." (04:34, Andy)

3. Mockery from the Newspaper

• The friend reads aloud a satirical and mocking newspaper piece poking fun at Andy’s singing and the postponement of the recital.

  • "Andrew H. Brown contracted buck fever yesterday as the zero hour approach... Residents of Harlem claim to have never heard Mr. Brown sing. That noise you have been hearing for the past two weeks, which resembles a cow, was Mr. Brown rehearsing for his debut." (05:11, Friend quoting newspaper)
  • "We are looking forward to the recital next week when it is hoped that the teacher will be able to drug Mr. Brown sufficiently to get him on stage." (05:40, Friend quoting newspaper)

• The friend encourages Andy not to "fight the newspaper" and reminds him, "the pen is mightier than the sword."

  • "Don’t try to fight the newspaper. Remember, the pen is mightiest in the sword." (06:55, Friend)

• Andy jokes: "Yeah, I'd rather get stuck with a pen, though." (07:01, Andy)

4. The Fallout With Mrs. Van Porter

• Henry Van Porter enters and shares that Mrs. Van Porter is having a "nervous breakdown" over the recital's postponement, blaming Andy for disrupting her plans.

  • "Mrs. Van Porter is home and she's having a nervous breakdown." (07:32, Henry Van Porter)
  • "Well, her singing has nothing to do with the remark you made. I'll have you know, Andrew Brown, that she is a member of the younger set." (07:50, Henry Van Porter)

• A humorous anecdote follows regarding Mrs. Van Porter’s new dress for the recital—she borrowed it but now can't use it due to the delayed recital, causing more consternation.

  • "But now she can't use the dress for the recital. And of course, she blames you for the whole thing, Andy." (08:58, Henry Van Porter)

5. The Cost of Lessons and More Mocking

• Andy justifies being the “teacher’s pet” because he’s paid the teacher more than Mrs. Van Porter has.

  • "Well, one thing, I paid that teacher $21. I ought to get a little pettin for that. That's more than Mrs. Van Pooler done paid." (09:13, Andy)

• Ongoing complaints about Andy’s singing:

  • "Well, don't forget we gotta practice people complaining about my singing." (09:35, Andy)
  • "I have heard 'Come, Come, I love you Only' till I'm about to jump out of Orinda." (09:43, Amos)

6. The Recital is Suddenly Back On!

• Amos brings surprising news: the recital, just postponed, is suddenly rescheduled for tonight—Andy is back on the spot.

  • "She says that she is going ahead with the recital tonight. And, Andy, you has got to sing." (11:24, Amos)

• Andy, flustered but trying to play it cool, says, "Well, I'll do the best I can." (11:41, Andy)

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

"You done beat round a bush. You done finally got in there where the rabbit is."
— Friend, discussing Andy’s underlying fear (03:48)

"That noise you have been hearing for the past two weeks, which resembles a cow, was Mr. Brown rehearsing for his debut."
— Friend, reading from the mocking newspaper article (05:25)

"Don’t try to fight the newspaper. Remember, the pen is mightiest in the sword."
— Friend (06:55)
"Yeah, I'd rather get stuck with a pen, though."
— Andy (07:01)

"Mrs. Van Porter is home and she's having a nervous breakdown."
— Henry Van Porter, with comic melodrama (07:32)

"Well, I will be glad when this singing is over because it is about to drive me out of my own home."
— Amos, on the chaos caused by singing practice (09:29)

"She says that she is going ahead with the recital tonight. And, Andy, you has got to sing."
— Amos breaks the news (11:24)

---

Key Segment Timestamps

• 03:10 — Show resumes after technical difficulties, main discussion begins
• 03:24 — Andy details his recital anxieties and mishaps
• 05:11 — Friend reads the satirical newspaper article about Andy
• 07:32 — Henry Van Porter brings news of Mrs. Van Porter’s melodrama
• 08:58 — Mrs. Van Porter blames Andy for the ruined plans and dress
• 09:29 — Amos expresses frustration at the endless singing
• 11:24 — Amos reveals the recital is suddenly back on tonight

---

Conclusion

This episode perfectly encapsulates the comedic interplay and small-town drama of Amos & Andy. Through witty banter, public embarrassment, and the nerves of a reluctant performer, the show delivers a slice-of-life snapshot with universal resonance: everyone, sooner or later, faces a “recital” of their own. The episode’s humor, timeless anxieties, and the ever-present specter of public opinion are underscored by the cast’s playful back-and-forth and relatable predicaments.

For fans of old-time radio or newcomers, “Singing Lessons” stands out as a charming example of 1930s radio comedy at its best.

---

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music. Limu.

[Liberty Mutual Voice]

Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

We say that may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty. Liberty. Liberty Savings Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Affiliates excludes Massachusetts.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

Campbell Soups bring you Amos and. And.

[Amos]

Sam.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

How do you do, everyone?

[Andy]

This is Bill Hay.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

For many years, Campbell Soups have been a familiar sight on kitchen shelves. Recently, a comparatively new soup, Campbell's Cream of Mushroom, has appeared on thousands of them. Ladies and gentlemen, technical difficulties beyond our control are delaying our presentation of the Campbell Soup show. Amos and Andy scheduled to be heard at this time. As soon as these difficulties have been cleared, we hope to present Amos and Andy. In the meantime, a transcribed organ interlude.

[Amos]

It's.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, the difficulties which delayed our presentation of Amos and Andy, sponsored by the makers of Campbell Soups, have now been cleared. Here are the famous pair Amos and Andy.

[Andy]

And the next thing, I sort of forgot some of the words to the song I was going to sing. Couldn't get him in my head. Yeah. Then you know that Mrs. Van Folder and myself ain't speaking to each other and we were supposed to sing together. Then a little thing like. Well, this didn't mount to nothing, but I started thinking about getting up in front of all them people and something going wrong.

[Friend / Commentator]

Ah, now, that's it right there.

[Amos]

Now.

[Friend / Commentator]

Now you done. You done beat round a bush. You done finally got in there where the rabbit is.

[Andy]

Yeah. Well, what's that? What?

[Friend / Commentator]

What? That Is that. That thing you talking about. That is the germ that starts the whole fever. That fear germ.

[Andy]

Oh, I wasn't scared.

[Friend / Commentator]

You think you were. You were so nervous that all the nerves in your throat got together and said, let's tighten up on him. That's what your nerves say.

[Andy]

Well, I've been over and talked to my singing teacher. I told her that I had better now. Yeah. Then she told me that she was going to have the recital next week.

[Friend / Commentator]

Oh, you was over there early this morning. Yeah, you told me that.

[Andy]

Oh, I in great shape.

[Amos]

Whoa.

[Andy]

Oh, yeah. I love you only. Oh, boy. I really wish the thing was tonight.

[Friend / Commentator]

Yeah, you really wish the thing was over and that you was a big success.

[Andy]

That's what you really wish. No, no, I tell you, I know that I gonna be a success. I know that the newspapers is all gonna Be there to hear me sing.

[Friend / Commentator]

Well, now, listen. And I didn't want to show you this, but here's a little piece that was in the newspaper today.

[Andy]

What's that?

[Friend / Commentator]

Look here, I'll read it to you. The Bluebird School of Singing, which is managed by Mademoiselle Henrietta DeWitt, announced that the recital schedule for tonight would be postponed until a later date due to illness of some of the participants.

[Andy]

Yeah, well, that ain't bad.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

I.

[Friend / Commentator]

Listen to this. Andrew H. Brown contracted buck fever yesterday as. As the zero hour approach. However, it was reported in Harlem that he knocked himself out with his own singing at rehearsals.

[Andy]

That's a fine thing.

[Friend / Commentator]

Residents of Harlem claim to have never heard Mr. Brown sing. That noise you have been hearing for the past two weeks, which resembles a cow. Was Mr. Brown rehearsing for his debut?

[Andy]

Now, there's something.

[Friend / Commentator]

It is reported that Mrs. Henry Van Poora, one of our better singers in Harlem, flatly refused to have her voice humiliated by singing a duet with Brown. This, we believe, was the real cause of the postponement. Although this writer called Mr. Brown on the phone yesterday for his statement, but found him unable to talk, much less sing. We are looking forward to the recital next week when it is hoped that the teacher will be able to drug Mr. Brown sufficiently to get him on stage.

[Andy]

I relax the whole thing and I'll sue the newspaper for assault, battery and slander.

[Friend / Commentator]

Yeah, we're going to start suing the newspaper now. Cause they prints the news and this is news.

[Andy]

Yeah, but why has they got to stand up and say all that about me? Some little reporter that ain't got sense enough to come in out the rain write that stuff. Wait till the newspaper crickets hear me sing.

[Friend / Commentator]

Yeah, well, that's. Who wrote this. This fella is the music cricket on the paper. He is the one that's going to report after he hears you sing.

[Andy]

Oh, yes. Yeah, well, I better let that up alone. Yeah, I say.

[Friend / Commentator]

You might. Don't forget, don't try to fight the newspaper. Remember, the pen is mightiest in the sword.

[Andy]

Yeah, I'd rather get stuck with a pen, though.

[Friend / Commentator]

Yeah, well, he's picking. You would want now.

[Andy]

Yeah, that's the way with these crickets. They can't do nothing themselves. And they find fault with everything everybody else do.

[Friend / Commentator]

Well, the man appeared to find out the news about singing. And he got to tell the truth. Cause the public wants to know the latest news.

[Andy]

My public. How can they be like that? I love them. Here come Henry Van Poer. Yeah, I'm gonna Talk to him, but.

[Friend / Commentator]

Don'T start an argument with him.

[Andy]

Oh, he's on my side. Come in, Henry.

[Friend / Commentator]

Well, how is you today, Henry?

[Amos]

Well, my charming friends, how is you? Mrs. Van Porter is home and she's having a nervous breakdown.

[Andy]

Oh, she is? Now, what's the matter with her? Getting old. Oh, wait, my lander, I do not.

[Amos]

Like that remark about Mrs. Van Porter.

[Andy]

Well, you don't like her singing. Neither do you.

[Amos]

Well, her singing has nothing to do with the remark you made. I'll have you know, Andrew Brown, that she is a member of the younger set.

[Andy]

All right, all right. Well, what's the matter with her?

[Friend / Commentator]

Yeah, what is the matter?

[Amos]

Well, it just seems that this singing that she's doing is getting on her nerves. Last night she heard the news of the postponement and it just messed up all of her plans.

[Friend / Commentator]

It will end. They had a bad throat here till they called the thing off.

[Andy]

Yeah, I was sick as two horses there for a while. Yeah.

[Amos]

Well, Carl Fretcher, laying under your hat. Mrs. Van Porter went to a store here in town and she got a new dress to take home on Provo. She was going to take the dress back Saturday morning and she had a hard time getting the dress out of the store.

[Friend / Commentator]

Oh, yeah, they won't let my wife take none out unless they put one of them lead sinkers on it. And if you take the lead sinkers off, why you got to keep the dress?

[Amos]

Well, they had the little lead weights on the dress that Mrs. Van Porter borrowed. But she got some flowers to cover the lead.

[Andy]

Oh, yeah, yeah, they do that.

[Amos]

But now she can't use the dress for the recital. And of course, she blames you for the whole thing, Andy.

[Andy]

Well, you blame me for it, huh? Yeah. What's that?

[Amos]

Well, first of all, she say that you are teacher's pet.

[Andy]

Well, one thing, I paid that teacher $21. I ought to get a little pettin for that. That's more than Mrs. Van Pooler done paid. You know that teacher can't live on I.O.U.

[Friend / Commentator]

Well, boys, some things, you know, goes wrong and you can't do nothing about them.

[Amos]

Well, I will be glad when this singing is over because it is about to drive me out of my own home.

[Andy]

Well, don't forget we gotta practice people complaining about my singing.

[Friend / Commentator]

Well, yeah, there's been some complaints.

[Amos]

Yeah, I have heard. Come, come, I love you Only till I'm about to jump out of Orinda.

[Andy]

Well, I don't sing that much. I I vocalize. He.

[Amos]

I o you Whoa.

[Friend / Commentator]

Well, that is the thing, ain't it? That is that the fellows is talking about in the newspaper.

[Amos]

You know, Mrs. Van Porter says that you will ruin her voice.

[Andy]

Well, how about her ruining my voice? She got me deaf in one ear now, the side she sings on.

[Friend / Commentator]

Yeah, well, tell. Tell me this. When do you think the recital is going to be?

[Amos]

Well, Mrs. Van Porter talked to the teacher a while ago, and the teacher thought that she would tell everybody but the singers a little ahead of time and not tell them till a few minutes before the recital happens so that they won't have time to get scared.

[Andy]

Scared? I ain't scared, I'll tell you that. I'll sing in front of anybody. Be very funny if you see me in Coney Hall.

[Friend / Commentator]

I think they got a janitor and.

[Andy]

All right, all right. Be funny now. Be funny. I'll show you. Wait a minute.

[Friend / Commentator]

Come in, son. Hello there.

[Amos]

What y' all doing? Hello, Amos.

[Friend / Commentator]

Well, we're just talking to Andy here, brother Amos, Andy claims that after all the reason his throat closed up on him and all that stuff that. He claims that he didn't have the buck fever and that wasn't the trouble with the slope.

[Andy]

Well, don't think that I got the bug fever.

[Amos]

Yeah, well, the reason I come over here, I just talked to your singing teacher just a minute ago. I just left there, and she says that she is going ahead with the recital tonight. And, Andy, you has got to sing. Well, that's news.

[Friend / Commentator]

Yeah, well, going ahead with it. Honeymoon. So. Well, what do you think? What'd you think of it, Andy?

[Andy]

Well, I'll do the best I can.

[Amos]

Oh, no, no, that's all right. Take it easy. I was just fooling. Yeah. Now, there's a fella that's really got a throat, ain't it?

[Friend / Commentator]

Yeah, them buck fever germs is just laying in your throat there waiting to hear something. Come on, son.

[Amos]

Unlike yourself, I was just kidding.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

To many, many families, soup means Campbell's tomato soup. So if it's a favorite at your house, too, won't you plan to have it again soon?

[Friend / Commentator]

Will return to you tomorrow.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

Tomorrow at the same hour. This is Bill Hay speaking for Campbell's Tomato Soup, bidding you all good night.

[Amos]

Tomorrow, meet the day with a sunny.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

Glass of tomato juice.

[Amos]

But make sure it's Campbell.

[Narrator / Campbell Soup Announcer]

This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. Because of the importance of President Roosevelt's address to Congress, the transcription of the talk will be broadcast over WJSV at 10:45 this evening.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music. Limu.

[Liberty Mutual Voice]

Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

We say that may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Affiliates excludes Massachusetts.