Andrews Sisters - Guest - Gene Austin

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: Andrews Sisters – Guest: Gene Austin

Date: March 30, 2026
Host: Harlow Wilcox
Featured Guests: The Andrews Sisters, Gene Austin, Kurt Massey, Vic Schoen and his orchestra

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Overview

This episode of “Harold’s Old Time Radio” transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, spotlighting a musical variety program starring the Andrews Sisters with special guest, legendary singer-songwriter Gene Austin. The show blends energetic group performances, witty banter, and nostalgic musical numbers, capturing the warmth, humor, and harmony that defined classic American radio entertainment.

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Key Discussion Points & Musical Highlights

1. Introduction and Welcome (00:32)

• Host Harlow Wilcox sets the lively tone, introduces the evening’s stars, and explains the sponsored setting: the Nash Kelvinator Musical Showroom and the symbolic “Green Room.”
• Opening musical introduction by Kurt Massey, the Ambassadors, and the Andrews Sisters.

2. Playful Banter and “Ain’t We Got Fun” (01:11–03:29)

• The Andrews Sisters and Gene Austin launch into a spirited version of “Ain’t We Got Fun,” with playful lyrical exchanges and gentle teasing.

  • Notable moment: Lighthearted repartee between Patty and Gene Austin:

    Gene Austin (02:21): "Aw, don't act jealous."
    Patty (02:22): "Say, who's jealous?"
    Gene Austin (02:24): "Come on, have fun. Don't get angry."
    Patty (02:28): "I'm not angry."
    Gene Austin (02:29): "Let's have some fun. Please, Patty, don't stop. We're on the air and we must stay sweethearts."

• Closes with Harlow’s cheerful summary:

  Harlow Wilcox (03:29): "Ah, let's file that under P for peachy, kids. Very nice indeed."

3. “Personality” – Celebrating Character Over Credentials (03:33–06:21)

• Patty introduces the song by hinting at its theme: what truly matters is personality, not just achievements.

• The Andrews Sisters perform “Personality,” interwoven with clever lyrics about history’s famous women and the timeless appeal of charm.

  Patty (04:44): "And when Salome danced and had the boys entranced, no doubt it must have been easy to see that she knew how to use her personality... Just tell me how you like my personality."

• Gene Austin praises the performance:

  Gene Austin (06:21): "Very personable indeed, Patty."

4. “I Can’t Begin to Tell You” – Tender Ballad (06:32–08:50)

• Kurt Massey (cue by Patty) introduces this bestselling romantic number, sung with heartfelt emotion by Gene Austin.
• Noteworthy for its gentle delivery and lush orchestral backdrop.

5. “Pennies from Heaven” – Ensemble Performance (10:05–12:34)

• The Andrews Sisters, accompanied by the band’s trio, perform this uplifting classic, filled with harmonies and positive energy.

  Patty (10:18): "Every time it rains it rains. Pennies from heaven, don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven..."

6. Green Room Feature: Gene Austin Sings “My Blue Heaven” (12:34–15:28)

• Harlow Wilcox sets the stage for Gene Austin to sing his signature hit, “My Blue Heaven.”

  Harlow Wilcox (13:07): “He made a recording of it that sold in the millions. And we think there's still nobody who can sing it quite the way he does. Stepping out of the green room: Gene!”

• Gene Austin (w/ Patty) delivers a nostalgic, heartfelt rendition:

  Gene Austin (13:29): "When whippoorwill's calm and evening is nigh, I hurried am I, to my blue heaven..."

• Patty reflects warmly:

  Patty (15:28): “Oh, that was swell, Gene. Sure brings back memories. Now, how about one of your own compositions?”

7. “Lonesome Road” – Gene Austin Original (15:34–17:04)

• Gene Austin sings his own composed piece, “Lonesome Road,” showcasing his bluesy, plaintive style.

  Gene Austin (15:35): "Look down, look down that lonesome road before you travel home..."

• Harlow Wilcox concludes the feature with a symbolic honor:

  Harlow Wilcox (17:04): "Here is a model of the Green Room door. The Nash Kelvinator Green Room Award. Thank you very much, Harlow."

8. Lighthearted Medley: “Tippy Tippy Tin” (17:29–19:53)

• Patty and the group deliver a light, rhythmic number, filled with playful repetition and romantic storylines, keeping the show’s tone breezy.

9. Games and Fun: “Onesie Twosie” (21:40–23:12)

• Gene Austin introduces a childhood game-turned-flirty song, joined by Patty and the ensemble.

  Patty (21:54): "Onesie 2z, I'll kiss youz, 2z 3z, you kiss mez..."
  Gene Austin (22:41): "Sevensy eight z, una date eight z, nine z eight the spine z..."

10. Stephen Foster Medley – American Folk Tradition (23:51–28:19)

• Harlow introduces a medley by “the most beloved minstrel of America,” Stephen Foster.
• The Andrews Sisters, Gene Austin, and the ensemble perform classics including:
  • “Old Folks At Home” (24:24)
  • “Oh! Susanna” (25:11)
  • “Old Black Joe” (25:36)
  • “Camptown Races” (26:32)
• The segment exudes warmth and nostalgia, celebrating America’s musical past.

11. Show Closer & Next Week’s Teaser (28:19–28:43)

• Harlow Wilcox wraps up the musical showroom and teases next week’s guest:

  Harlow Wilcox (28:30): "And next week in the Nash Kelvinator green room... the very popular and famous King Cole Trio."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Harlow Wilcox (03:29): “Ah, let's file that under P for peachy, kids. Very nice indeed.”
• Patty (04:44): "... Just tell me how you like my personality."
• Gene Austin (06:21): “Very personable indeed, Patty.”
• Gene Austin (13:29): "When whippoorwill's calm and evening is nigh, I hurried am I, to my blue heaven..."
• Patty (15:28): "Oh, that was swell, Gene. Sure brings back memories."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:32 | Show introduction and cast roll call | | 01:11 | "Ain’t We Got Fun" & playful banter | | 03:33 | "Personality" by The Andrews Sisters | | 06:32 | "I Can’t Begin to Tell You" – Gene Austin | | 10:05 | "Pennies from Heaven" – Ensemble | | 12:34 | Green Room: Gene Austin sings "My Blue Heaven" | | 15:34 | "Lonesome Road" – Gene Austin Original | | 17:29 | "Tippy Tippy Tin" | | 21:40 | "Onesie Twosie" childhood game song | | 23:51 | Stephen Foster Medley ("Old Folks at Home," etc.) | | 28:19 | Show wrap-up and next week's guest preview |

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Tone and Style

• Warm, friendly, and humorous, typical of classic radio variety shows
• Lively interplay between the Andrews Sisters, guest Gene Austin, and the host
• Rich with nostalgia, musical camaraderie, and audience engagement

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For Listeners

This episode is a vibrant slice of American radio history, brimming with harmonious tunes, witty back-and-forth, and a heartfelt tribute to both the music and broadcast styles of the 1940s. Even if you missed the broadcast, this summary offers a window into the comforting, communal spirit that filled homes around the radio before the advent of television.

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Transcript

[Tyler Redick]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up. March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about. Get real time, scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Your next KNX program is the Andrews Sisters. Nash Calvinator, one of America's great independent companies, welcomes you to the NK Musical Showroom. Starring the Andrews Sisters. This is Harlow Wilcox inviting you to listen to the music of the Andrew Sisters, Kurt Massey, Vic Schoen and his orchestra. And in the Nash Calvinator green room room, tonight's guest, Gene Austin. And here are Kurt Massey and the Ambassadors and the Andrew Sisters.

[Patty]

Every morning, every evening we got fun not much money oh, but honey paint we got fun the rent's unpaid, dear we have enough us but smiles were made, dear for people like us Even if we hold the grosser don't we have fun? The tax collector's getting closer still we have fun there's nothing surer the rich get rich and the poor get poorer in the meantime, in between time Ain't we got fun.

[Gene Austin]

Once a week Dear chick, dear ain't

[Patty]

we got fun Singing ditty with my pretty dear it's lots of fun. I say I love you I'll tell you the same. You said the same thing to ten other dames.

[Gene Austin]

Aw, don't act jealous.

[Patty]

Say, who's jealous?

[Gene Austin]

Come on, have fun. Don't get angry.

[Patty]

I'm not angry.

[Gene Austin]

Let's have some fun. Please, Patty, don't stop. We're on the air and we must stay sweethearts in the meantime in between dark Ain't we got fun Lots of singing, laughter ringing Ain't we got fun so if it's cloudy it may look

[Patty]

like rain Let it be cloudy we're feeling no pain in the daytime More

[Gene Austin]

than I got do we have fun

[Patty]

in the old time he is the right hand for having fun to put

[Gene Austin]

it roughly don't give a darn if we sing all off key like singing

[Patty]

and get swinging let's all have fun.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Ah, let's file that under P for peachy, kids. Very nice indeed.

[Patty]

Oh, thank you, Harlow. And we've got something else to spell out. It's a song that deals with stuff which if you ain't got whatever else you got don't mean a thing.

[Harlow Wilcox]

You're talking about swing.

[Patty]

Aha. We're talking about personalities. Sound like Sean Lee, don't we? Mary Smith had a college education Sally Jones had a scientific streak Suzy Brown used to lecture on ancient architecture Josie Green spoke Latin and Greek Just forgotten girls with forgotten brains While history explained. When Madam Pompadour was on a ballroom floor Said all the gentlemen asleep but madam has the cutest personality. And think of all all the books about Du Barry's looks. What was it made her the toast of Perry? She had a well developed personality. And what did Romeo see in Juliet? Or Pierrot in Pirouette? Or Jupiter in Juno, you know. And when Salome danced and had the boys entranced no doubt it must have been easy to see that she knew how to use her personality. A girl can learn to spell well and never sit on the boss's settee Unless she's got a perfect personality. A girl can get somewhere in spite of stringy hair or even just a bit B at the KN if she could show up all bliss. Personality and why a certain girl offered certain things like say and hey, I'm smart and have the kindest heart oh, what a wonderful sister I'd be. Just tell me how you like my personality. Personality, personality.

[Gene Austin]

Very personable indeed. Patty.

[Patty]

That's our Kurt Massey talking, as always. Smooth as Nash and cool, calm and collected as a Calvinator. Got something freshening up in the Massey Crisper, Kurt?

[Gene Austin]

Oh, indeed I have, Patty. It's a swell new tune that's way up there in the bestsellers. I can't begin to tell you. I can't begin to tell you how. How much you mean to me. My world would end if ever we were through. I can't begin to tell you how happy I would be if I could speak my mind like others do. I make such pretty speeches. But when you're near the words I choose Refuse to leave my heart. Take the sweetest praises the world has ever known and make believe I said them all to you.

[Patty]

You

[Gene Austin]

I make such pity speeches whenever we're apart. But when you're near the words I choose Refuse to leave my heart. So take the sweetest phrases the world has ever. And I believe I send them all to you.

[Harlow Wilcox]

If you had to nurse your present refrigerator through the war years, how much more you're going to enjoy the gleaming new model that takes its place. And it will be long lasting enjoyment if you make sure that new model has a dependable Power unit. You have that assurance with a new Calvinator for the exclusive polar sphere power unit is one of the most dependable cold making mechanisms ever known. All its moving parts are sealed in a sphere of steel and permanently oiled for years of trouble free service. So you just plug in a new Kelvinator and forget what makes it go for economical refrigeration. Winter and summer. As a matter of fact, everything about these big beautiful five way magic shelf. The oversized glass covered vegetable Crispers and the 30 pound storage capacity of the frozen food compartment. These are only a few of Kelvinator's extra values features you can see for yourself at your Kelvinator dealership. And ask about the wonderful new Kelvinator Automatic Cook electric range and Kelvinator home freezers soon to come. Then you'll know why. To get the best things, first get Kelvinator.

[Gene Austin]

It's trio time with the Andrews Sisters. Accompanied by three boys from the band. Here's.

[Patty]

Every time it rains it rains. Pennies from heaven don't you know each cloud contains pennies from he. You find your fortune falling all over town. Be sure that your umbrella is upside down Trade them for a package up. Sunshine and flowers. If you want the things you love you must have showers. So when you hear it there don't run under a tree There'll be pennies from heaven for. So when you hear it thunder don't run under under a tree There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Time now to swing open the door to our Nash Kelvinator Green Room. Our symbolic setting of the Green Rooms in theaters all over the country. Where America's top entertainment stars wait for those magic words. You're on. Popular song is known. And I'll bet that somewhere in the world at almost any hour of the day or night. Somebody is humming or whistling all over the country. He made a recording of it that sold in the millions. And we think there's still nobody who can sing it quite the way he does. Stepping out of the green room. Gene O.

[Patty]

Gene, do you think you know the tune that Harlow's talking about?

[Harlow Wilcox]

Yes, I kind of think so, Patty. I think I can guess.

[Gene Austin]

Harlow, do you mean My Blue Heaven?

[Harlow Wilcox]

Right, Gene. Ladies and gentlemen, a great song, a great singer. Gene Austin with. Wait a minute, Gene. I'm sorry, I was still talking. Gene. I don't want to interfere with you. Gene Austin with that great old timer. My Blue Heavens yours.

[Gene Austin]

When whippoorwill's calm and evening is nigh I hurried am I To my blue heaven

[Patty]

A little white light and Then

[Gene Austin]

you turn to the right we'll lead you to mine Blue heaven. You'll see a smiling face A fireplace A cozy room. A little nest that's nestled where the roses bloom. Just Molly and me when baby makes three. Where happy and my blue heaven. When whippoorwill's cold evening is night

[Patty]

I

[Gene Austin]

hurried on My blue heaven.

[Patty]

A little white light and then you

[Gene Austin]

turn to the right Will lead you to my. To my blue heaven. You'll see a smiling face A fireplace A cozy room. A little nest that's nestled where the roses bloom. Just Molly and me and baby makes three. We're happy and mild in my blue heaven.

[Patty]

Oh, that was swell, Jean. Sure brings back memories. Now, how about one of your own compositions?

[Harlow Wilcox]

All right.

[Gene Austin]

Here's Lonesome Road, Patty. Look down, look down At Lonesome Road before you travel home look up, look

[Patty]

up

[Gene Austin]

and seek your maker For Gabriel blows his horn I'm weary toting Satchelo Trudging down at Lone Lonesome Road or look down, look down that lonesome road before you travel home I'm weary toting Satchelope Fridging down my mo. Look down, look down that lonesome road before you travel. Ah.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Great as always, Gene Austin. And as a symbol of your outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment. Here is a model of the Green Room door. The Nash Kelvinator Green Room Award. Thank you very much, Harlow. Good night, girls. And so long, everybody. Good night, Gene.

[Patty]

One night when the moon was so mellow Rosita met young Manuel he held her like this this lovely miss Then stole a kiss this fellow he said he was G.L. he'd met her and soon he would come and get her like she said, no, no, I cannot go until I. I know you better Tippy tippy tin Tippy tin Tippy Tippy time Tippy time he kept on a ceiling and he had a feeling satisfied Tippy tippy tin Tippy tin Tippy Tippy time Tippy time she was so se. So he held her that's how he complied One night when the moon was so me. Hello. Ho ho, ho. Rosita met young Manuelo he held her like this this lovely miss Then stole the kiss this fellow he said he was glad that he had met her and soon he would come Ha, ha. And he'd. But she said, no, no, I cannot go home until I. I know you better. Tippy Tippy John Tippy John he kept on stealing and he had a feeling she was satisfied Chippy tippy tippy tin Tippy Tippy John Tippy time. She was saying closer, so he held her. That's how he complied. Chippy, chippy Tim. That's how he complies.

[Tyler Redick]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up. March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about, get real time, scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment. Tyler redic here from 2311 Racing, Victory Lane. Yeah, it's even better with Chumba by my side. Race to chumbacasino.com let's Chumba. No purchase necessary VTW Group void where prohibited by law. CTNC's 21+ sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Harlow Wilcox]

If you have a big new 1946 Nash on order, and if delivery is taking longer than you expect, please don't blame your Nash dealer. It's not his fault. Nash is doing everything possible to increase production to speed delivery to your dealer so that he may get delivery to you. It's a big job because so many thousands of people have placed orders for new Nash cars. Orders are being filled as fast as possible. So please bear with your Nash dealer. He's doing his best under the circumstances. We hope it won't be long until you'll be rolling out of his showroom in the car. You ordered a beautiful new Nash Ambassador or the new Nash 600. Because we know that when you do, you will experience all the thrills and advantages of driving the car of tomorrow today. And once you've had that experience, you'll know why we say you'll be ahead with Nash.

[Gene Austin]

You know, when I was a kid, I used to hear the girls on the block play a game that made no sense to me. It was strictly a girl's game.

[Patty]

But now that Kurt's a big boy, he knows that girls games aren't as silly as they used to be.

[Gene Austin]

Absolutely. This game takes two to play.

[Patty]

Patty and me and onesie twosie. Huh? Onesie 2Z. I'll kiss you Z. 2Z 3Z. You kiss me Z freezy 4Z. Kiss the more Z. Let's start counting higher.

[Gene Austin]

4Z 5Z. Let's. Let's get judging. Fizzy sixy hug me pixie 67Z. This is heavenly. My heart's on the fly Keep the

[Patty]

numbers going until the song is done

[Gene Austin]

Love will keep on growing we'll have lots of fun Sevensy eight Z Una

[Patty]

date eight Z nine Z eight the

[Gene Austin]

spine Z nine Z ten Z Start again Z one Z two Z I love you Z. Keep the numbers going till the song is done we'll keep on growing and

[Patty]

we'll have lots of fun 7z8c o mark 8c8c9c8.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Kirk Massey, Vic Schoen, the Ambassadors and the Andrews Sisters. The entire company of Onash Kelvinator Musical showroom with a medley of songs by the great composer who will always be the most beloved minstrel of America, Stephen Foster.

[Gene Austin]

Me Never there's where the old.

[Patty]

The world is sad and dreary Everywhere I go

[Gene Austin]

O dark is how my heart grows weary Far from the old.

[Patty]

I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee I'm going to Louisiana My beautiful scene it rained all night today I left the weather it was dry the sun falls to death Susanna don't you go on my knees and now Kurt Nancy sings the ever beautiful old Black Joe.

[Gene Austin]

Gone are the days when my heart was young and gay O Are my friends from the cotton fil the way Go from the earth to a banner and I know I hear their gentle voices calling O.

[Patty]

I'm coming. The camp down ladies sing this song do die Camp down Racetrack nine miles long overdue dah bay I came down there with my head Keep me in do dah do dah Home with a lot of tin on the do that day Climbed around all night Climbed around all day I'll bet my money about building somebody Building a long tailed billy and a big black heart do die do that Fly the track and the boat's got across the way the blindhouse stick in a big mud hole do die do die can't touch bottom with a ten foot pole oh we do die bed want to run all night One to run all day I'll bet my money on a bobby make somebody bet on the bed get down ladies all sing this song Somebody bet wann.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Well everybody. That shows off just about every new model on display in the Nash Calvinator musical show from the Andrew Sisters.

[Patty]

Good night folks.

[Harlow Wilcox]

See you next Wednesday from Kurt Massey.

[Gene Austin]

So long, folks.

[Harlow Wilcox]

And next week in the Nash Calvinator green room in the showcase of the showroom, the very popular and famous King Cole Trio.

[Patty]

Be with you Wednesday at this time

[Harlow Wilcox]

Nash Builders of Nash Motor Cars. Kelvinator Builders of Kelvinator home appliances. Of Nash Motor Cars Kelvinator and Leonard home appliances. We'll be looking for you next week in the MK Muzzle Showroom, starring the Andrew Sisters with Kate Mass, Vic Schoen and his orchestra and the Ambassadors. And in the Green room, the King Cole Trio. Until then, this is Harlow Wilcox saying good night. Kmx los angeles, columbia station. For southern california,

[Tyler Redick]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, Martin. Much madness is here and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about. Get real time scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment. Tyler redick here from 23 Xi Racing Victory Lane. Yeah, it's even better with Chumba by my side. Race to chumpa casino.

[Patty]

Com.

[Tyler Redick]

Let's Chumba. No purchase necessary.

[Harlow Wilcox]

VTW Group void where prohibited by law.

[Tyler Redick]

CTNCs 21+ sponsored by Chumba Casino.