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

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.

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."

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."

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 |

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

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.