Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Andrews Sisters – Guest: Ray Noble
Date: March 28, 2026
Theme: Classic Golden Age radio variety, big band music, and a celebration of automotive innovation, starring the Andrews Sisters and guest Ray Noble

Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio takes listeners back to the heyday of American radio variety shows. Hosted by Harlow Wilcox, it features the legendary singing trio the Andrews Sisters, the orchestral direction of Vic Schoen, and a special green room visit from English composer and bandleader Ray Noble. The show mixes sparkling performances of holiday hits, cheerful banter, witty sponsorship plugs for Nash and Kelvinator, and a warm, festive message.

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Festive Musical Numbers to Start the Show

• Opening with “Jingle Bells” by the Andrews Sisters and orchestra lifts the mood immediately ([01:04]–[04:55]).

  • The trio playfully harmonize and alternate verses, charming the radio audience.
  • Signature swing and joyful energy from Patty, Maxene, and the ensemble.

• Welcoming Listeners & Announcing Nash News

  • Host Harlow Wilcox interrupts the music to share a big announcement from Nash regarding their new car models ([02:49]–[04:02]).

  • Lighthearted banter ensues about the features of the new Nash 600 automobile.

    "But it all adds up to a new thrill you can discover for yourselves tomorrow." — Harlow Wilcox ([03:49])

• “Welcome Home”

  • The Andrews Sisters perform a peppy, sentimental original to greet listeners and returning loved ones ([05:20]–[07:35]).
  • The lyric, "We waited and waited and waited and waited and waited to welcome you home," rings with postwar optimism.

2. Light-Hearted Banter & Variety Show Humor

• Exchange between Harlow Wilcox and the Andrews Sisters brims with camaraderie and tongue-in-cheek humor.
  • Example: After a song, Patty jokes, “Now let’s make with the music. Okay, Vic, let's get going again.” ([04:22])
  • Moments like these make the show feel intimate, as if inviting listeners into a musical family gathering.

3. Romantic and Seasonal Classics

• “Love Letters” performed by the ensemble evokes a mood of longing and romance ([07:44]–[10:17]).
• “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” cleverly tied to Nash’s heated car interiors, blending advertisement with entertainment ([10:17]–[12:50]).
  • The Andrews Sisters’ crisp harmonies put a new shine on familiar tunes.

4. Spotlight on Ray Noble (Green Room Guest)

• Introduction and Banter: Wilcox warmly welcomes Ray Noble, noting his transatlantic legacy ([12:50]–[13:55]).

  • Wilcox: “A fellow from England who started a very pleasant Lend Lease in reverse some years ago.”
  • Playful chat about working with ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.

    "Now, I never say anything nasty about him, and you won't believe it, but Bergen’s on perfect speaking terms with him." — Harlow Wilcox ([13:38])

• Musical Tribute & Award Presentation

  • Noble is invited to perform his classic tunes (“The Very Thought of You” and “Goodnight, Sweetheart”)—though performance details are brief, the moment is heartfelt.

  • Receives the “Nash Kelvinator Green Room Award” for his contributions to American entertainment ([13:55]).

    "Here's a model of the green room door. The Nash Calvinator Green Room Award for your outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment." — Harlow Wilcox ([13:55])

5. More Musical Favorites and Cheerful Promotions

• “I’m in Love with You, Honey” ([17:34]–[19:29]): A cheerful love song with a touch of car-related humor.

• Harlow Wilcox returns to promote Nash cars, blending features and excitement with genuine radio flair ([20:17]).

  • Quote:

    "But words can't describe the new Nash cars. You just got to see them to appreciate they're terrific performers and so much smoother, so much quieter, so much easier to drive..." ([20:17])

• “Come to Baby Do” by the Andrews Sisters ([21:25]–[23:36]): Another toe-tapping classic, brimming with energy.

6. Holiday Spirit & Heartfelt Closer

• “White Christmas” ([24:39]–[27:46]): The trio’s warm, iconic harmonies close the show on a nostalgic note.

  "May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white." — Patty Andrews ([25:36])

• Final wishes:

  • Harlow Wilcox and the cast extend hopes for peace and goodwill to all, tying together entertainment with sincere holiday sentiment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nash’s new cars:
  “All Nash dealers will have the new Nash on display tomorrow. Say, that's the news I've been waiting for.” — Maxene Andrews ([03:07])

• On mixing music and commercials:
  "Not that we want to be butting in on your territory, Hilo. But our next tune might very well be a love song to a Nash." — Patty Andrews ([10:17])

• Ray Noble’s graciousness:
  “Thank you very much, Holland. Thank you very much and good night, everyone.” — Ray Noble ([13:55])

• On the spirit of Christmas:
  "It's all wrapped up in music and sprinkled with... our very best wishes, for the best Christmas ever. One that really means peace on earth and goodwill to all men." — Harlow Wilcox ([23:56])

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |--------------|-------------------------------------------| | 01:04–04:55 | “Jingle Bells” opening medley | | 02:49–04:02 | Nash news interruption and banter | | 05:20–07:35 | “Welcome Home” performance | | 10:17–12:50 | “Let It Snow” performance and banter | | 12:50–13:55 | Ray Noble’s green room introduction | | 17:34–19:29 | “I’m in Love with You, Honey” | | 21:25–23:36 | “Come to Baby Do” | | 24:39–27:46 | “White Christmas” performance | | 23:56–24:39 | Holiday well-wishes from cast |

Tone & Language

The episode is light, festive, and brimming with warmth and camaraderie. The Andrews Sisters and Harlow Wilcox blend showmanship with genuine affection, using earnest 1940s radio patter, gentle humor, and emotional sincerity. Listeners are invited to feel like part of a big, harmonious family gathering around the radio during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

Harold’s Old Time Radio delivers a sparkling slice of holiday nostalgia, skillfully weaving musical performances, personality-driven humor, sponsor messages, and heartfelt sentimentality. For fans of the Andrews Sisters, lovers of classic radio, and anyone seeking a feel-good retro holiday experience, this episode perfectly encapsulates the sound and spirit of a golden radio era.