Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Chuck Wagon Jamboree xx-xx-xx First Song - Deep in the Heart of Texas"
Release Date: August 9, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Chuck Wagon Jamboree xx-xx-xx First Song - Deep in the Heart of Texas
Welcome to a nostalgically rich episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," where listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. In this episode, titled "Chuck Wagon Jamboree xx-xx-xx First Song - Deep in the Heart of Texas," host Harold and his ensemble deliver a delightful assortment of classic tunes and engaging performances that capture the essence of family radio entertainment before the advent of television.
1. Warm Welcome and Introduction
[00:00] Suzy:
"Let's be happy, gather round. Cause it's time for you and me we sing a song as we jog along to the Chuck Wagon Jamboree."
The episode opens with a cheerful greeting from Suzy, setting a convivial tone for the show.
[00:11] Ken Curtis:
"Well, howdy, friends, and hello, neighbors. Welcome again to another Chuckwagon Jamboree. Starring those top notch novelty aces, Suzy, Emmy Lou, Art West, Hal, Jerry, and of course yours sincerely, Ken Curtis. And I'll guarantee you'll like the opening event and stay for the entire show. It's deep in the heart of Texas."
Ken Curtis takes the helm, introducing the talented ensemble and teasing the audience with the promise of an enjoyable program centered around classic Texas-themed entertainment.
2. Opening Number: "Deep in the Heart of Texas"
[00:34] Suzy:
"Stars at night are big and bright
Deep in the heart of Texas the prairie sky is wide and high
Deep in the heart of Texas the sage in bloom is like perfume
Deep in the heart of Texas Reminds me of the one I love
Deep in the heart of Texas the cowboys cry ki yippi yi
Deep in the heart of Texas the dogies ball and ball and ball
Deep in the heart of Texas
Deep in the heart of Texas."
Suzy leads the ensemble in performing the iconic "Deep in the Heart of Texas," a beloved classic that evokes vivid imagery of Texas landscapes and cowboy life. The harmonious rendition sets a heartfelt and nostalgic atmosphere for the listeners.
3. Transition to Ballad Time: "Old Dog Tray"
[01:21] Ken Curtis:
"Well, yes indeed. And our chuck wagon jogs along to ballad time. Time for a sweet song from the Novelty Aces. Jerry, he's our bass singer and violin and steel guitar student. Jerry, would you like to give with the information?"
Ken smoothly transitions the show into a more mellow segment, introducing the next performance with enthusiasm.
[01:46] Suzy:
"The morn of life is past."
[01:51] Emmy Lou:
"And."
[01:52] Suzy:
"Evening comes at last it brings me a dream of a once happy day of merry forms I've seen
Upon the village green
Sporting with my old O."
The ensemble delivers a poignant rendition of "Old Dog Tray," a tribute initially by Stephen Foster. The performance is imbued with emotion, reflecting on cherished memories and enduring friendships.
[03:37] Art West:
"Than who?"
[03:39] Suzy:
"No TR."
A brief, light-hearted exchange occurs, showcasing the camaraderie among the performers.
[03:48] Ken Curtis:
"Now if that wasn't nice Novelty aces. There ain't a sidewalk in New York. Old Dog Tray, one of Stephen Foster's homiest tunes. Hey, you know, Jerry, sometimes I think it sounds better that way when you're tuning up. As soon as you get set, you can lead off our memory medley with a Mother Goose hoedown. Ba ba Black sheep."
Ken compliments the performance and introduces the next segment, hinting at a medley of nostalgic tunes.
4. Mother Goose Hoedown and "Frankie and Johnny"
[04:11] Emmy Lou:
"To sang this and then scoot."
[04:12] Suzy:
"Why, sure."
[04:13] Emmy Lou:
"There it is. We didn't do this in school."
The performers engage in playful banter before segueing into "Frankie and Johnny," a dramatic folk song.
[04:32] Ken Curtis:
"Emmy Lou. Let's hear that, old timer. Frankie and Johnny."
[04:36] Emmy Lou:
"Frankie and Johnny were lovers oh Lordy, how they could love. Yes, tell us about it. They said they'd be true to each other
Just as two with the skies above
He was a man he wouldn't do her own
But Frankie pulled back
A kimona and she pulled out a little fold
I guess I better go."
The rendition of "Frankie and Johnny" captives listeners with its storytelling, highlighting themes of love and betrayal.
[05:05] Suzy:
"There gonna be some shit."
[05:06] Emmy Lou:
"Oh, Ruda TikTok. Three times she shot right through that hard miss door she shot her man
I'm shot cause he was doing her."
[05:17] Art West:
"Wr."
[05:21] Emmy Lou:
"Now this story has no moral this story has no end
The story only goes to show
There ain't no good in man no, he was her man but he done her wrong."
The performance takes a darker turn, emphasizing the tragic narrative of the song, while the performers maintain engaging interactions.
5. "Alabama Bound" Performance
[05:44] Ken Curtis:
"Now we'll turn our barbershop quartet loose so they can be off Alabama bounds. I'm."
[05:50] Suzy:
"Alabami bound
There'll be no heebie jeebies hangin round
Just pay the meanest ticket man on earth
All I'm worth to put my tootsies in an upper berth
Just hear that choo choo sound and soon I know
I'm gonna cover ground
I'm gonna holler so the world will know
Here I go, I'm Alabama."
The ensemble transitions into "Alabama Bound," infusing the performance with lively rhythms and spirited vocals that celebrate the Southern spirit and the excitement of travel.
6. Special Arrangement: "Gold Mine in the Sky"
[06:27] Ken Curtis:
"All right. All right indeed. And folks, I'd like you to know that Art West has worked out a special arrangement of Gold Mine in the sky so that the novelty aces can sing right along with me. And it's sure a dandy too."
Ken introduces a special arrangement of the uplifting hymn "Gold Mine in the Sky," highlighting Art West's contribution.
[06:39] Suzy:
"Well, thank you, Ken."
[06:41] Ken Curtis:
"And so you're gonna hear it right now. There's a gold mine in the sky."
[06:47] Art West:
"There's a gold mine in the sky
Far away we will find it, you and I
Some sweet day
There'll be clover just for you down the line
where the skies are always blue
Palomin
Take your time, old mule. I know you're growing late
but you'll pasture in the stars when we strike that claim
and we'll sit up there and watch the world roll by
when we find that long lost gold min in the sky
Far away
Far away in the sky."
The heartfelt performance of "Gold Mine in the Sky" resonates deeply, offering listeners a message of hope and eternal peace.
7. Closing Worship Hymn: "Come Thou Almighty King"
[08:46] Emmy Lou:
"Mister, can you devastate me? That there was quite a shuck."
[08:51] Ken Curtis:
"Ah, now you're just kidding me. Thanks to all of you for your support. Now, Susie."
[08:56] Art West:
"Yes, mister?"
[08:57] Ken Curtis:
"Can if you'll seat yourself at our little tinkle box, the Celeste will settle ourselves down and sing for the folks. Our hymn for this day and our selection is that majestic sacred song of praise. Come thou almighty king Come thou almighty."
Ken transitions the program into a reverent closing segment with the hymn "Come Thou Almighty King."
[09:17] Suzy:
"King
Help us thy name to sing
Help us to praise
Father of glorious O' er all victorious Come and reign over us ancient of days."
[09:49] Emmy Lou:
"Come, holy conqueror
Thy sacred witness bear."
[10:03] Art West:
"In this."
[10:04] Suzy:
"Glad hour."
[10:07] Emmy Lou:
"Thou who almighty art now rule in every heart and every moost depart
Spirit of power."
[10:25] Suzy:
"To the Great 1 in 3 eternal praises be."
[10:38] Emmy Lou:
"And."
[10:38] Suzy:
"Evermore his sovereign majesty may we in glory see and to eternity love and adore."
[11:02] Ken Curtis:
"Come, Thou Almighty King. Truly one of the great hymns of all time. And we hope you enjoyed the listening. Well, friends and neighbors, don't go yet. But right now for the Novelty Aces, myself and the whole Chuck Wagon Jamboree gang, I want to say it's nice being with you. Yours most sincerely, Ken Curtis."
The ensemble delivers a soul-stirring performance of "Come Thou Almighty King," concluding the worship segment on a high spiritual note. Ken Curtis wraps up the show with heartfelt gratitude to the listeners.
8. Closing Remarks and Tease for Next Episode
[11:20] Suzy:
"Let's be happy, gather round. Cause it's time for you and me to sing a song as we jog along to the Chuck Wagon Jamboree."
The episode closes with a reprise of the opening theme, inviting listeners to return for future episodes filled with more classic radio entertainment.
Notable Quotes:
-
Ken Curtis on Opening:
"I'll guarantee you'll like the opening event and stay for the entire show. It's deep in the heart of Texas." [00:11] -
Ken Curtis on "Old Dog Tray":
"Old Dog Tray, one of Stephen Foster's homiest tunes." [03:48] -
Suzy on "Alabama Bound":
"Just hear that choo choo sound and soon I know I'm gonna cover ground I'm gonna holler so the world will know Here I go, I'm Alabama." [05:50] -
Ken Curtis on "Gold Mine in the Sky":
"There's a gold mine in the sky so that the novelty aces can sing right along with me. And it's sure a dandy too." [06:27] -
Ken Curtis on Hymn Selection:
"Our hymn for this day and our selection is that majestic sacred song of praise. Come thou almighty king Come thou almighty." [08:57]
Conclusion
This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" masterfully blends heartwarming performances with engaging interactions among the cast members. From classic folk tunes like "Deep in the Heart of Texas" and "Frankie and Johnny" to spiritual hymns such as "Come Thou Almighty King," the Chuck Wagon Jamboree delivers a nostalgic journey through beloved radio-era entertainment. Listeners are treated to a harmonious mix of music, storytelling, and camaraderie, making it a delightful listen for those yearning for the golden days of radio family gatherings.
