Episode Summary: Country Music Time 091 – June Carter’s Songs & Stories

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Dick Shepard
Star Performer: June Carter, with The Jordan Ayers
Date: September 7, 2025
Theme: Golden Age Radio Variety—Live Country Performance with June Carter, blending music, humor, and classic radio camaraderie, plus a nod to the era’s U.S. Air Force recruitment messaging.

Main Theme

This episode transports listeners back to mid-20th-century radio variety, starring June Carter and backed by The Jordan Ayers. Between performances of country favorites, there's genial banter, light-hearted humor, and period-typical promotions for the United States Air Force—evoking the warmth and community of family radio nights before television.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Warm Welcome from Dick Shepard

[00:00]

• Dick Shepard sets the tone with a breezy, neighborly introduction, inviting the audience to enjoy that week’s show.
  • Quote: "Hi there, friends and neighbors. This is Dick Shepard giving you a big welcome to Country Music Time..." (00:00)

2. June Carter Opens with “I’m Walking”

[00:57]

• June Carter (with The Jordan Ayers) launches into an upbeat, foot-tapping rendition of "I’m Walking."
• Her vocals are energetic and playful, with call-and-response flavor courtesy of The Jordan Ayers.
  • Notable Exchange:
    • June Carter: "I'm walking yes indeed and I'm talking about you and me and I'm hoping you come back to me, oh yeah..." (00:57)
    • Jordan Ayers: "I'm waiting for company and I'm hoping." (01:06)
    • June Carter: "You come back to me what you..." (01:09)

3. Second Song: “Just When I Needed You”

[02:45]

• June shifts to a more plaintive, heartfelt performance, expressing loss and longing.
  • Quote: "Just when I needed you, you left and went away, you made my life so blue both night and day..." (02:45)
• The harmonies between Carter and the Ayers add emotional depth and a classic “country heartache” sound.

4. Air Force Recruitment Message

[04:31]

• Dick Shepard delivers a period-specific recruitment pitch focused on the Women's Air Force (WAF).
  • Quote: "Young ladies, do you realize that 15 minutes can change your entire life? ...Travel, adventure and exciting careers are woven into the smart blue WAF uniform..." (04:31)

5. Upbeat Medley: “Sugar in the Morning” / “Sugartime”

[05:26]

• June and The Jordan Ayers brighten the mood with the peppy “Sugartime,” complete with cheerful harmonies and lyrics about simple romance.
  • Memorable Lines:
    • June Carter: "Sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at suppertime. Be my little sugar and love me all the time." (05:26)
    • "Or sugar time is any time that you're near. Cause you’re so dear, don’t you roam. Just be my honeycomb and we’ll live together all the time." (06:26)

6. The Jordan Ayers: “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”

[07:16]

• The Jordan Ayers take center stage for a rousing, extended rendition of the spiritual, with joyful repetitions and growing energy.
  • Quote: "He’s got the whole world in his hands....He’s got the little bitty baby in his hands...he’s got you and me, brother, in his hands..." (07:16 – 09:55)

7. June Carter’s Playful “I’m All Broke Out With Love”

[10:18]

• June returns with a self-deprecating, humorous number full of classic country wordplay.
  • Quote: "I've been feeling kind of silly, since the night I first met Billy...The doctor says I'm all broke out with love." (10:18)
  • June’s comedic style shines, blending silly metaphors and coy asides.

8. Closing Remarks & Listener Engagement

[11:23] – [12:39]

• June invites listeners to write in, mixing sincerity and humor:

  • Quote: "We’d love to hear from you. So drop us a card or a letter or just any old thing you’ve got around the house. An old dirty sock or whatever will be all right." (11:23)

• She thanks the Air Force and wraps up with gratitude for the listeners’ company.

• Dick Shepard returns to officially close the program, reinforcing the Air Force sponsorship and inviting listeners back next week.

  • Quote: "Country Music Time is presented by the United States Air Force Recruiting and Publicity center...reminding you that today and tomorrow you're better off in the United States Air Force." (12:39)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• June Carter’s warmth and wit:
  • "Well, it's wonderful being with you folks here for the United States Air Force today..." (11:23)
• Effusive thanks for the band:
  • "Thank you, Jordan Ayers, very much. He’s got the whole wide world in his hands and it was real fine the way they sung it, too." (09:55)
• Listener outreach with playful twist:
  • "An old dirty sock or whatever will be all right." (11:23)

Essential Timestamps

• 00:00 – Dick Shepard’s welcome
• 00:57 – “I’m Walking” (June Carter & Jordan Ayers)
• 02:45 – “Just When I Needed You”
• 04:31 – Air Force Women’s recruitment message
• 05:26 – “Sugar in the Morning” / “Sugartime”
• 07:16 – “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” (Jordan Ayers)
• 10:18 – “I’m All Broke Out With Love” (June Carter)
• 11:23 – June’s closing remarks and call for listener mail
• 12:39 – Dick Shepard wraps up

Tone and Style

The episode is marked by friendly, front-porch hospitality and the joyful informality of live country radio. June Carter’s performance blends heart and humor, while The Jordan Ayers deliver smooth harmonies and exuberant support. The whole show is suffused with nostalgia for simpler times and classic radio values: warmth, community, and relatable entertainment.

For Fans of Classic Country and Radio Nostalgia:
This episode is a treasure trove of vintage performances, gentle humor, and the spirit of American radio’s golden age—an easy-listening journey for any lover of old-time country and radio variety shows.