Grand Ole Opry 006 11-18-39

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Grand Ole Opry 006 11-18-39
Date: January 17, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio (originally broadcast with George Hay as MC)

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to November 18, 1939, for a half-hour of the Grand Ole Opry, one of America’s most iconic radio shows of the pre-television era. Filled with lively performances, old-time humor, and folksy camaraderie, the episode features Roy Acuff & His Smoky Mountain Boys, Uncle Dave Macon, Smiling Jack Shook & the Missouri Mountaineers, Ford Rush, and Doris Macon. Guided by the “Solemn Old Judge” George Hay, the show weaves together classic country tunes, comedic banter, and a nostalgic slice of musical Americana.

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Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Warm Welcome and Opening Sequence

• [00:59] Host David Stone opens:

  "How do you do everybody? Prince Albert, the world's most popular smoking tobacco sends Saturday night greetings... presenting the South's most popular radio program, the Grand Ole Opry."

• Ford Rush, Roy Acuff, and Uncle Dave Macon exchange playful lyrics about having "a big time tonight," setting a jovial tone.

2. Introduction of Entertainers and Format

• [01:39] David Stone introduces the cast and sponsor.
• [02:31] George Hay warmly greets “neighbors”:

  "We're mighty happy to be with you tonight and we've got a swell show for you." [02:31]

• Roy Acuff & Smoky Mountain Boys open with “Ida Red.”

3. Musical Performances

• Roy Acuff & Smoky Mountain Boys – "Ida Red" ([03:07])
  • An energetic traditional breakdown, capturing the old-time fiddle sound.
• Uncle Dave Macon (with Doris Macon) – “Late Last Night My Willie Came Home” ([04:57])
  • Showcases Macon’s signature vocal style and humor.
• Ford Rush with the Smoky Mountain Boys – "Memories" ([08:27])
  • A sentimental, harmony-filled tune reflecting on the bittersweetness of nostalgia.
• Uncle Dave Macon – "Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy" ([12:24])
  • Lively, comical performance with Doris Macon on vocals:

    "Buy me a jug of brandy wine. Give it all to Mandy, keep her good and drunk and woozy all the time." – Doris Macon & Uncle Dave Macon [13:26]

• Roy Acuff – "Old Age Pension Check" ([14:50])
  • Humorous look at retirement and government checks; lyrics poke fun at cultural changes:

    "Life will just begin at 60 and we'll all feel very frisky when our old age pension check comes to our door." – Roy Acuff [15:40]

• Smiling Jack Shook & Missouri Mountaineers – “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” ([17:48])
  • A beautifully harmonized cowboy ballad, known widely thanks to Western movies.
• Ford Rush – “Shine On, Harvest Moon” ([20:04])
  • A lively singalong standard; Rush’s performance draws applause from the audience.
• Uncle Dave & Doris Macon – “Shucking of the Corn” ([22:05])
  • Raucous take on a traditional folk tune, including Doris’s animated interludes.
• Jack Shook & the Missouri Mountaineers – “When a Boy from the Mountain Weds a Girl from the Valley” ([23:49])
  • Sweet, old-fashioned portrayal of mountain and valley courtship.
• Roy Acuff – "Greenback Dollar" ([25:22])
  • A classic lament for love over money:

    "I don't want your greenback dollar, I don't want your watch and chain, all I want is your heart, darling won't you take me back again?" – Roy Acuff [26:19]

4. Notable Banter, Jokes, and Memorable Quotes

• Uncle Dave Macon's humor:

  "If you hit the bull by that time, Uncle Dave sure did." – George Hay [07:19]

• On Old Age Pensions:

  "All the drugstores will go bankrupt on that day for cosmetics they will all be put away." – Roy Acuff [16:10]

• "He shucks it in his own peculiar Uncle Dave style." – George Hay introducing "Shucking of the Corn" [22:02]

5. Sponsor Interludes and Period Color

• Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco is ubiquitously advertised, with claims such as:

  "Prince Albert... burned 86 degrees cooler than the average of the 30 other of the largest selling brands tested. Coolest of all, that's a real triumph..." – David Stone [07:28]

• Hosts pepper sponsor mentions with folksy language throughout the episode.

6. Closing Sequence

• The cast and band close with a lively group number (implied to be “Give the Fiddler a Dram” given Roy’s cue) [28:45], bringing the jubilant, community-driven spirit to a close.
• "Looks like we've come almost to the end of the road here tonight. Remember, Grand Ole Opry each Saturday night, same time, same station. Thanks very much for your attention." – George Hay [29:35]

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Notable Quotes & Segments (with Timestamps)

• Opening Welcome:

  "How do you do everybody? Prince Albert, the world's most popular smoking tobacco sends Saturday night greetings..."
  – David Stone [00:59]

• Introduction of the Master of Ceremonies:

  "Here again is George Hay, the solemn old judge, our master of ceremonies."
  – David Stone [01:39]

• On music and neighbors:

  "We're mighty happy to be with you tonight and we've got a swell show for you."
  – George Hay [02:31]

• On Old Age and Pension:

  "Life will just begin at 60 and we'll all feel very frisky when our old age pension check comes to our door."
  – Roy Acuff [15:40]

• Lamenting for love:

  "I don't want your greenback dollar, I don't want your watch and chain, all I want is your heart, darling won't you take me back again?"
  – Roy Acuff [26:19]

• Sign-off:

  "Looks like we've come almost to the end of the road here tonight... Good night and lots of good luck, everybody."
  – George Hay [29:35]

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Essential Musical Performances (with Timestamps)

| Song Title | Performers | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------| | Ida Red | Roy Acuff & Smoky Mountain Boys | 03:07 | | Late Last Night My Willie Came Home | Uncle Dave Macon & Doris Macon | 04:57 | | Memories | Ford Rush & Smoky Mountain Boys | 08:27 | | Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy | Uncle Dave Macon | 12:24 | | Old Age Pension Check | Roy Acuff | 14:50 | | Tumbling Tumbleweeds | Jack Shook & Missouri Mountaineers | 17:48 | | Shine On, Harvest Moon | Ford Rush | 20:04 | | Shucking of the Corn | Uncle Dave & Doris Macon | 22:05 | | When a Boy from the Mountain/Weds a Girl| Jack Shook & Missouri Mountaineers | 23:49 | | Greenback Dollar | Roy Acuff & Smoky Mountain Boys | 25:22 |

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Episode Tone and Style

• Warmth, nostalgia, community, and humor are central.
• Repeated, friendly interaction between performers and hosts.
• Performances are peppered with playful banter and gentle ribbing.
• Host and artist dialogue is informal, direct, and often folksy.

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Summary for New Listeners

This authentic 1939 Grand Ole Opry episode offers a time-capsule of American radio entertainment, brimming with folksy jokes, toe-tapping old-time music, cultural references (like the old age pension and country life), and the easy camaraderie of its stars. It’s a fun, homespun slice of musical Americana, perfect for fans of classic country, early radio, and the golden days when families gathered around the radio on a Saturday night.

Transcript

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[David Stone (Announcer)]

How do you do everybody? Prince Albert, the world's most popular smoking tobacco sends Saturday night greetings from the Mexican border to the mountains of Virginia, presenting the South's most popular radio program, the Grand Ole Opry.

[Roy Acuff]

Got my Sunday shoes on got my hair slicked down Having a big time tonight. And of good Prince Albert void pleasure.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Bound Having a big time tonight.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

Going to the hold down in my.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Having a big time tonight Go to still be dancing winter grow Having a big time tonight.

[David Stone (Announcer)]

Yes sir, it's the Grand Ole Op again. The Opera House in Nashville, Tennessee is open to welcome all of the people, including the entertainers you have known for the past 14 years for a big half hour of music, songs and fun. We are mighty proud to welcome so many new listeners and we are mighty proud of our sponsor, the people who make Prince Albert smoking tobacco. Tonight, Prince Albert presents your opera favorites, Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys, Uncle Dave Macon the Dixie Dewdrop, Ford Rush and Smiling Jack Shook and his Missouri Mountaineers. And here again is George Hay, the solemn old judge, our master of ceremonies.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Thank you, David. Thank you and howdy neighbors. We're mighty happy to be with you tonight and we've got a swell show for you. A lot of neighbors from Tennessee are here in the Opera House. Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys open with that good old Breakdown, Ida Red Lettigo, Roy.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

I'm in love with I'd red I read I read I'm in love with id. Idy Red I green the prettiest girl ever seen Id red Ay Red I'M in love with idy red Id red I red I'm in love with Id red. I red Idy blue I'm in love with idy too Idy red Id red I'm in love with idy red Id red hot in love with Audrey.

[Ford Rush]

Thank you.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Thank you all. That's well and on with the opera. Presenting Uncle Dave making the Dixie do drop with his son. Doors, plug hat, gold teeth. No man's collar does he wear. And he is one of Tennessee's representatives in the American hall of Humor. Here's the diddy elk day it's going to give us now. Late last night my Willie came home. Hush my.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

But late last night when Willie come home I heard him ID rapping on throne Slipping and sliding with the new shoes on. Willie, don't you rap no.

[Ford Rush]

Oh me.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

It'S oh my what gon become of me? All downtown just fooling around with no understand my bond. All I want is a one clean shirt, a dollar bill, all eye cream Brought nothing to this wide wide world. Carry nothing to my green. You told my wap on the top of downtown Just laying around with no understand my body. I had listened what mama said. I'd been at home today. I didn't listen what mama said I threw my young self away. Somebody today's evening about a half past two the herds are going to back.

[Doris (Uncle Dave's son)]

Up to my door.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Carry me away to that lonesome graveyard where others have gone before. What gone become of you I downtown get in the round with no one to stand my throne.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

If you hit the bull by that time, Uncle Dave sure did. David, how about telling us some good news here, please, Sir David Stone.

[David Stone (Announcer)]

Gentlemen, may I have your attention for a special announcement? Don't miss trying Prince Albert if you like a cooler smoke. Recently, automatic smoking and heat registering machines found that Prince Albert, the National Joy Smoke burned 86 degrees cooler than the average of the 30 other of the largest selling brands tested. Coolest of all, that's a real triumph for Prince Albert for those choice tobaccos it's made of and for that special PA cut, crimp cut and that no bite process, all of which add up to the world's most popular smoking tobacco. Yes, there's real smoking joy with Prince Albert. So hurry, don't miss this treat. Step right up for Prince Albert.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Thank you, David. We continue with our Opry by presenting Ford Reich singing Memories. And he will be backed up by the Smoky Mountain Boys and other members of the opera Orchestri.

[Ford Rush]

All right, forward.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

Shadows of days that are Gone.

[Ford Rush]

Dreams.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

Of the old days. Revealing memories of love's old and dawn. Memories, memories. Dreams of love so true. For the sea of mammary. I'm drifting back to you. Childhood days. Wildwood days among the birds and the bees. He left me alone but still you're my home. In my beautiful memories, memories, memories. Dreams of love so true. All the sea of the memory I'm drifting back to you. Childhood days, Wild days Among love birds and peers. You left me alone but still you're my own. In my beautiful valry.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Mighty pretty, Ford. Mighty pretty. And now, look out.

[Ford Rush]

Mm. Mm.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Up jumped old man trouble himself. Knock him down, boys. Jack Shook and the Missouri Mountaineer it. And now, Uncle Dave Macon again. And this time one of his favorite old time ditties. Keep my skillet good and greasy all the time. All right, Uncle Dave. It's all yours.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Five grind downtown fine. Buy me sack of flour grind cookie every hour. Keep my skilly good and freeze the old. Keep my skin good and clean all the time. Five chickens in my sack. Bloodhounds on my track. I'm pulling for my shanty. I'm pulling for my shanty. If they beat me to the door, I put them under the floor. Keep my skilly good and breezy all the time. Keep my skilly good and breezy all the time. I wind through the hill.

[Doris (Uncle Dave's son)]

Buy me a jug of brandy wine.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Give it all to Mandy. Keep her good and drunk and woozy all the time. Keep her good and drunk and be all the time. Honey, if you say so. I'll never work no more. I lay round your shanty all the time. I lay around your shanty all the time. So the man on the long finger.

[Doris (Uncle Dave's son)]

On trigger and eye on the hole.

[Uncle Dave Macon]

Gun it went blip and the bullet it went zip Fell on the hole with the love is grip. Got my skilly good and FL.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Really got something there. Ok, Dave. And now, friends, we present cousin Roy Acuff with a novelty tune, the Old Age Pension. It's kind of a happy thought there, Roy. Let it go.

[Roy Acuff]

When our old age pension check comes to our door. We won't have to dread the poor house anymore. Oh, we're old and bent and gray Good times we'll be back to stay. When our old age pension check comes to our door. When her old age pension check comes to her door. Dear old grandma won't be lonesome anymore. She'll be waiting at the gate Another night she'll have a date. When her old age pension check comes to her door. Grow a flowing Long white beard and use a cane Cause you're in your second childhood don't complain. Life will just begin at ST60 and we'll all feel very frisky when our old age pension check comes to our door. Powder and paint will be abolished on that day and hoop skirts will then be brought back into place. Faded cheeks will be the rage and old maids will tell their age when their old age pension check comes to.

[Ford Rush]

Their door.

[Roy Acuff]

All the drugstores will go bankrupt on that day for cosmetics they will all be put away. I'll put the flapper on the shelf and get a grandma for myself when our old age pension check comes to our door. There's a man who turned this country up upside down with his old age pension rumor going round. If you want in on the fun send your dime to Washington and the old age pension man will be around.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Well, Roy, we're going to take that up with the committee and give you a report on it and dare. So now, David Stone, how about some more news?

[David Stone (Announcer)]

Please, sir, don't try to imagine what burning 86 degrees cooler means. Just get yourself a tin tomorrow and see for yourself what cooler miler smoking there is in those choice full bodied Prince Albert tobaccos. Nothing humdrum here but a real experience you can revel in. No excess heat, no feeling of parched mouth and no bite. That's Prince Albert for you. And you get around 50 pipe smokes per pocket tin. Get on to Pa, men. Try the National Joy smoke.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Thank you, David. The Grand Ole Opry continues. And now it'll be Smiling Jack Shook and his Missouri Mountaineers who jumped the gun on us the last time. It's going to be tumbling tumbleweeds. Let it go, Jake.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

I'm a lonely cowboy Riding all day.

[Ford Rush]

Long.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

Tumble bees around me sing a lonely song.

[Ford Rush]

Nights underneath a fairy moon I ride along and sing a trune See them tumbling down.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

Lifting them up.

[Ford Rush]

To the ground Lonely but may I be found Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweed Cares of the past far behind Nowhere to go but I find Just where the trail will wind Drifting along with a tumbling tumble Leave I know when night has gone that a new world on and dawn. Rolling along Deep in my heart Is a song here on the range I belong Drifting along with a tumbling tumble Weary.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

There, pretty Jack and all the Missouri Mountaineers. Now, friends, it'll be Ford Rush with an old popular number here that Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth put over so big about 20, 25 years ago. Shine on, harvest moon.

[Ford Rush]

The night was mighty dark so you could hardly see for the moon refused to shine.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

How.

[Ford Rush]

For sitting underneath a willow tree for love they pine the little maid was kind Afraid of darkness so she says I guess I'll go. Boy began to sigh Looked up at the sky Told the moon his little tail of woe oh, shine on, shine.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

On hard as the moon up in.

[Ford Rush]

The sky I ain't had no loving since April, January, June or July Snow time ain't no time to stay adult and spoon so shine on, shine on.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

Harvest bloom for me and my gal.

[Ford Rush]

Oh, shine on shine on harvest moon up in the sky I ain't had no loving since April, January, June or.

[Smiling Jack Shook]

July no time ain't no time to.

[Ford Rush]

I doze in school so shine on, shine on hard there's moon for me and my gals.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Lord, you really so left them. Friend, that was swell. And now friends it'll be Uncle Dave vacant with his son Doris again. And after the harvest moon he's going to the shucking of the corn. And he shucks it in his own.

[Ford Rush]

Peculiar Uncle Dave style.

[Doris (Uncle Dave's son)]

Let it go, Colonel. Why drive a little ship on the ocean and thin sideline with boot low cute shall be angry. Good Lord. Out of grind doody shocking dirty corn Good long sh. The corn out of the sh. Who the gwine to shoe her pretty little feet? Who the gwine to glove a little hand Good on who want to kill the chicks And I'm in the farthest.

[Ford Rush]

Land.

[Doris (Uncle Dave's son)]

Good Lord, how the shocking sugar and the cones and the blowing out of homes and immediate sugar the cone. Why Johnny pretend left me in fence but 106 good men. Good Lord. When he landed in Cairo the boy's number was only 10. Good Lord, Isaac. Wine duty, shucking her decor and the corns and the floor on our homes At a BB at the shook under the corn. Why I have been to London and me day Pretty please show good lo and where it been pretty shocking the corn had no blowing along Good Lord, I like wine to the shocking corn. Good.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

He snuck it in the corn. Now smiling Jack shook with his Missouri mountaineers A little novelty did it here. When a boy from the mountain Weds a girl from the valley all right, Jack.

[Ford Rush]

When a boy from the mountain weds a girl from the valley in that old fashioned church down the lane all the hill people wander to that valley down yonder where they'll meet old time friends once again the choir stands by the organ Singing a lonely pray When a boy from the mountain where the girl from the valley in that old fashioned church down the Lane Church bells are ringing in the valley because it's a happy wedding day the old folks are peaceful in the valley they're all so happy and gay When a boy from the mountain Lets a girl from the valley in that old fashioned church down the lane all the hill people wander to that valley down yonder where they'll meet old Thai friends once again the choir stands by the organ Singing an old repray When a boy found out With a girl from the valley in that old fashioned church down the lane.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Thank you, Jack. Thank you. And now, Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain boys front and center. And they're going to tell us about that greenback dollar bill that's so hard to find.

[Ford Rush]

Let it go roaring. I was born in East Virginia, South Carolina There I loved a pretty little woman and her age I did not know oh, her hair was brown and curly and her cheeks were rosy red on her breast she wore white lilies all the tears that I have shed I don't want your green back dollar I don't want your watching chain All I want is your heart Darling, won't you take me back again? Many stroll we've had together down beside the deep blue sea if it's in your heart to love another in my grave I'd rather be Papa says we cannot marry Mama says it'll never do if you will learn to love me I will run away with you I don't want your green back dollar I don't want your watching change All I want is your heart Darling, won't you take me back? Sadly admonish.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Very nice.

[Ford Rush]

David Stone.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Come on in, please.

[David Stone (Announcer)]

Sir, in choosing your next tin of smoking tobacco, don't overlook what science has proved about Prince Albert giving a cooler smoke. And this is a tip for you. Roll your owners too. Pa smokes rich, tasty, full bodied and yet so mild in making smokes too, you'll find Pa rolls up neater, faster and easier. Make Pa your standby for smoking joy. Great for makin's grand in your pipe the national joy Smoke means smoking joy for you. Try Prince Albert the first thing tomorrow.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

And now, boy, let's all gather round for that closing ditty. And how about giving the fiddler a dram there, Roy? Pass it out.

[Ford Rush]

Sam.

[George Hay (Master of Ceremonies)]

Well, friends, looks like we've come almost to the end of the road here tonight. Remember, Grand Ole Opry each Saturday night, same time, same station. Thanks very much for your attention. This is George Hay, the solemn old judge, saying good night and lots of good luck, everybody.

[David Stone (Announcer)]

And friends, Here are other things to remember for your radio entertainment. Monday night, tune in Blondie, the adventures of that famous comic strip couple, Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead. Tuesday night, listen to Bob Crosby and the Best Dixieland Band in the Land with Helen Ward and Johnny Mercer. And on Saturday night, there are two great programs for your entertainment, Benny Goodman with Mildred Bailey and the Grand Ole Opry. Next week, Uncle Dave Macon will appear in Lee County, Alabama. Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys will appear in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. And all during the week for your smoking enjoyment, it's Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco. The National Joy Smoke. This is the national broadcast company.