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)
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.
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]
- Lively, comical performance with Doris Macon on vocals:
- 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]
- Humorous look at retirement and government checks; lyrics poke fun at cultural changes:
- 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]
- A classic lament for love over money:
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]
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]
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 |
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.
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.