Grand Ole Opry 40-03-09 (xxxx) First Song - Good Old Mountian Dew

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Grand Ole Opry 40-03-09 – First Song: Good Old Mountain Dew
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Air Date: September 25, 2025 (original broadcast from March 9, 1940)

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Overview of the Episode

This episode transports listeners back to the “Golden Age of Radio” with a full-length broadcast of the legendary Grand Ole Opry, originally aired March 9, 1940. Hosted by “the solemn old judge,” George Hay, the show features live performances by prominent country musicians of the time, classic American folk songs, rousing hoedowns, comedic moments, and lively banter between cast members. This episode’s focus is on celebrating traditional music, the joy of gathering around radio as a family, and the communal spirit of the Opry.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Grand Ole Opry Introduction & Cast

• [01:00] The show opens with an enthusiastic greeting from Nashville, heralded as “the heart of the Southland,” and an introduction to the evening’s cast:
  • Roy Acuff and His Smoky Mountain Boys
  • Zeke Clements
  • Ford Rush
  • D. Ford Bailey (harmonica specialist)
  • Jack Shook
  • The Possum Hunters Band
• The host, George Hay (the “solemn old judge”), sets the tone by inviting listeners to join the “shindig” and enjoy “the real typical music of America that never grows old.”

Musical Performances & Song Highlights

• “Good Old Mountain Dew” – Roy Acuff and His Smoky Mountain Boys
  • [03:09] The featured opening number, celebrated for its toe-tapping rhythm and clever lyrics about the beloved homemade beverage.
    • Notable Quote:
      “They call it that old Mountain Dew and them that refuse it are few...”
      – Roy Acuff, [03:09]
• Audience and American Folk Tradition
  • [04:52] George Hay reflects on the Opry’s origins and national appeal, noting car plates from distant states and the program’s popularity across the U.S. and Canada.
    • Memorable Moment:
      “We believe that is one reason for our wide audience... hand[ed] down through the generations from the days before the American Revolution.” – George Hay, [04:52]
• “Darling Nellie Gray” – Ford Rush
  • [06:22] A heartfelt rendition of a sentimental folk ballad, echoing the themes of longing and home.
    • Memorable Verse:
      “Oh, my poor Nellie Gray, they have taken you away, and I'll never see my darling anymore.” – Ford Rush, [06:28]
• Instrumental Hoedowns & Band Features
  • “Sourwood Mountain” – Company Hoedown [10:10]
  • “A Love Knot in My Lariat” – Zeke Clements [12:05]
  • “How Many Biscuits Can You Eat?” – Possum Hunters Band [14:07]
• Signature Harmonica Act
  • “Tennessee Fox Chase” – D. Ford Bailey
    • [15:51] Little D. Ford Bailey wows with a harmonica piece mimicking the sounds of a Tennessee fox hunt.
    • Notable Quote:
      “The tune is his interpretation of a Tennessee fox chase. All right, D. Ford, get it?” – George Hay, [15:51]
• Classic Train Song
  • “Wabash Cannonball” – Roy Acuff
    • [19:26] A tour-de-force vocal performance celebrating the storied American train line and its legends.
    • Notable Lyric:
      “Listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roll, as she glides along the woodland through the hills and by the shore...” – Roy Acuff, [19:27]
• “Just a Little Loving (Will Go a Long Way)” – Zeke Clements [23:18]
• Traditional Fiddle Tune & Closing
  • “Sleepy Loo” – Oscar Stone & the Possum Hunters [25:22]
  • “Take a Little Sugar Out of That Gourd” – Company [28:18]

Commentary, Stories, and Banter

• Homage to the Opry’s Roots:

  • George Hay shares stories about the early days of the Opry and the enduring legacy of tunes passed “from the days when I was knee high to a duck.” [25:22]
  • Discussion of folk tradition, community, and the ongoing argument among musicians about “how to play these old time tunes,” reinforcing the Opry’s informal and spontaneous charm.
    • Quote:
      “They’re just sort of handed down through the generations. Now and then somebody will add a few notes and a few words, but all of them come from the heart.” – George Hay, [25:44]

• Lighthearted Exchanges & Product Banter:

  • The judge and announcer Dave Stone exchange playful trivia and jokes, particularly about their cigar sponsors.
  • Sample Banter:
    • [18:04] “Okay, Judge, tell me, what does crimp cut tobacco mean?”
    • [18:08] “Very good, Judge.”
    • [18:11] “Tell me, what does the no bite process mean in smoking tobacco?”
    • [18:15] “To allow pipe smokers to enjoy all of the fine flavor of choice Prince Albert tobacco.”

Closing Remarks

• [29:28] George Hay closes the episode with gratitude:
  • “Well, friends, it’s time to slow down the horses and unhitch them for another week. We appreciate your interest in our Grand Ole Opry... This is George Hay, the solemn old judge, saying good night and good luck, everybody.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Opry’s Endurance:
  • “This real typical music of America that never grows old is all ready to make your feet shuffle and let you swing your partner to the old time breakdowns.” – Announcer, [01:36]
• On Audience Reach:
  • “Our mail ... comes from every state in the Union, Canada, and neighboring countries.” – George Hay, [04:52]
• On Musical Heritage:
  • “They were playing them when I was knee high to a duck. And that’s been a half century ago. And my dad told me that they had them long before he came along.” – Oscar Stone (via George Hay), [25:32]
• On the “National Joy Smoke”:
  • “A leading independent laboratory ... found the coolest smoking tobacco. ... Prince Albert burned 86 degrees cooler than the average...” – Dave Stone, [09:08]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:00] – Grand Ole Opry opening and cast introduction
• [03:09] – “Good Old Mountain Dew” by Roy Acuff
• [04:52] – Reflections on nationwide audience and Opry’s roots
• [06:22] – “Darling Nellie Gray” by Ford Rush
• [10:10] – Sourwood Mountain hoedown
• [12:05] – “A Love Knot in My Lariat” by Zeke Clements
• [14:07] – “How Many Biscuits Can You Eat?” by Possum Hunters
• [15:51] – Harmonica solo: “Tennessee Fox Chase” by D. Ford Bailey
• [19:26] – “Wabash Cannonball” by Roy Acuff
• [23:18] – “Just a Little Loving” by Zeke Clements
• [25:22] – “Sleepy Loo” by Oscar Stone & the Possum Hunters
• [28:18] – “Take a Little Sugar Out of That Gourd” by the company
• [29:28] – Closing remarks and farewell

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is warm, communal, and full of nostalgic joy, with a down-home Southern twang and old-time radio energy. The banter is light-hearted and neighborly, and the music is both infectious and comforting—a testament to the enduring spirit of American folk and country tradition.

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This episode stands as a lively and authentic snapshot of the Grand Ole Opry’s role in American radio, offering musical time travel and a reminder of the simple joys of gathering, listening, and sharing in the rhythms of traditional music.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

How do you do everybody? From Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of the Southland, Prince Albert, the world's most popular smoking tobacco, presents your Grand Ole Opry.

[C]

Gone with Sunday Shoes on God my hair stick down Having a big time tonight Canopy Prince Albert Ball of pleasure £ Having a big time tonight Going to the Hold Down Inn with Sunday clothes. Having a big time tonight Going to still be dancing when the rooster crows Having a big time to die yeah.

[B]

Come with us again to the Grand Ole Opry House and join in another half hour of fun music and song. This real typical music of America that never grows old is all ready to make your feet shuffle and let you swing your partner to the old time breakdowns. And you too will enjoy the fine old songs of the hills every Saturday night. This program, the only one of its type, is sent to you with the good wishes of our sponsor, the folks who make Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco. Well, sir, we have a great big cast tonight which includes Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys, Zeke Clements, Ford Rush, D. Ford Bailey, Jack Shook and the Possum Hunters Band. And now that the curtain is up and everything is ready, we'll call on our master of ceremonies, the solemn old judge and his wood bucket whistle. All right, George Hay, blow yourself in.

[D]

Thank you, thank you, thank you David Stone and everybody. And good evening. The Opry boys and girls are all set and raring to go. Spring has hit Tennessee with a bang, so it's our turn to pass it on to you. Believing a little circulation now and then is relished by the best of men. Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys open our shindig with a Hoedown. Good old Mountain Dew. Roy, you're in the driver's seat. Let her go.

[C]

They call it that old Mountain Dew and them that refuse it are too if you hush up em up they'll.

[E]

Fill up each other with that good.

[C]

Old Mountain Dew down the road, dear from me there's old Holler Tree where you lay down a dollar or two if you push up your mug they'll fill up your jug with that good old Mountain Dew they call it that old Mountain Dew and them that refuse it are few if you hush up your mugs they'll fill up your jug with that good old Mountain Dew Now Palpy rode by with his head high Stood high his high hat by his side he thought that they are to give him a fort of that good old Mountain Dew they call it that old Mountain Dew and them that refuse it are few if you mush up him up they'll fill up your tub with that good old Mountain Dew they call it that old Mountain Dew and they'll every few's in our pew if we hush up your mug they'll fill up each other with that good old Mountain Dew thank you, Roy.

[D]

That's fine. That's fine. Well, friends, as we came to work tonight on the Grand Ole Opry, we noticed a great many cars from other sections of America. The Opry was designed more than 14 years ago to present American folk tunes from all parts of our land. Most of these tunes have been handed down through the generations from the days before the American Revolution. Coming originally from the British Isles and continental Europe. We believe that is one reason for our wide audience, shown by our mail, which comes from every state in the Union, Canada and neighboring countries. In spite of the severe winter weather we've had here in Nashville, Tennessee, recently, we noticed tonight license plates on cars parked outside the Opera house. From Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. When the weather gets a little warmer, I know we'll have visitors from New England, the Northwest and the west to add to the States already mentioned. We welcome our friends to the Opera House tonight to see our broadcast. When you return to your homes, wherever they are, please give our kindest regards to all of our friends there. Here's a sweet old song which seems to grow in favor as the years go by. Darling Nellie Gray. It will be presented by Ford Rush, our representative from the Magnolia State, Mississippi. It's all yours.

[C]

For there's a long green valley on the old Kentucky shore Where I wild many happy hours away Are sitting and singing by the little cottage door where live my darling Nellie Gray oh, my poor Nellie Gray they have taken you away and I'll never see my darling anymore I'm sitting by the river and I'm weeping all for you Gone from the old Kentucky shore My eyes are getting blinded and I cannot see my way Hark, there's somebody knocking at the.

[D]

Door.

[C]

Oh, I hear the angels calling and I see my Nelly Gray Farewell to the old Kentucky shore O my darling Nelly Gray up in heaven there they say that they'll never take you from me anymore I'm a coming, coming, coming as the angels clear the way Farewell to the old Kentucky shore.

[D]

Thank you, Ford Rush. Thank you. Well, Dave Stone, now that you've been doing such heavy thinking over there in the corner, how about letting our pipe smoking friends in on how they can get more real smoking pleasure.

[B]

Well, Judge, you mean you want me to tell them about Prince Albert smoking tobacco?

[D]

Yes, Dave. And why it's called the National Joy Smoke.

[B]

Well, friends, when we say a product is outstanding, we mean it's got a certain something that others can't match. Now, that's the way it is with Prince Alva. Yes, Prince Albert has got that certain something that just can't be beat. Listen to this. A leading independent laboratory of national reputation recently conducted an investigation to find the coolest smoking tobacco. These scientific tests were made in special smoking bowls. The results of these tests confirmed the opinion of millions of veteran pipe smokers about Prince Albert. These tests showed that Prince Albert burned 86 degrees cooler than the average of the 30 other of the largest selling brands. Test coolest of all, mind you, and believe me, when you couple a smoking tobacco with such words as cool, smoking, mild and rich tasting, you've got a combination that just can't be beat. Get Prince Albert, men. It's well called the National Joy Smoke More men vote for Prince Albert than any other brand.

[D]

A truer word. You never smoke, partner. Well, we continue with our Grand Ole Opry now. And it's the entire company in a good old hoedown. Sourwood Mountain.

[C]

Let her go. Fourteen. It's.

[D]

Okay, boys. Okay. Sounds like old time and spring is here. By Jiminy Crickets. Well, it's our farmer friend now from way down in Warrior, Alabama with his horse and everything, Zeke Clemons. Come on out, Zeke. And the tune is one of his most popular, A love knot in my lariat. All right, Zeke.

[E]

There's a love knot in my lariat oh la la. And it's waiting for my blue eyed galubert While I'm riding reins all day my lasso seems to say it twines around this ornery strait well, there's a love knot in my lariat oola loo he la la he and it's waiting for my little prairie pet and when I swing my lasso you hear my yodeli o there's a love knot in my lariat now there's a love knot in malaria oh la la lo he lalohee and it's waiting for my little prairie pear While I'm riding range all day my lasso seems to say it twines around this orno strait father to love knot in malaria loo hee hee la la and it's waiting for my little prairie pear and when I swing my lasso you hear my yodeli o there's a love knot in my. Larry.

[D]

Very nice seat. Very nice. The grand ole opry continues and it's one of the first bands we ever had on the show more than 14 years ago. They started Oscar stone said, well, tell them we're going to bring out a plate of hot biscuits. And the tune is. How many biscuits can you eat, neighbors? The answer is 49 and a half of each.

[C]

Let it go. Oh, how many biscuits can you eat this morning, this morning? How many biscuits can you eat this morning this morning? How many biscuits can you eat? 49 and a ham on meat this morning for breakfast. And when you see me looking straight this morning this morning when you see me looking straight this morning this morning when you see me looking straight Come on and get this biscuit plate this morning hard when it get. And when you see me looking mean this morning, this morning when you see me looking mean this morning, this morning when you see me look at me. Hammond eggs that bel be seen this morning.

[D]

Sar stone in all the possum hunters. And now, friends, we introduce our mascot on the grand old opera, little d. Ford bailey with his red hot harmonica. The tune is his interpretation of a tennessee fox chase. All right, d. Ford, get it? Second. Get it?

[C]

Yeah, Second. Kevin. Get it? Second.

[D]

Get it? Second.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[D]

That'S fine, Nicole.

[B]

Say, judge, you know, you're always putting me on the spot around here. I think it's high time I did something about you.

[D]

Well, shoot ahead there, neighbor. Nothing stumps the judge.

[B]

Okay, judge, tell me, what does crimp cut tobacco mean?

[D]

Well, very good, judge.

[B]

Now, tell me, what does the no bite process mean in smoking tobacco?

[D]

Well, it means that. Say, do you know all these things yourself?

[B]

Why, certainly I do. Crimp, cut and the no bite are processes used by Prince Albert to avoid parching and biting from excess heat. To allow pipe smokers to enjoy all of the fine flavor of choice Prince Albert tobacco. That's why every pipe full of Prince Albert gives you a real downright smoking comfort. And there are around 50 pipefuls of fragrant tobacco in every pocket tin, fellas. It's no wonder Prince Albert is the national joy smoke. Better pick up a tin tomorrow.

[D]

Thank you, David. We carry on now and we present one of our most popular tunes, Roy Acuff. Cousin Roy himself. And it's the Wabash Cannonball. Here it comes.

[C]

From the great Atlantic Ocean to the wide Pacific shore. From the queen of flowing mountains to the south bell by the shore. She's mighty tall and handsome and known well by all she's the combination on the woah base cannonball. Listen to the Jean Gullah rumble and the roar as she glides along the woodland through the hills and by the shore Hear the roar of the engineer. Those lonesome hobo squall. You're traveling through the jungles on the wall base cannon. She came down from Birmingham one cold December day. As she rolled into the station you could hear all the people People say there's a girl from Tennessee she's long and she's tall. She came down from Birmingham on the Wabash cannonball. Our eastern states are dandy so the people always say. From New York to St. Louis and Chicago. By the way, from the hills of Minnesota where the river rippling waters fall no changes can be taken on the wall bash cannon fall. Here's to Daddy Claxton. May his name forever span and always be remembered in the courts of Alabam. His earthly race is over and the curtains around him fall. We'll carry him home to bed. Victory on the wall base cannonball. Listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roll as she glides along the woodland through the hills and by the shore Hear the roar of the engineer. Those lonesome hobo squall. You're traveling through the jungles on the Wabash cannonball.

[D]

Well, Roy, you hit the bullseye that time, my good friend. Now all the bulls boys gather around for a good old hoe down the chickenry. Lead them off, Mac, will you? Thank you, boys. Thank you. Well, it's Zeke Clements again. Zeke Clements. And the tune is Just a Little Loving will go a long, long way.

[B]

Thank you.

[E]

Just a little love in will go a long way. You make me happy the rest of my day put your arms around me then I'll be your slave oh, just a little loving will go a long way. Ever since that time begin love has ruled the world even Adam set the pace and started it a whirl. I met you and now I know that you're the one for me. Come on back and you will plainly see Just a little loving will go a long way you'll make me happy the rest of my days Put your arms around me then I'll be your slave call just a little loving we'll go a long way. I don't believe you really know how much that I love you. If you did you'd come on back and make my dreams come true. Your eyes, your lips your loving kisses seem to linger yet now I'll forgive.

[C]

But please don't you forget that just.

[E]

A little love is will go a long way you make me happy the rest of my days put your arms around me then I'll be your slave oh, just a little loving we'll go a long way.

[D]

Very nice, see? Very nice. Well, friends, Oscar Stone, leader of the opossum hunters band, which was one of the very first groups ever presented on our grand ole Opry, is a great hunter and fisherman. In his spare time, he loves to spend hours on the old old Cumberland river, at which times Oscar says he comes to himself and everything is all right with the world as far as he's concerned. Anyway, one day we went with Oscar and asked him where he dug up those old time tunes that he plays with his trusty fiddle. And he said, well, it's hard to tell, judge. They were playing them when I was knee high to a duck. And that's been a half century ago. And my dad told me that they had them long before he came along. They're just sort of handed down through the generations now and then somebody will add a few notes and a few words, but all of them come from the heart. Once in a while, some of us get in a big argument about how to play these old time tunes, and they're almost as old as the hills, you know, and we end up by agreeing to disagree. Oscar Stone, as possum honors, will give us a colorful breakdown now, typical of the Tennessee hills, sleepy loo. Thank you, Oscar Stone and all the possum hunters. David Stone, come on in here and give us some good news about Prince Albert, will you please, pipe smokers?

[B]

Prince Albert is made especially for you fellows who enjoy a smoking tobacco that's mild, tasty, and burns cool. That's why Prince Albert is the world's most popular smoking tobacco. For you fellows who roll your own cigarettes, you can't beat Prince Albert for makings. Its special crimp cut process makes it easy to roll into tightly packed cigarettes. Friends, whether you're a pipe smoker or a roll your own smoker, you'll increase your smoking pleasure with the national Joy Smoke. Remember, it's Prince Albert.

[D]

Albert, it's time to gather all the boys around and take a little sugar out of that gourd. Come on, Roy, let's go.

[C]

It's.

[D]

Well, friends, it's time to slow down the horses and unhitch them for another week. We appreciate your interest in our Grand Ole Opry and we'll be on hand next week at this same time. This is George Hay, the solemn old judge, saying good night and good luck, everybody. Okay, David Stow.

[B]

Next week at the same time, we'll be back in the Opry house for another half hour of your favorite music and songs. And during the week, 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. On another network On Saturday night, there are two great programs for your entertainment. Bob Crosby and the Best Dixieland Band in the Land with Mildred Bailey and the Grand Ole Opry on this same network. And during the week for your smoking enjoyment. Enjoyment, it's Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco, the National Joy Smoke.

[D]

This is the National Broadcasting Company.