Podcast Summary: Ken Carson Show – "Music With The Accent On Romance"

Episode Title: "But Not for Me" (Ep007)
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio (presenting a Mutual Broadcasting System original)
Air Date (original broadcast): July 1, 1945
Podcast Release: February 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of the Ken Carson Show transports listeners to the golden age of radio, placing an “accent on romance” with live big band music, close harmonies, and whimsical storytelling. Ken Carson, joined by the Little Sisters vocal group and Harry Zimmerman’s Orchestra, unfolds a musical narrative of love found, lost, and anticipated. The show is punctuated by warm comedic banter, lively musical performances with a romantic motif, listener engagement offers, and gentle patriotic messaging.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening & Theme Introduction (00:32–01:22)

• The show opens with Ken Carson and the ensemble performing “I’m In The Mood For Love.”
• Dick Wynn (announcer) sets the tone:

  “Music with the accent on romance. Featuring … America’s latest singing sensation, Ken Carson.” (00:57)

• Ken Carson introduces the evening and hints at a Gershwin-inspired theme centered on romantic disillusionment:

  “We tell you the musical story of a young man who has been disillusioned in love.” (01:22)

2. Featured Song: “But Not For Me” (01:42–03:07)

• A heartfelt performance of the Gershwin classic captures unrequited love and melancholy.
• Notable Quote:

  “They’re writing songs of love, but not for me … I guess she’s not for me.” (01:42–03:07)

3. Spotlight on the Little Sisters: “Five Salted Peanuts” (03:35–07:18)

• Lighthearted banter as Ken introduces the Little Sisters, prompting a comic exchange on their “five salted peanuts” number.
• Comic Bit: Ken jokes, “Four little sisters and five solid peanuts. One left over for you, Dick.” (04:01)
• The performance is upbeat, telling a tongue-in-cheek story of slot machine luck (or lack thereof):

  “I put a penny in the slot, but all I ever got was five solid peanuts… it’s driving me nuts.” (04:25)

• Dick Wynn closes with:

  “Oh, nuts.” (07:18)

4. Listener Engagement & The Ken Carson Club (07:25–07:52)

• Listeners are invited to write in for a club membership card, emphasizing the participatory nature of old-time radio.
• Details:

  “Just send your name and address on a postcard… we’ll send you a Ken Carson Club membership card signed by Harry Zimmerman, the four Little Sisters and Ken himself.” (07:31)

5. Musical Salute to Latin Romance: “Bahia” (08:53–13:28)

• A lush instrumental by Harry Zimmerman’s orchestra:

  “It’s a musical salute … to our good neighbors south of the border. The night is warm, the breeze is cool… The song is Bahia.” (08:53)

• Evocative mood-setting transitions the show from American romance to a sultry, south-of-the-border setting.

6. Medley of Romance: “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody” & “Marquita” (13:28–17:19)

• Ken narrates the mesmerizing effect of beauty—

  “When she dances to the rhythm of the rumba and her flashing eyes meet yours, you’re helpless… you find yourself falling under her spell.” (14:06)

• Sketch with Marquita: Ken plays the romantic stranger, seeking a date with the mysterious Marquita—
  • Playful bilingual banter leads to comic twist:

    Ken: “Well, that’s all right. Bring them along. We’ll all have dinner together.”
    Marquita: “Oh, no, I do not think that would be a good idea.”
    Ken: “Why, sure it would. Why not?”
    Marquita: “Because my husband already had dinner.” (17:03–17:14)

• The sketch closes with a reprise of the romantic song, underscoring the theme of love lost or out of reach.

7. Quick Banter: After the Marquita Sketch (17:43–18:15)

• Dick Wynn:

  “So you almost got into trouble that time, eh, Ken?”
  Ken: “I was a little close for comfort, Dick.” (17:43–17:47)

• Light comedy continues between cast members and the Little Sisters, who protect Ken’s romantic reputation.

8. Uplifting Classic: “I Got Rhythm” (18:18–21:56)

• The Little Sisters deliver a joyous rendition of the Gershwin favorite, celebrating the power of positive outlook in love:

  “I got rhythm, I got music, I got my man, who could ask for anything more?” (19:13)

9. Short Story Segment: “The Man I Love” (22:12–25:26)

• Ken narrates a fairytale romance of a lonely girl finding true love, paired with “The Man I Love”–themed performance.
• Song lyrics and narration intertwine as the bittersweet hopefulness of romance is explored.

10. Guest Engagement: Membership Reminder (26:24–26:54)

• Another call for listeners to join the club, repeating the personalized, friendly engagement.
• Ken Carson:

  “And put in an envelope and mailed by Dick Wynn.” (26:38)

11. Closing Musical Story: “Out of Nowhere” (27:02–28:32)

• Ken sets up the final vignette—a young man’s dull life brightened by sudden love, performed with heartfelt vocals and harmonies.
• Lyrics echo the show’s core message:

  “From out of nowhere you took my heart and found it free. Wonderful dreams, wonderful schemes from nowhere …” (27:13)

12. Patriotic Message: Write to Servicemen and Buy War Bonds (28:32–29:19)

• Ken urges listeners to write to servicemen and support war bonds, connecting the comforts of home and radio to national service.
• Notable Quote:

  “Take time off today to write to a serviceman. And remember, we can bring them back home quicker if we buy war bonds to the very limit of our ability.” (28:32)

13. Show’s Signature Farewell (29:19–30:15)

• Closing remarks reinforce the program’s inviting, optimistic tone:

  “Wishing you the very best of everything in the week to come, and dropping the cordial invitation to join us again next week for another half hour of music with the accent on romance.” (29:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “We tell you the musical story of a young man who has been disillusioned in love.” – Ken Carson (01:22)
• “Four little sisters and five solid peanuts. One left over for you, Dick.” – Ken Carson (04:01)
• “I even tried to use a slug. The machine must have known it too. The sign lit up, ‘no nuts do you’.” – Little Sisters (06:34)
• “When she dances to the rhythm of the rumba… you’re helpless.” – Ken Carson (14:06)
• “Because my husband already had dinner.” – Marquita (17:14)
• “Take time off today to write to a serviceman. And remember, we can bring them back home quicker if we buy war bonds to the very limit of our ability.” – Ken Carson (28:32)
• “Who could ask for anything more?” – Little Sisters, “I Got Rhythm” (19:20)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |-----------------------------------|--------------| | Opening & Theme | 00:32–01:22 | | "But Not For Me" | 01:42–03:07 | | "Five Salted Peanuts" | 04:25–07:18 | | Listener Club Info | 07:25–07:52, 26:24–26:54 | | "Bahia" (Orchestral & Vocal) | 08:53–13:28 | | Marquita Romance Sketch | 15:40–17:19 | | "I Got Rhythm" | 19:13–21:56 | | “The Man I Love” Story Song | 22:12–25:26 | | “Out of Nowhere” Closing Number | 27:02–28:32 | | Patriotic PSA | 28:32–29:19 | | Show’s Farewell | 29:44–30:15 |

Tone & Style

This episode embodies the nostalgia, optimism, and comic sentimentality of 1940s radio variety. The language is warm, gently playful, and infused with the hopefulness and wistfulness characteristic of romantic standards from the era. The interplay between music, dialogue, and sketches creates a cozy, communal feel—“gather the family by the radio” sentiment—blending entertainment with community-minded encouragement.

For Listeners

If you seek an authentic slice of 1940s musical radio, complete with spirited performances and romantic heart, this episode is a delight. For fans of vintage harmony, big band swing, and the signature warmth of Golden Age radio storytelling, the “Ken Carson Show” is not to be missed.