Podcast Summary: Songs By Dinah Shore – December 21, 1941

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Featured Artist: Dinah Shore
Original Air Date: December 21, 1941
Podcast Release Date: December 13, 2025
Episode Theme: Joyful and patriotic musical holiday program featuring Dinah Shore and Paul Lavalle’s orchestra, immersed in the American spirit of Christmas during wartime, interspersed with light banter, song introductions, and messages of goodwill.

Episode Overview

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" brings listeners back to a classic NBC radio broadcast from December 1941, starring Dinah Shore. The show marks the Christmas season with festive music, warmth, and patriotic undertones, all presented through signature Golden Age radio style: live performances, light comedic exchanges, and appeals for national unity during WWII.

Key Discussion Points & Musical Performances

1. Opening Wishes and Christmas Spirit

• [01:09] Dinah opens the show with a warm greeting:

  “Thank you, Harry. Thank you. And good evening, everyone. May I add one more Christmas card to those you've already received? Here's a sincere wish from all of us to all of you.”

• She then leads into the first song:
  Song: A Merry American Christmas
  A heartfelt performance celebrating American traditions and the importance of unity and goodwill during the holidays.

2. Promotion of Upcoming Red Cross Broadcast

• [02:42] Host Harry and Dinah discuss a major upcoming radio event:

  Harry: “Well, Dinah, right now, I think, should be the time to tell your audience what happens next Wednesday night.” Dinah: “Did you know that Bristol Myers has given up its entire time next Wednesday evening from 9 to 10 to present a show on behalf of the American Red Cross... There'll be Fibber McGee and Molly, Ronald Colman and Loretta Young and Deanna Durbin and the Aldrich family and a host of others.”

• The hosts encourage listeners to tune in for this charitable cause.

3. Song 2: “This Is No Laughing Matter”

• [03:20] Dinah delivers a soulful ballad about heartbreak and longing.
• Notable Lyric:

  “This is no laughing matter. Darling, darling, I'm so in love with you.”

4. Light Banter & Reflections on Favorite Songs

• [06:34] Dinah muses:

  “You know, Harry, I was thinking the other day that songs are like people in a lot of ways.”

• The hosts joke about favorite old songs, leading into listener requests and personal favorites.

5. Song 3: “Mississippi Mud”

• [07:14] Dinah gives an upbeat, playful rendition of the jazz standard.
• The orchestra and Dinah’s vocals highlight the lively, communal spirit of the era.
• Memorable exchange:

  C (Harry): “You tempt me.”
  E (Dinah): “Now you’re talking my language, Mr. Von Dell. That’s one of the oldies I like best.”

6. Instrumental: “Mary Had a Little Lamb” (Christmas Style)

• [09:01] Orchestra leader Paul Lavalle adds a festive swing to the childhood classic.
• Harry jokes about stretching Christmas themes.

7. Useful (and Humorous) Advice for Monday Blues

• [10:41] Harry delivers a tongue-in-cheek “Monday Blues” monologue, segueing into ads for laxatives and patent remedies, reflecting the period’s radio customs.

8. Song 4: “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Mine”

• [11:47] Dinah dedicates this number to the Navy, especially the “plebes in Bancroft Hall at the United States Naval Academy.”
• [12:06] Dinah’s heartfelt, moving performance connects to the national mood, offering comfort and pride during wartime.
• Notable Lyric:

  “He can come home as late as can be / Home without him ain’t no home to me / Can’t help loving that man of mine.”

9. Closing Remarks and Patriotic Call

• [13:56] Dinah:

  “Folks, I sure hate to go. Cause I certainly’d love to sing for you. And if you’d like to listen, come to see us again next Sunday.”

• Final encouragements include holiday well-wishes, product reminders, and a patriotic appeal:

  “And remember to buy and give Uncle Sam’s defense bonds and stamps for Christmas. To make sure that we’ll always have a merry Christmas, us. Good night.” [14:15]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:09] Dinah (opening the show):

  “May I add one more Christmas card to those you've already received? Here's a sincere wish from all of us to all of you.”

• [02:42] Dinah, on the Red Cross special:

  “Bristol Myers has given up its entire time next Wednesday... to present a show on behalf of the American Red Cross.”

• [06:34] Dinah (on songs and people):

  “Songs are like people in a lot of ways... you get to like certain songs better, just as you grow fonder of certain people.”

• [11:38] Dinah (on patriotism):

  “Whenever I see a picture of our fleet in action or the midshipman on parade... it gives me a wonderful thrill. Makes me sort of proud I'm an American.”

• [14:15] Dinah (patriotic sign-off):

  “And remember to buy and give Uncle Sam’s defense bonds and stamps for Christmas. To make sure that we’ll always have a merry Christmas, us. Good night.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:09] – Opening wishes and “A Merry American Christmas”
• [02:42] – Red Cross radio special announcement
• [03:20] – “This Is No Laughing Matter”
• [06:34] – Favorite songs & light banter
• [07:14] – “Mississippi Mud”
• [09:01] – “Mary Had a Little Lamb” (festive version)
• [10:41] – Monday blues advice & sponsor message
• [11:47] – Navy dedication and “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Mine”
• [13:56] – Closing remarks and patriotic call

Summary

This classic episode encapsulates the essence of early 1940s American radio: heartwarming performances, communal encouragement, wit, and a deep sense of national unity. Dinah Shore’s luminous vocals and the friendly banter create a cozy, uplifting holiday atmosphere, especially poignant given its proximity to the start of WWII. Listeners are treated not just to music, but to moments of optimism, nostalgia, and American spirit—making it both a festive and historically resonant broadcast.