Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Oldsmobile Program – Etting and Green 34-02-16 (1)
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: January 15, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with a recording from the Oldsmobile Program, originally aired in 1934. The show features Ruth Etting—celebrated as America’s favorite girl singer—and composer-arranger Johnny Green, with orchestral performances and era-appropriate sponsor messaging. The episode blends nostalgic musical performances, delightful banter, and vintage automotive advertisements, evoking the intimate family atmosphere of 1930s radio.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Celebration of Ruth Etting

• Host Ted Husing introduces Ruth Etting, highlighting her as “America's favorite singing star” and noting her recognition in a national radio poll.
  • Notable Quote (Ted Husing, 01:19):
    “...like a port in a storm is an easy chair by the fire with the radio tuned to the voice of Ruth Etting singing.”

2. Ruth Etting’s Performance: “You’re Such a Comfort to Me”

• Ruth Etting delivers a heartfelt rendition of “You’re Such a Comfort to Me,” praised for its warmth and charm.
  • The lyrics draw poetic comparisons: comfort as a “coat when you’re cold” or “honey to a bee”—a touching metaphor for love and companionship.
  • Memorable Lyric (Ruth Etting, 02:01):
    “Like sugar in your tea, you're such a comfort to me.”

3. Song Commentary & Advertisement Transition

• Ted Husing pivots to discuss the song “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” with Johnny Green, lauding its place in musical theater history and musicianship.
  • Notable Quote (Ted Husing and Johnny Green, 05:22):
    “Far and away one of the loveliest songs ever written for the theater.”
    “Like all of Jerome Kern’s tunes, it combines good music with that certain thrilling something that reaches the heart.”
• This smoothly segues into a detailed, period-style advertisement for the new 1934 Oldsmobile models—highlighting their modern features and affordability.

4. Ruth Etting’s Performance: “The Old Spinning Wheel”

• Ruth Etting sings “The Old Spinning Wheel,” a nostalgic piece evoking longing for simpler times and the warmth of family and home.
  • The song conjures vivid imagery: “Spinning dreams of an old fashioned garden and a maid with her old fashioned ball.”
  • Etting’s delivery is soft, stirring, and evocative of bygone years.
  • Lyric Highlight (Ruth Etting, 09:07):
    “There’s an old spinning wheel in the parlor, spinning dreams of the long, long ago.”

5. Classic 1930s Car Advertisement

• Ted Husing wraps up with another extended Oldsmobile ad, emphasizing how their new cars deliver luxury and value.
  • He outlines the economic logic of choosing Oldsmobile, targeting both past luxury car owners and budget-minded families.
  • Notable Quote (Ted Husing, 12:12):
    “Many families who've been used to paying $1,000 or more for their cars are now reasoning like this: This new Oldsmobile 8 offers more than I have ever had in my high priced cars. It cost me much less to run. By buying this car, I can reduce my automobile investment without sacrificing comfort, performance, style or prestige.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ted Husing’s Introduction (01:19):
  “This is Ted Husing speaking for Oldsmobile and raising the curtain for Ruth Etting...”
• Ruth Etting—Song Lyric (02:01):
  "Like sugar in your tea, you’re such a comfort to me."
• Johnny Green on Jerome Kern (05:25):
  “Like all of Jerome Kern’s tunes, it combines good music with that certain thrilling something that reaches the heart.”
• Ruth Etting—Song Lyric (09:07):
  “There’s an old spinning wheel in the parlor, spinning dreams of the long, long ago.”
• Ted Husing’s Advertisement Wisdom (12:12):
  “By buying this car, I can reduce my automobile investment without sacrificing comfort, performance, style or prestige.”

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 01:19 | Introduction of Ruth Etting | | 02:01 | “You’re Such a Comfort to Me” | | 05:22 | Discussion about “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” & Oldsmobile ad | | 09:07 | “The Old Spinning Wheel” performance | | 12:12 | Final Oldsmobile advertisement & closing remarks |

Conclusion

This episode is a quintessential window into 1930s American family radio: an artful blend of live music, showmanship, and period marketing. Ruth Etting’s melodic performances and the conversational rapport with Johnny Green and Ted Husing evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. For listeners seeking an authentic Golden Age radio experience—with soulful songs and charming sponsor spots—this episode delivers in true vintage style.