Sons of the Pioneers 46-xx-xx (03) First Song - La Cucaracha

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Sons of the Pioneers 46-xx-xx (03) First Song - La Cucaracha"

Release Date: January 22, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Sons of the Pioneers 46-xx-xx (03) First Song - La Cucaracha

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Introduction to "La Cucaracha"

The episode begins promptly at 00:54 with Bob Nolan setting the stage for the musical journey. He introduces the concept of folk songs traversing North America, highlighting their shared heritage and evolution.

"From Canada to Mexico, people sing pretty much the same songs. Lots of these are folk songs brought to this continent by our ancestors, the pioneers of another day." (00:54)

Bob Nolan then delves into the featured song of the episode, "La Cucaracha," describing its unique blend of traditional folk elements with a spicy Latin twist.

"Down south of the Rio Grande, there's a folk song that's sprinkled with a little chili, some Tabasco and mixed with a Latin beat. That's La Cucaracha." (01:58)

Performance of "La Cucaracha"

Following the introduction, listeners are treated to a vibrant rendition of "La Cucaracha," showcasing the fusion of cultural influences that define the song's enduring popularity.

Banter Between Hosts

At 03:03, Bob Nolan engages in playful banter with Hugh Foghorn Farr, adding a lighthearted touch to the episode.

Bob Nolan:
"And a couple of tamales." (03:03)

Hugh Foghorn Farr:
"What? No enchiladas or sombreros?" (03:04)

Bob Nolan:
"No, Foghorn, you're always talking about something to eat or to wear." (03:07)

This exchange not only entertains but also reinforces the cultural themes present in the featured music.

"Little David" Performance

The episode transitions seamlessly into a soulful performance of "Little David" at 03:31. Hugh Foghorn Farr delivers a powerful rendition, complemented by the harmonious backing of the ensemble.

"Little David play on your heart Hallelujah, little David Play on your harp Hallelujah." (03:31)

The performance highlights the emotional depth and musical prowess of the performers, captivating listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and melodies.

Interlude Featuring Carl Farr's Guitar

At 05:04, Bob Nolan introduces a brief musical interlude, featuring Carl Farr and his dual guitars. This segment enriches the episode with intricate guitar work, setting the stage for subsequent performances.

Introduction to "Spanish Cavalier"

By 07:32, the focus shifts to Lloyd Perryman, who introduces the next featured song, "Spanish Cavalier." He praises the song's beauty and its significance as a cherished piece passed down by the pioneers.

"How about that old American favorite, Spanish Cavalier? I'll take that for just about the most beautiful song the old pioneers ever handed down to the sons of the pioneers." (07:32)

Performance of "Spanish Cavalier"

Lloyd Perryman, alongside Tim Spencer and Bob Nolan, delivers a captivating performance of "Spanish Cavalier," blending harmonious vocals with masterful instrumentation.

"A Spanish cavalier Once in his retreat on his guitar played a tune. Dear the music so sweet..." (08:07)

The song's poignant lyrics and melodic arrangements evoke a sense of nostalgia, honoring the rich heritage of American folk music.

Introduction to "I Follow the Stream"

At 10:26, Bob Nolan introduces the next segment, "I Follow the Stream," performed by Ken Carson, the show's singing whistler. Bob draws an analogy between the natural flow of a stream and the adventurous spirit of the song.

"That stream goes on to adventure and with it the whistling rover." (10:26)

Performance of "I Follow the Stream"

Ken Carson's rendition of "I Follow the Stream" is both soothing and evocative, featuring intricate whistling that mirrors the flowing waters described in the lyrics.

"Wandering down through the years Like a brook Winding on in a dream..." (12:21)

The performance captures the essence of journey and discovery, resonating deeply with listeners.

Conclusion and Signoff

As the episode draws to a close, Bob Nolan provides a heartfelt signoff at 14:09, teasing upcoming performances and thanking listeners for their continued support.

"Be with us again, won't you? The quartet will sing in the gloaming. Pat Brady's got a comedy number, Come and Get It. And the Far brothers will do their instrumental favorite, Cajun Stomp. And our song of the west will be following the sun. So long Now." (14:09)

This closing remarks leave listeners eagerly anticipating future episodes, promising a blend of music, humor, and rich storytelling reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio.

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Notable Quotes

• Bob Nolan on Folk Heritage:
  "From Canada to Mexico, people sing pretty much the same songs. Lots of these are folk songs brought to this continent by our ancestors, the pioneers of another day." (00:54)

• Introduction to "La Cucaracha":
  "Down south of the Rio Grande, there's a folk song that's sprinkled with a little chili, some Tabasco and mixed with a Latin beat. That's La Cucaracha." (01:58)

• Banter Highlight:
  Hugh Foghorn Farr: "Yep, I just love to wear those enchiladas and eat sombreros. We're the side order of serapis." (03:19)

• Performance Insight:
  "Little David play on your heart Hallelujah..." (03:31)

• Lloyd Perryman on "Spanish Cavalier":
  "I'll take that for just about the most beautiful song the old pioneers ever handed down to the sons of the pioneers." (07:32)

• Bob Nolan's Signoff:
  "Be with us again, won't you?..." (14:09)

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Final Thoughts

"Sons of the Pioneers 46-xx-xx (03) First Song - La Cucaracha" is a captivating episode that seamlessly blends cultural storytelling with musical excellence. Through engaging introductions, heartfelt performances, and delightful interactions between hosts, Harold's Old Time Radio delivers an authentic glimpse into the cherished traditions of the Golden Age of Radio. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this episode offers a rich and immersive listening experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of pioneer folk music.

Transcript

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[Bob Nolan]

I do. This is Bob Nolan and all the sons of the pioneers. You know, from Canada to Mexico, people sing pretty much the same songs. Lots of these are folk songs brought to this continent by our ancestors, the pioneers of another day. And down south of the Rio Grande, there's a folk song that's sprinkled with a little chili, some Tabasco and mixed with a Latin beat. That's La cugaracha.

[Lloyd Perryman]

Neath the silvery moon of Mexico Sweethearts slowly strolling to and fro while the stars above like lanterns glow hum a little love song they all know. When a senorita hears the tune, her eyes glisten for she knows that soon there will be a happy honeymoon when she hears her sweetheart cru.

[Bob Nolan]

And a couple of tamales.

[Hugh Foghorn Farr]

What? No enchiladas or sombreros?

[Bob Nolan]

No, Foghorn, you're always talking about something to eat or to wear.

[Hugh Foghorn Farr]

Yep, I just love to wear those enchiladas and eat sombreros. We're the side order of serapis.

[Bob Nolan]

You just said a mouthful there, Foghorn. That's probably what gives you that deep bass voice. And when you talk about the deep bass voice of Hugh Foghorn Farr, he not only gives it, he gives out with it.

[Hugh Foghorn Farr]

Little David, play on your heart Hallelujah, hallelujah. Little David play on your harp Hallelujah. Little David play on your heart Hallelujah, hallelujah. Little David, play on your harp Hallelujah. Little David was a shepherd boy. He killed Goliath and shouted for joy. Little David, play on your harp hallelujah. Little David, play on your harp Hallelujah. Little David, play on your harlelu Hallelujah. Little David, play on your Harlem. Joshua was the son of none. He never would quit till the work was all done. Little David, play on your heart Hallelujah.

[Unknown Singer]

Hallelujah.

[Hugh Foghorn Farr]

Little David play on your heart Hallelujah. Little David play on your heart Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Little David, play on your heart Hallelujah. Done told you once, I done hold you twice. You'll never get to heaven when you shoot them die. Little David, Play on your harp Hallelujah, little David Play on your harp Hallelujah, little David Play on your heart Hallelujah Hallelujah, little David Play on your heart Hallelujah.

[Bob Nolan]

Little David by Little Foghorn and now a little message from our sponsor. You heard a touch of Carl Farr's guitar in Little David. So now would be a good time to feature a little bit more of it. Not once but twice. Carl Farr and Two guitars.

[Unknown Singer]

Sa.

[Bob Nolan]

With the flock of Piano by Ivan Ditmar. And now to the sweet tenor voice of Lloyd Perryman. Lloyd, what's on the docking? Well, tell you, Bob, you was talking about folk songs and Spanish music. How about that old American favorite, Spanish Cavalier? I'll take that for just about the most beautiful song the old pioneers ever handed down to the sons of the pioneers. Yeah, it's Dandy Lloyd Ferryman with Tim Spencer and me joining in. Offer Spanish Cavalier.

[Lloyd Perryman]

A Spanish cavalier Once in his retreat on his guitar played a tuned. Dear the music so sweet Let oft times repeat the blessings of my country.

[Unknown Singer]

And you, dear say, darling, say When I'm far away Sometimes you may think of me, dear Bright sunny day will soon fade away Remember what I say and be true, dear I'm off to.

[Lloyd Perryman]

The war to war I must go Fighting for country and you, dear but if I should fall in vain I would call the blessings of my country.

[Unknown Singer]

And you, dear say dawn and say When I'm far away Sometimes you may think of me, dear Bright sunny day will soon fade away Remember what I say and be true.

[Bob Nolan]

Time now for our Song of the west with Ken Carson, our singing whistler. The title, I Follow the Stream. But first, a message from our sponsor. If you've ever been up in the Rocky Mountains when the snows start to melt and watch a little trickle of water run down to join another and then still another until it forms a stream. Then you know the thought that inspired this song. That stream goes on to adventure and with it the whistling rover.

[Unknown Singer]

Wandering down through the years Like a brook Winding on in a dream Somehow it leads me home if I'll just follow the stream Drifting along like a leaf on the rippling waters that gleam wondering where it goes and so I follow the stream through the shading of the leafy veil.

[Hugh Foghorn Farr]

Beyond the waterfall I.

[Unknown Singer]

Find a trail that leads me on when the twilight appears and the moon with a pale yellow beam Guides me along as through the night I follow the stream when the twilight appears and the moon with a pale yellow beam Guides me along as through the night I follow the stream.

[Bob Nolan]

This is Bob Nolan signing off for all the sons of the pioneers. Be with us again, won't you? The quartet will sing in the gloaming. Pat Brady's got a comedy number, Come and Get It. And the Far brothers will do their instrumental favorite, Cajun Stomp. And our song of the west will be following the sun. So long Now.