Spike Jones - 47-11-07 - Guest-Jack Owens

Summary

Podcast Summary: Spike Jones - 47-11-07 - Guest: Jack Owens

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio (retro rebroadcast)
Episode Date: February 18, 2026 (original broadcast: November 7, 1947)
Guests: Spike Jones & the City Slickers, Dorothy Shea (the Park Avenue Hillbilly), Jack Owens

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Episode Overview

This episode of “Spotlight Review” is a lively celebration of music and comedy, showcasing the madcap stylings of Spike Jones & the City Slickers, heartfelt performances by Dorothy Shea, and special guest Jack Owens—the “man who shakes the birds awake in the morning” from the famed Breakfast Club. The show blends rambunctious musical humor, light banter, and memorable melodies characteristic of the golden age of radio variety entertainment.

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Key Discussion Points & Performances

Introduction & Set-up (01:11–02:59)

• Host (Mike Wallace) sets the stage for a raucous evening, introducing headliners Spike Jones, Dorothy Shea, and special guest Jack Owens.
• Opening Number: Spike Jones and the City Slickers perform, establishing the energetic, comedic tone.

Lighthearted Banter: “The Moon’s All Right” (03:17–03:44)

• Dorothy Shea waxes poetic about the moon and romance.
  • Notable Exchange (03:22–03:29):
    • Dorothy Shea: “You mean the moon doesn’t do anything to you?”
    • Spike Jones: “Well, why should it do anything to me? I’ve never done anything to the moon.”
• Shea declares Jones hopelessly unromantic, segues into her musical number.

Musical Highlights

• Dorothy Shea—“You Do” (03:49–06:53)
  Fireside ballad, delivered with warmth and sincerity by Dorothy Shea.

• Spike Jones’ Comic “Serious Music” Skit (09:02–11:01)

  • Jones parodies his desire for the “finer things” in music, humorously references major composers:
    • (09:12) Narrator: “Imagine you, Spike Jones, champing to do Tchaikovsky, shaking to do Schubert, muttering to do Mendelssohn…”
  • Mock-orchestral piece: "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" rendered City Slicker style—zaniness and slapstick sound effects abound.

• Introduction of Jack Owens (14:01–14:46)

  • Spike and Dorothy “wake” Jack Owens in a humorous bit referencing his reputation for early mornings.
  • Spike Jones (14:28): “The early bird of the famous Breakfast Club. The proud papa of one of this season’s top ranking tunes, Jack Owens.”

Jack Owens Interview & Feature (15:00–21:02)

• Origin of “How Soon?” (15:00–15:16)
  • Spike Jones: “Say, how was that hit born, incidentally?”
  • Jack Owens: “Well, I just recorded a commercial jingle and we needed a filler for the other side. And that little filler was ‘How Soon?’”
  • Dorothy Shea: “Then a disc jockey started playing it.”
  • “And Jack Owens had another hit.”
• “How Soon?” performed by Jack Owens (15:34–18:28)
  • Classic crooner style, gentle and romantic.
• “I’m All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart” (18:34–20:21), Owens’ latest recording; describes longing and heartbreak, with a signature smooth delivery.

Rural Comedy & Ensemble Medley (21:02–28:17)

• Dorothy Shea—“Feudin’, Fightin’, and Fussin’” (21:11–24:34)
  • Comedic song about eccentric small-town squabbles and neighborly feuds, with vivid storytelling and exaggerated characters.
  • Memorable lyric (22:40): “We are such neighborly people, peaceful and sweet—all except when we happen to meet.”
• City Slicker Medley – “Hudset Song,” “Bayou Bio,” & “High Neighbor” (24:45–28:17)
  • Group performance highlighting Jack Owens’ songwriting.
  • Spike Jones: “Let’s do a few of the songs you wrote. I’ll sort of hand them around and see how they go.”
  • Each artist takes a verse; colorful harmonies and playful camaraderie on display.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dorothy Shea (03:34): “No. All I hear are bells, bells and more bells.”
• Narrator (09:12): “Imagine you, Spike Jones, champing to do Tchaikovsky, shaking to do Schubert, muttering to do Mendelssohn, busting to do Bach, rearing to do Ravel.”
• Jack Owens (15:04): “Well, I just recorded a commercial jingle and we needed a filler for the other side. And that little filler was ‘How Soon?’”
• Dorothy Shea (22:40): “We are such neighborly people peaceful and sweet. All except when we we happen to meet Daughter baby daughter poisoned all the neighbors chickens…”
• Spike Jones (24:34): “Great. Boy, I’m gonna have to start staying up late.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Episode Kickoff & Casting: 01:11–02:59
• Moonlight Banter & “You Do”: 03:17–06:53
• Coca-Cola Spot & Segue: 06:53–09:01
• Comic Classical Routine: 09:02–11:01
• Jack Owens Entrance & “How Soon?” Interview: 14:01–15:16
• Jack Owens “How Soon?” Performance: 15:34–18:28
• “I’m All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart”: 18:34–20:21
• Dorothy Shea “Feudin’, Fightin’, and Fussin’”: 21:11–24:34
• City Slicker Medley: 24:45–28:17
• Wrap-up: 28:41–29:16

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode is filled with friendly ribbing, vaudevillian humor, and exuberant musical performances. The banter is genuine and lightly satirical, hallmarking the classic radio entertainment style of the 1940s. Each segment flows organically, showcasing both the musicality and comedic timing of the cast.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a time capsule of mid-century American radio variety: a blend of slapstick humor, lampooned high culture, sentimental love songs, and the distinctive touch of radio personalities. It features the hits and wit of Spike Jones, heartfelt vocals by Dorothy Shea, and the easy, folksy charm of Jack Owens—transporting listeners to an era when families gathered around the radio for shared laughter and song.

Transcript

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[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

The Coca Cola Company presents Spotlight Review, starring Spike Jones and the City Slickers, Dorothy Shave of Park Avenue Hillbilly, and their special guest, the man who shakes the birds awake in the morning on the Breakfast Club, Jack Owens. And right now, it's full steam ahead of Spike. And the City Slickers put us on the right track by ganging up on Alabami Bounds Board.

[Dorothy Shea]

Sam.

[Spike Jones]

Thanks, neighbors. And hi there, friends. This is Spike Jones and the gang in a serenading mood. Open the windows and lend thy an ear. The bells will ring and the guns are loaded. And oh, Spike, that's our gal, the Park Avenue hillbilly, Dorothy Shea.

[Dorothy Shea]

Psych. The moon must be shining again. I feel so romantic. Don't you just love the moon?

[Spike Jones]

Well, the moon's all right, I guess.

[Dorothy Shea]

You mean the moon doesn't do anything to you?

[Spike Jones]

Well, why should it do anything to me? I've never done anything to the moon.

[Dorothy Shea]

Oh, psych. Haven't you ever heard the little sweet murmurings of love?

[Spike Jones]

No. All I hear are bells, bells and more bells.

[Dorothy Shea]

Oh, you're hopeless. I'm not going to waste my good mood on you. Somewhere out there, somewhere there's one who understands.

[Spike Jones]

Okay, Shay. Okay, enough of that moon glow. Start making with the melody. What are you going to sing?

[Dorothy Shea]

A very pretty ballad called you Do. Who knows how much I love you? You do. No one means more to me than you do. You take December and smile it into. Then December comes back again when you're away who has a charm that very few do. Who makes life necessary, you do. And who can take my dreams and make my dreams come true? Don't give me three guesses one will do. There's something so sincere and also real about you so why should I try to conceal the way I feel about you? Who has a charm that very few do? Who makes life necessary, you do. And who can take my dream and make my dreams come true? Don't give me three guesses one will do. You.

[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

Many is the time you've thought during a busy workday. What wouldn't I give for a nice frosty bottle of Coke? Well, farsighted employers are taking advantage of the fact that there's more Coca Cola available again. That's why you'll find that familiar red cooler in more offices and plants all over the country. This makes it all the easier for you to pause for an ice cold Coke and go back to work refreshed. That was mighty nice bike. Mighty nice.

[Spike Jones]

Well, thanks. Thanks a lot.

[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

You know, I. I had no idea that you went in for that kind of music, though.

[Dorothy Shea]

Oh, really?

[Spike Jones]

Well, after all, you know, my heart really belongs to serious music.

[Dorothy Shea]

No.

[Spike Jones]

Oh, yes. Yes, indeed.

[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

Imagine you, Spike Jones, champing to do Tchaikovsky, shaking to do Schubert, muttering to do Mendelssohn, busting to do Bach, rearing to do Ravel.

[Spike Jones]

Well, I asked.

[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

And all the time you've been carrying that great big genius in a bicycle pump.

[Spike Jones]

Well, you see, after all, I do care for the finer things. Have you ever heard the obscure second movement of Tilhoffen's 8th Symphony? Oh, goodness. What charming counterpoint. What delicacy of orchestral color. What gossamer tones of the whispering strings.

[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

Do you mean to say that you can conduct till Houghton's 8th Symphony?

[Spike Jones]

Can I conduct it? Dear boy, I can really do things to it. What'll I show you? Wait till you hear the eager bird like notes I conjure from the opening of the movement. Sheer magic. Wait till I demonstrate the subtleties never really exploited before in Tilhoffen's eight.

[Dorothy Shea]

We're ready for the downbeat, maestro.

[Spike Jones]

Oh, yes. We feature now George Rock, Horatio Q. Birdbath, Sir Frederick Gaff and the barefooted Pennsylvanian in a very sad rendition of. I'm getting sentimental over you.

[Dorothy Shea]

Terrible. Baby, won't you. Be.

[Spike Jones]

Thank you, Tommy Dorsey fans everywhere. Say, hey, Dorothy, seen anything of Jack Owen?

[Dorothy Shea]

I don't know, Spike, but there's a man over there asleep.

[Spike Jones]

That's our boy. Come on, fellas, let's. Let's Wake him, Jack. Deathly. Huh?

[Jack Owens]

Oh, good, good.

[Dorothy Shea]

Good morning.

[Spike Jones]

Good morning and fine morning.

[Jack Owens]

Yes, sir.

[Spike Jones]

Glad to see everybody bright and cheerful. No, no, Jack, this isn't the Breakfast Club. This is spotlight review.

[Jack Owens]

Huh?

[Spike Jones]

Oh, Dorothy, shake hands with the man who smiles when he sleeps. The early bird of the famous Breakfast Club. The proud papa of one of this season's top ranking tunes, Jack Owens.

[Dorothy Shea]

Have you boys met before?

[Spike Jones]

Well, sure. We meet in a restaurant every morning. I have supper and he has breakfast. That's right. I'm just an old country boy. Yeah, Jack, a country boy who knows how to raise prize winning songs. How about singing your big hit, huh? Okay, Spike.

[Jack Owens]

It's called how Soon?

[Spike Jones]

Say, how was that hit born, incidentally?

[Dorothy Shea]

Huh?

[Spike Jones]

In a very humble way. How come? Well, I just recorded a commercial jingle and we needed a filler for the other side. And that little filler was How Soon?

[Dorothy Shea]

Then a disc jockey started playing it.

[Spike Jones]

Check. And guys and gals kept calling in. And Jack Owens had another hit. The Jack. Let's have a spotlight review performance of your swell tune, how soon.

[Jack Owens]

How soon will I be seeing you? How soon I wish I really knew and when will you be staying? Words I want to hear Tender little love Words Story old, meaning clear how soon will I be close to you and D the way we used to do I see your starlight gleaming don't mind me if I'm dreaming Tell me darling, now how soon. And when will you be saying Words I want to hear Tender little lover Story old, meaning clear. I'll see. I see your star eyes gleaming don't mind me if I'm dreaming Tell me darling now.

[Spike Jones]

Well done, Jackson. From the sound of the applause, they're asking for seconds. Well, thanks. Here's my newest recording.

[Jack Owens]

It's called I'm All Dressed up with a broken Heart. I'm all dressed up with a broken heart Pretending I'm with you Someone else in my arms Only brings back your charms It's a game I just can't carry through When I'm alone Then the teardrop start I realize it's true I'm all dressed up with a broken heart and feel in love with you. La. It's a game I just can't carry.

[Dorothy Shea]

Through.

[Jack Owens]

When I'm alone Then the teardrop start I realize it's true I'm all dressed up with a broken heart and still in love with you.

[Spike Jones]

Now I want a favor. I want to hear Dorothy Shea sing my favorite song. And what is that, may I ask? Well, that's one everybody wants to hear Are you with it, Shay Z.

[Dorothy Shea]

Okay, fellas, here he is. Beyond the busy highway beyond the city Stripe we highly treasure and take great pleasure in our play in the way homey life you are huffing and a frighten Sometimes it gets to be excitin'. Don't like them ornery neighbors down by the creek. We'll be plumb out of neighbors next week. Grandma. Poor old Grandma. Why they have to shoot for Grandma? She lies, Mr. Clover. Someone caught her bending over picking up a daisy Feud. This is a wrong that needs a writing. Let me get that funeral service over. So then we'll go feudin and fightin again. Fightin the feudin manifestin that's all that's.

[Jack Owens]

Going on with us.

[Dorothy Shea]

We are such neighborly people peaceful and sweet. All except when we we happen to meet Daughter baby daughter poisoned all the neighbors chickens Daughter daughter Leto she could run like the dickens they hit her with a shovel fuse a fightin and a hood no use used to stand and hear a cur let's give our daughter a pistol now that she's four and a few ten fighting some more. Fighting a f and a fen. Why did that sheriff keep intruding? He was a curious critter. Yuppie was swell. It's a shame he was pushed down the well water oh, well water. The dawn mom stuff don't taste like an order. Look here, city slicker. That's why we all drink corn liquor. It's better with your shoes off you and then I bite you. This ain't no corner you can brighten. Polly the shooting Irmo. I'm getting a yann to go fast. Great.

[Spike Jones]

Great. Boy, I'm gonna have to start staying up late.

[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

I'm missing too much.

[Spike Jones]

You're gonna start staying up right now. Jack. While you're on your feet, let's do a few of the songs you wrote. I'll sort of hand them around and see how they go.

[Jack Owens]

Okay.

[Spike Jones]

Cut me in.

[Dorothy Shea]

Me too.

[Spike Jones]

Well, you take off with the Hudset song. Shayzy can play around with bayou bio. The slickers now will wind it up with high neighbor. A real Owens medley.

[Jack Owens]

Hut said Ralston on the rilla on the brawler Brawler Suet hat that roll sin on the railroad Brawler to it Hat that roller send on the rilla and a brawler brawler to it that's a roller send on the rilla and a brawler to it and now the Ralston is a Swedish town the rail awry of the stream the brawler is a Boy and girl the hot side in their dreams? Hudson rolls along the railroad. And the brawl.

[Dorothy Shea]

By old the Louisiana lullaby? It's sweet and old? You sing it as you rock a by? The Louisiana lullaby it blue I know it makes the weeping willow cry tonight by the light of the moonbeam? I can hear it calling Softly it seems to whisper? Come back with your June dream? Southland's waking? Dixie wants me by By I wish I hadn't said goodbye? I love it so well? The Louisiana Lullaby by by. Sam. Sa.

[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

Mike, Dorothy and the gang will be back in a moment. Now, this is Mike Wallace speaking for the Coca Cola Company. Saying, whoever you are, whatever you do, wherever you may be, when you think of refreshment, think of Coca Cola. For I ice cold Coca Cola makes any pause the pause that refreshes. And now, here are Spike and Dorothy.

[Spike Jones]

Well, it winds up another Spotlight review. Remember, next week, Dorothy, we play host to a musical group. Three little sisters named Denny.

[Dorothy Shea]

Oh, swell. See you next week, Spike.

[Spike Jones]

Okay, so until we meet again, this is Spike Jones, your Man Friday, and.

[Dorothy Shea]

Dorothy Shea, your Girl Friday.

[Spike Jones]

Hoping you'll all be listening to us every Friday.

[Dorothy Shea]

Good night.

[Spike Jones]

Good night, folks.

[Narrator / Mike Wallace]

Listen every Sunday to the pause that refreshes on the air with the music of Percy Face and songs by Ginny Sims with Roger Pryor on this same station at 6:30 Eastern Standard Time. Spotlight Review is produced by Hal Zimberg. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.