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

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio Episode: Spike Jones - 47-11-07 - Guest-Jack Owens
Release Date: February 23, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, host Spike Jones, accompanied by the City Slickers, welcomes Dorothy Shea of Park Avenue Hillbilly and special guest Jack Owens. The episode brings listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring a blend of humorous banter and captivating musical performances.

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Humorous Banter and Musical Prelude

The episode kicks off with Spike Jones setting a lively and playful tone. At [02:00], Spike greets the audience and introduces Dorothy Shea with a humorous flair:

Spike Jones: "Thanks, neighbors. And hi there, friends. This is Spike Jones and the gang in a serenading mood."

Dorothy responds with her characteristic wit, engaging in a lighthearted conversation about the moon:

Dorothy Shea: "Psych. The moon must be shining again. I feel so romantic. Don't you just love the moon?" [02:18]

Spike retorts with his trademark humor:

Spike Jones: "Well, the moon's all right, I guess. Why should it do anything to me? I've never done anything to the moon." [02:25]

This playful exchange sets the stage for the episode's blend of humor and music.

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Dorothy Shea's Ballad: "You Do"

Dorothy Shea takes center stage with her heartfelt and melodious ballad, "You Do." Beginning at [02:50], she delivers a touching performance that showcases her vocal prowess:

Dorothy Shea:
"A very pretty ballad called you do. Who knows I love you? You do. No one means more to me than you do..." [02:50]

Her rendition is both sincere and emotionally resonant, drawing listeners into the narrative of love and longing.

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Spike Jones on Musical Tastes

Spike Jones engages in a humorous dialogue about his affinity for serious music. At [08:06], Mike Wallace teases Spike about his musical preferences, prompting Spike to defend his tastes with comedic flair:

Spike Jones:
"Have you ever heard the obscure second movement of Tilhoffen's 8th Symphony? Oh, goodness. What charming counterpoint..." [08:28]

Spike's exaggerated seriousness juxtaposed with his known comedic persona adds a layer of humor to the conversation.

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Dorothy and the Gang's Sad Rendition

The ensemble performs a melancholic version of "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," starting at [09:12]. This segment features:

Spike Jones:
"We feature now George Rock, Horatio Q. Birdbath, Sir Frederick Gass and the Barefooted Pennsylvanian in a very sad rendition of I'm getting sentimental over you." [09:12]

Jack Owens adds his comedic touch during the performance:

Jack Owens: "Oh, this is terrible. I'm getting something. Oh, agony." [10:30]

The interplay between genuine emotional delivery and humor exemplifies the show's unique style.

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Guest Appearance: Jack Owens and "How Soon"

At [13:01], Spike introduces the special guest, Jack Owens, highlighting his role in creating memorable tunes:

Spike Jones:
"Have you boys met before? Well, sure. We meet in a restaurant every morning. I have supper and he has breakfast." [13:47]

Jack Owens shares the origin story of his hit song "How Soon":

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." [14:06]

He proceeds to perform "How Soon," captivating the audience with his melodic voice:

Jack Owens:
"How soon will I be singing how soon. I wish I really knew and when will you be the same..." [14:35]

The heartfelt performance is met with enthusiastic applause, indicating the song's popularity.

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Spike Jones' "I'm All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart"

Spike Jones delights listeners with his rendition of "I'm All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart," starting at [17:47]. He introduces the song with characteristic humor:

Spike Jones:
"Here's my newest recording. It's called I'm All Dressed up with a Broken Heart." [17:47]

Jack Owens joins in, singing the poignant lyrics:

Jack Owens:
"I'm all dressed up with a broken heart. Pretending I'm with you Someone else in my arms..." [17:47]

The performance balances emotional depth with Spike's playful presentation.

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Dorothy Shea's "The Louisiana Lullaby"

Dorothy returns with a spirited performance of "The Louisiana Lullaby" at [20:12], infusing it with humor and storytelling:

Dorothy Shea:
"Beyond the busy highway beyond the city Strip we highly treasure and take great pleasure in our place away..." [20:12]

Her dynamic delivery paints a vivid picture of neighborly feuds and whimsical scenarios, engaging the audience with both melody and narrative.

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Jack Owens' Medley Performance

Concluding the musical segment, Jack Owens performs a medley that includes "Hudson Rock, Ralston on the Rilla Iron" and reprises "The Louisiana Lullaby," starting at [24:00]:

Jack Owens:
"Hudson Rock, Ralston on the rilla iron the brawler, brawler suet..." [24:00]

Dorothy adds her harmonious touch to the medley, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the performance.

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Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Spike Jones and Dorothy Shea bid farewell to their listeners, teasing the next episode's guest and musical lineup. The seamless blend of humor, heartfelt performances, and engaging conversations makes this episode a memorable trip down radio's nostalgic path.

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Notable Quotes:

• Spike Jones on Musical Preferences:
  "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." [08:28]

• Dorothy Shea on Love:
  "There's something so sincere and oh, so real about you. So why should I try to conceal the way I feel about you?" [04:27]

• Jack Owens on Songwriting:
  "I just recorded a commercial jingle and we needed a filler for the other side. And that little filler was How Soon." [14:06]

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This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully captures the essence of classic radio entertainment, blending humor, heartfelt music, and charismatic performances to transport listeners to a bygone era of familial gatherings around the radio.

Transcript

[Mike Wallace]

The Coca Cola Company presents Spotlight Review starring Spike Jones and the City Slickers, Dorothy Shade 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.

[Jack Owens]

Board.

[Dorothy Shea]

It.

[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 gonna 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 gonna sing?

[Dorothy Shea]

A very pretty ballad called you do. Who knows I love you? You do. No one means more to me than you do. You take December and smile it into May and then Dec. Come 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 dream and make my dreams come true? Don't give me three guesses One will do. There's something so sincere and oh, so real about you. So why should I try to conceal the way I feel about you?

[Jack Owens]

You.

[Dorothy Shea]

Who has a chance that very few do. Who makes life necessary?

[Spike Jones]

You do.

[Dorothy Shea]

And who can take my dream and make my dream dreams come true? Don't give me three guesses One will do with you.

[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. Say, now, that was mighty nice bike. Mighty nice.

[Spike Jones]

Well, thanks. Thanks a lot. You know, I. I had no Idea.

[Mike Wallace]

That you went in for that kind of music, though.

[Spike Jones]

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

[Mike Wallace]

No.

[Spike Jones]

Oh, yes. Yes, indeed.

[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 Revelle.

[Spike Jones]

Well, I asked.

[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 string.

[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 ready for the downbeat, maestro?

[Spike Jones]

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

[Jack Owens]

Oh, this is terrible. I'm getting something. Oh, agony.

[Dorothy Shea]

I thought I was happy I was.

[Jack Owens]

There without love Now I must ask.

[Dorothy Shea]

That Love is all I sing.

[Jack Owens]

Confusing.

[Dorothy Shea]

Because I'm sentimental over you.

[Jack Owens]

Has anybody got an.

[Spike Jones]

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

[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 gently, huh?

[Jack Owens]

Oh, good, good. Good morning.

[Spike Jones]

Good morning and fine morning. Yes, sir. Glad to see everybody bright and cheerful. No, Jack, this isn't the Breakfast Club. This is Spotlight Review. Huh? 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. It's called How Soon? Say, how was that hit born, incidentally? Huh? 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 check.

[Spike Jones]

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 films.

[Jack Owens]

How soon will I be singing how soon.

[Dorothy Shea]

I.

[Jack Owens]

Wish I really knew and when will you be the same Words I want to hear Tender little love words story old meaning clear how soon will I be close to you and dance the way we used to do.

[Spike Jones]

I see.

[Jack Owens]

Your stars gleaming don't mind me if I'm dreaming Tell me darling now soon how soon? And when will you be saying Words I want to hear Tender little lovers story old meaning clear I see your the star eyes gleaming don't mind me if I'm dreaming Help me darling now how soon?

[Spike Jones]

Well done, Jackson. From the sound of the applause, they're asking for seconds.

[Mike Wallace]

Well, thanks.

[Spike Jones]

Here's my newest recording. It's called I'm All Dressed up with a Broken Heart.

[Jack Owens]

I'm all dressed on with a broken heart Pretending I'm with you Someone else in my arms Only bring back your charm 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 fell in love with lord of me that I hope It's a game I just can't carry through When I'm alone Then the teardrop stun I realize it's true I'm all dressed up with a broken heart and still in love with you.

[Spike Jones]

Fight. No, 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 place away homesy life, you a something and a fright 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 likes Mrs. A clover someone caught her bending over picking up a daisy feudal and then a fight this is a wrong that needs a writing let's get a feeler of service over so then we'll go feudin and fightin again Fightin the feudin and a puffer fin that's all that's goin on with us we are such neighborly people peaceful and sweet all except when we happen to meet daughter baby daughter poisoned all the Neighbor's chickens Daughter. Daughter Lisa. She could run like the dickens they hit her with a shovel fuse A fighting and a person no use up and hear a cuff let's give our daughter a pistol now that she's four and a few ten fighting some more biting a fussing and a feudin why did that sheriff keep intruding? He was a curious critter. Yuck, he was. Well, it's a shame he was pushed down the well water. The well water? The d long 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 land a fight, this ain't no corner you can brighten. Holly the shooting iron Mo. I'm getting a yen to go fugu.

[Spike Jones]

Make rising grace. Boy, I'm gonna have to start staying up late.

[Jack Owens]

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. Okay, cut me in.

[Dorothy Shea]

Me too.

[Spike Jones]

Well, you take off with the hut set song. Shayzy can play around with Bayou Bio. The Slickers and I will wind it up with High Neighbor. A real Owens medley.

[Jack Owens]

Hudson Rock, Ralston on the rilla iron the brawler, brawler suet Hat that Ralston on the rilla rye and a brawler to it Hat that roll sin on the rilla and a brawl a brawler to it Hat that roll it sitting on the rilla and a brawler suet. Now the Ralston is a Swedish town. The rail awe of the stream the brawla is the boy and girl to have outside in their dreams. Huts and roll swim on the railroad Huts and roll swim on the railroad and the PR.

[Dorothy Shea]

The Louisiana lullaby. It's sweet and old. You sing it as you rock a.

[Jack Owens]

By.

[Dorothy Shea]

By the Louisiana lullaby. It's blue I know it makes the weeping willow cry. Each night by the light of the moonbeam I can hear it calling Softly it seems to whisper. Come back with your June dream Southland's waiting Dixie wants me by I wish I hadn't said goodbye. I love it so. The Louisiana Lullaby by. By.

[Spike Jones]

Mike.

[Mike Wallace]

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 ice cold Coca Cola makes any pause the pause that refreshes. And now here is 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.

[Mike Wallace]

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