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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.