Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Three Suns And A Starlet 1946 Ep001 - "Old Man River"
Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio (announced by Ed Herlihy for Glenn Riggs)
Featured Artists: The Three Suns (Artie Dunn, Al Nevins, Morty Nevins) with vocalist Dorothy Clare

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to 1946, offering an immersive sampling of a classic variety radio program, Three Suns and a Starlet. The show features live musical performances by the celebrated trio The Three Suns—Artie Dunn (vocal and Hammond organ), Al Nevins (guitar), Morty Nevins (accordion)—and the warm vocals of starlet Dorothy Clare. The episode's setlist brings together pop standards, lush harmonies, and cheerful banter, representing the kind of home-centered entertainment that defined the Golden Age of Radio.

Key Discussion Points & Musical Highlights

Introduction to the Trio

• [00:34] Announcer (Ed Herlihy): Provides an introduction to the artists and sets the tone for an evening of "music styled of sunlight and stardust" with The Three Suns and Dorothy Clare.

Featured Performances

1. "Old Man River"

• Opening segment: The episode starts with the promise of this significant classic, a song emblematic of Americana, though the performance itself is alluded to more than directly featured.

2. "Embraceable You" (by George and Ira Gershwin)

• [05:07] Artie Dunn delivers this Gershwin love song with warmth and nostalgia, supported by the trio's signature harmonies.
  • Quote, Artie Dunn [05:07]:
    “Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you. Embrace me, you irreplaceable you...”

3. "Up Jumped Love"

• [07:13] Announcer:
  Introduces this lively number with,
  “Like a jack in the box the three sons make merry with up jump love.”
• A lighthearted tune, featuring playful call-and-response banter from the group.

4. "Swanee River"

• [09:09] Announcer:
  Prepares the audience for a change of pace as Dorothy Clare takes the lead on this nostalgic favorite.
  “There's a flood of rhythm when starlet Dorothy Clare turns a tart of sunny swing on Swanee River.”
• [09:22] Dorothy Clare (vocals):
  Delivers a soulful rendition, evoking longing for home and the past, fitting the reflective mood of the era.
  • Quote [09:22]:
    “Way down upon the Suwannee River, far, far away, that's where my heart is turning hither...”

5. "Mama Loves Papa"

• [10:51] Announcer:
  Promises a duo collaboration,
  “Like the calm after the storm. Starlet Dorothy Clare and Artie Dunn get together in a few moments for Mama loves Papa.”
• [12:13] Announcer:
  Emphasizes the tune’s simplicity and universal message,
  “Leave off the frills because no matter how you say it, it's still Mama loves Papa.”
• [12:26] Doug, Artie Dunn, & Dorothy Clare:
  Engage in jubilant, back-and-forth lyrics, painting a picture of domestic joy and romantic harmony.
  • Quote, Chorus [13:03]:
    “Nothing to hurry, nothing to worry me... He's so contented. Well, there's a good reason—Mama likes squeezing and Papa does too.”
  • Quote, Doug [13:38]:
    “People like us, we never do fuss. We've always got something better to do.”
  • Quote, Chorus [14:13]:
    “The secret is this. Mama says yes. Papa says yes. And people who yes are happy, I guess.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Embraceable You [05:07]:
  “Just one look at you, my heart grew tipsy in me. You and you alone bring out the gypsy in me.”
  (Artie Dunn)

• Dorothy Clare’s heartfelt refrain in "Swanee River" [09:22]:
  “O darkies, how my heart grows weary, far from the old folks at home...”

• Mama Loves Papa’s cheerful philosophy [13:38]:
  “People like us, we never do fuss. We’ve always got something better to do.”
  (Doug)

• Closing sentiment [14:03]:
  “The secret is this. Mama says yes. Papa says yes. And people who yes are happy, I guess.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:34]: Trio introduction by Ed Herlihy
• [05:07]: "Embraceable You" performed by Artie Dunn
• [07:13]: "Up Jumped Love" ensemble
• [09:09]: "Swanee River" by Dorothy Clare
• [12:13]: "Mama Loves Papa" duet/collaboration
• [14:51]: Closing remarks and show outro

Overall Impression

Three Suns and a Starlet delivers a rich nostalgic experience, blending cheerful, romantic, and reflective tunes rendered with lively performances and wholesome banter. The selection highlights the easy camaraderie among the trio and their playful rapport with Dorothy Clare. It's a gentle reminder of family-oriented entertainment from the pre-television era, evoking the charm and optimism of America's musical radio past.

Ideal for listeners seeking:

• A time capsule of classic 1940s radio entertainment
• Lush harmonies, vintage pop standards, and sweet, earnest vocals
• A window into the communal spirit that defined mid-century American homes