WSM Collection 1940.09.13 Riverboat Revels

Summary

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Podcast Summary: “WSM Collection 1940.09.13 Riverboat Revels”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: February 20, 2026
Original Radio Date: September 13, 1940
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio (curator)
Setting: A riverboat revue broadcast, full of old-time music, comic asides, and lively river culture.

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Episode Overview

This episode revives "Riverboat Revels," an original radio variety show from 1940, bringing listeners aboard the (fictional) Nancy Barker riverboat as it arrives at Blackman's Landing. The experience recreates the golden age of radio entertainment, brimming with period songs, playful banter, gentle humor, and the warm spirit of community nostalgia. The cast interacts as riverboat crew and passengers, performing beloved Southern songs and engaging in charming sketches and poems.

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Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Arrival at Blackman’s Landing (00:43–01:18)

• The show opens with nautical greetings and lively crew banter as the riverboat approaches the dock.
  • “Ahoy!” – classic river greeting, setting a jovial, welcoming tone. (00:43)
  • Mail delivery is a highlight, as is anticipation for news and letters by locals.
  • Introduction to the musical acts and performers for the evening. (01:18)

2. Meet the Cast & Community Spirit (03:06–04:05)

• The crew, led by the Captain, jokes about hard work and calls out the orchestra and entertainers.
  • Introduction of Katie Jo, a key singer, with a touch of lighthearted flirting from the Captain.
  • Community feel is strong as performers are introduced by name.

3. Featured Songs and Performances

"Swan River Moon" by Katie Jo (04:12–06:19)

• A sentimental Southern ballad sung by Katie Jo, celebrated for its emotion and vocal warmth.
  • "Shine out bright tonight with your silvery light..." – Katie Jo (04:12)
  • The Captain praises her: “That was fine. You have a nice voice. Also a charming personality and a bright future ahead of you.” (06:27)

Captain’s Poems and Playful Banter (06:46–09:34)

• The Captain delivers a whimsical poem about women:
  • "Woman, the greatest puzzle of them all..." – Captain (06:46)
• He recites lines for a little girl, echoing the nursery rhyme:
  • "What are little girls made out of? … Candy and spice, and everything nice." (09:34)
• Playful exchanges with “Miss Lucy” and others add intimacy and humor.

"Long, Long Ago" by Betty & the Dixie Dons (07:49–09:10)

• A classic nostalgia tune, rich with harmonies and longing for the past.
  • "Tell me the tales that to me were so dear, long, long ago..." (07:54)

"Dixieland Shuffle" – Orchestra (09:34 onward)

• Up-tempo instrumental showcasing lively Southern jazz influences.

4. New Performer Spotlight: Fred Waller (13:19–16:49)

• Fred, new to the crew, sings:
  • “When it’s Sleepy Time Down South” (13:43)
  • Lyrics and delivery evoke serene river nights and familial warmth.
  • Notable quote: “How I love to be in mammy’s arms when it’s sleepy time down...” – Fred (16:31)

5. Southern Humor & Anecdotes (16:49–19:23)

• The Captain shares a quick joke about proud fathers and Beethoven, blending music and gentle humor.
  • “My daughter's going to play Beethoven this afternoon... I hope she wins.” (16:49)

6. Mr. McPherson’s Song: “River, Stay Away from My Door” (20:08–21:43)

• A plaintive tune about hope, hardship, and resilience along the river.
  • “You keep going your way, I'll keep going my way. River, away from my door.” (20:31)

7. More Music & Farewell Songs (24:04–30:20)

• "Clementine from New Orleans" (24:18) – a lively, Creole-influenced show number.
  • “Here comes Miss Clementine, that baby from New Orleans... she has those flashing eyes, the kind that can hypnotize.” (24:18)
• "Arkansas Traveler" – requested tune, finally delivered this visit. (25:53)
• Grand finale: “Little Liza Jane” sing-along, inviting all to join:
  • "I got a gal and you got none, Liza Jane..." (29:32)
  • Calls for communal participation and celebration.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Captain, on women:
  • “Woman, the greatest puzzle of them all...” (06:46)
• Katie Jo, with wit on her future:
  • “Well, I’m glad it's not behind me nor yet too far ahead.” (06:37)
• Child’s punchline on chivalry:
  • “He put his coat in the mud. Then he said to Queen Elizabeth, ‘Step on it, Kit.’” (19:56)
• Introduction to Fred Waller:
  • “But don’t think that just because he’s new, he can’t sing. Because he can. And how.” (13:19)
• Sing-along closer:
  • “Now, for the last number, everybody join in. It’s going to be an old favorite of mine. Little Liza Jane.” (29:53)

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Episode Tone & Style

• Warm, playful, and nostalgic – the language is full of friendly banter, Southern idioms, and gentle humor.
• Interactivity – characters call on one another, respond to the “audience,” and invite all to be part of the fun.
• Authentic period performances – live music, group harmonies, and storytelling transport listeners to an earlier American era.

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:43 – Riverboat arrival and introduction
• 04:12 – “Swan River Moon” by Katie Jo
• 07:49 – “Long, Long Ago” by Betty & the Dixie Dons
• 13:43 – “Sleepy Time Down South” by Fred Waller
• 20:08 – “River, Stay Away from My Door” by Mr. McPherson
• 24:18 – “Clementine from New Orleans”
• 25:53 – “Arkansas Traveler”
• 29:32 – “Little Liza Jane” finale

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Conclusion

The “Riverboat Revels” episode is a joyful homage to golden-era radio, brimming with Southern hospitality, good-hearted humor, and classic American music. Listeners are swept into a floating world where everyone belongs, voices ring out across the water, and the night closes with laughter, song, and communal farewell.

Perfect for: Fans of nostalgia, vintage Americana, and warm, community-centered entertainment.

Transcript

[A]

Record sales have not exactly been stellar. Look, I need this tour. It's the only place I feel like I can breathe again. Based on the incredible true story I'm Tim. I'm Marshallnau. It's my first tour. Now I just want to write something that helps people. You will never understand what I'm going through. Imagine what God can do again. Whatever you're going through, you're never alone. God is beaming fire and it is beautiful. I can only imagine. Two now playing only in theaters. Rated pg.

[B]

Due to a change in schedule, the program originally announced for this time will not be heard.

[C]

Ahoy.

[D]

Ahoy.

[E]

All hands, heave to. We are nearing Blackburn's Landing. Aye, Captain. Well, it looks like the whole population's out to welcome us this time. Yes, even Aunt Molly.

[B]

She must be expecting a letter this trip.

[E]

Well, I've got a whole sack of mail on board.

[B]

And that's not all, friends. Tonight the riverboat revels bring to the music of Pete Thresher along with your favorite entertainers, Betty and the Dixie Dons. Katie Jo, Fred waller and Joseph McPherson.

[E]

John Henry. John Henry, you're the captain. Get a move on, you down there. All that cotton on the levee's got to be brought aboard and I don't want to be all night about it. Everybody on the Nancy Barker works and works hard. What about those men back of you, Captain? They're not working. Oh, those fellows. All right, boys, all together now. And tell my friends here at Blackman's Landing who you are. Hello, Wolf. Where's the orchestra? Not bad. Oh, and now, little lady, will you acquaint the good people here with your charming personality?

[D]

With pleasure. I'm Katie Jo.

[E]

Katie Jo, that's a right pretty name. And will you also sing for us, Katie Joe?

[D]

Also with pleasure, neighbors.

[E]

Little Katie Joe will sing Swan River Moon.

[F]

Swan River Moon River Moon Shining on my cabin door I'm forever dreaming While you're brightly beaming Every night I need you more I'm lonely Shine out bright tonight with your silvery light for my love is coming soon on the Swanee shore we'll stroll once more Dream is T R. Shine out bright tonight

[C]

with

[F]

your silvery light for my love is coming soon on the Suannee shore we'll stroll once more Dreamy Swanee river

[G]

moon.

[E]

Well, Kitty Jo, that was fine. You have a nice voice. Also a charming personality and a bright future ahead of you.

[D]

Well, I'm glad it's not behind me nor yet too far ahead. And thank you, kind sir. She said.

[E]

Ah, woman. The Greatest puzzle of them all Woman, woman, you're a peach Hanging ripe just out of reach Men may stretch and strive and strain Peachy hangs there just the same but the man who knows his biz Winks his eye and the peach is his.

[D]

Oh, Captain. Oh, Captain.

[E]

Well, bless my heart, if it ain't Miss Lucy. Hi, down there. Miss Lucy. What can I do for you?

[D]

Are Betty and the Dixie Don still with you?

[E]

Yep, they're with me. And everything but politics. Come here, boys. You too, Betty. You see that lady down there in white? Well, she's a particular friend of mine. And I want you to sing something for her. Something extra special. Like. Well, like.

[C]

Long, long ago.

[G]

Tell me the tales that to me were so dear Long, long ago Long, long ago Sing me the songs I delighted to hear Long, long ago long ago now you are come all my grief is removed Let me forget that so long you have rolled Let me believe that you love as you love Long, long ago long ago Tell me the tales that were dear dear, dear, dear Long, long, long, long ago Sing me the songs I delighted to hear Long, long ago so long ago now

[B]

you are come all my grief is removed Let me forget that so long

[G]

you have Rose Let me believe that you love as you love Love Long, long long, long ago Long ago Long ago, long ago Love as you love long ago.

[D]

Oh, Mr. Captain.

[E]

Well, little girl, what can I do for you?

[D]

Save me some poetry.

[E]

I don't know any poetry, honey.

[D]

You said some for Katie Jo.

[E]

Well, if I said some for Katie Jo, I reckon I'll have to say some for you, too. Now, let me see.

[G]

Oh, yes.

[E]

What are little girls made out of? What are little girls made out of? Candy and spice and everything nice. That's what little girls are made out of. No, not now, little girl. Right now the boys are getting ready to shuffle off to Dixie. All right, boys. The Dixieland Shuffle. Well, Captain, how much stuff we got that goes off here? See John Henry. He knows what to unload. And don't forget the mail. Hey, Captain, have you got anything special for us tonight? You can just fetch about a dollar.

[H]

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[A]

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[E]

We've got a young fellow who joined the crew just last week. But don't think that just because he's new, he can't sing. Because he can. And how. Come here, Fred, my lad. Folks, I want you to meet Fred Waller. What are you going to sing for us? For my friends here at Blackman's Landing, Fred.

[I]

For my initial number, Captain, I'd like to sing when it's sleepy time down south. Pale moon shining on the fields below. Dark is running song soft and low. You needn't tell me so because I know it's sleepy time down south and south winds blowing through the pipe. Folks down there live a life of ease. When old mammy falls down on her knees. It's sleepy time down south. Steamboats on the river are coming undergoing Splashing the night away. Hear the banjos ringing and the dark is singing. They dance till break the bay. Dear old Southman with your dreamy song Take me back there where I belong. How I'd long to be in my mammy's arms when it's sleep at night. Steamboats on the river sea I'm coming undergoing splash in the night away. Hear the banjos ringing and the dark is singing. They dance till break all day. Dear old Southland with your dreamy song Take me back there where I

[E]

belong.

[I]

How I love to be in mammy's arms when it's leapy time down.

[E]

Oh, Captain. I say, Captain, did you hear any new stories down in New Orleans? Yeah, I heard a good one. It seems that two proud fathers met each other on the street one day. And the first father said to the second father, my daughter's going to play Beethoven this afternoon. And the second father replies, well, I hope she wins. After that, I think we can do with a little chaser by the orchestra. How about the Colonel's party, boys?

[D]

Oh, Mr. Captain. Mr. Captain.

[E]

Yes, honey?

[D]

Mommy wants me to ask you if that nice Mr. Mr. McPherson is going to sing tonight, huh?

[E]

Well, honey, why don't you ask him?

[D]

I'm scared to ask him.

[E]

Afraid of our Mr. McPherson? The gentleman lady? The polite Mr. MacPherson? Why, little girl, Mr. McPherson is as polite as Sir Walter Raleigh. You know who Sir Walter Raleigh was, don't you?

[D]

Sure. He put his coat in the mud. Then he said to Queen Elizabeth, step on it, Kit.

[E]

Joe. Joe, you'd better sing.

[C]

River.

[E]

Stay away from my door while I have a Good laugh. Step on it, kid.

[C]

You're just a lonely little river But I have heard somebody say that someday you may sweep my home away Sorrel along you lonely river and find your way out to the sea I don't bother you. Don't you bother me. You keep going your way, I'll keep going my way. River. Away from my door. I just got a cabin. You don't need my cabin.

[G]

River.

[C]

Stay ra. Don't come up any higher I'm so alone. Leap my bed and my fire, that's all I O I ain't breaking your heart don't start breaking my heart R From my gold. Don't come up any higher I'm so all alone Leave my bed in my fire Let me. I Rapid does not break in my heart Rivers away from my door.

[E]

Yes, Miss Lucy, what is it?

[D]

I've just got to be going. But before I go, I'd sure like to hear Betty and the Dixie Don

[E]

sing another song for you, Miss Lucy. It shall be done. All right, Betty, get over there with the boys. And let's have Clementine from New Orleans.

[G]

Here comes Miss Clementine that baby from New Orleans she's only 17 but what a queen oh, my, she has those flashing eyes the kind that can hypnotize and when she rolls and paddle Just kiss your gal goodbye when she starts in dancing she plays a mean castanet you won't forget I mean, down in that Creole town All wonderful gals around but none like Clementine from New Orleans Clementine, that baby from New Orleans she's only 17 but what a queen oh, my, she has those flashing eyes the kind that can hypnotize and when she rolls and pals, just kiss your girl goodbye when she starts in dancing she plays a mean castanet you won't forget I mean, down in that Creole town All wonderful gals around but none like Clementine from New Orleans Clementine from New Orleans.

[E]

Folks, last time we were here, some of you asked my boys to play a number. They didn't know. Anybody remember what that number was? Yes, Captain, I do. It was the Arkansas Traveler.

[C]

That's right.

[E]

Well, this time the boys know that number. And here it is, the Arkansas Traveler. Friends, Friends, we've got time for just one more number before we say goodbye. Now, for the last number, everybody join in. It's going to be an old favorite of mine. Little Liza Jane.

[G]

I got a gal and you got none elijah jane I got a gal and you got none elijah jane come, my love and marry me elijah jane I will take good care of thee

[E]

eliza jane holy liza, eliza jane holy

[G]

liza eliza james oh, eliza, eliza jane

[E]

holy liza, eliza jane.

[B]

And so, friends, the good ship Nancy Barker pulls away from Blackman's Landing. Riverboat Revels has been a presentation of wsm, the air castle of the South. Nashville, Tennessee. This is the National Broadcasting Company.