Harold's Old Time Radio - "WSM-Junior Grand Ole Opry" (Original airdate: xx-xx-53)

Episode Date Referenced: September 8, 2025
Host: Cousin Loy Buck
Guest Star: Carl Smith
Sponsor: Goo Goo Candy Clusters
Main Theme:
A rollicking, heartwarming hour featuring kid performers displaying their singing and instrumental talents for the chance to appear on the famed Grand Ole Opry. The atmosphere is lively, supportive, and sprinkled with light-hearted jokes and audience interaction. There’s a strong sense of friendly competition and encouragement as each child gets their moment in the spotlight.

Episode Overview

The Junior Grand Ole Opry serves as a radio stage for talented youngsters, offering them an opportunity to perform, compete, and potentially launch their musical careers. Audience members are invited to vote for their favorite child performer by mailing Goo Goo Cluster wrappers, making the show an interactive event rooted in classic Americana and community spirit.

Key Discussion Points and Segments

1. Introduction & Voting Instructions

• [00:00-02:17]
  • Art Divine welcomes listeners and introduces the sponsor and guest star, Carl Smith.
  • Cousin Loy Buck explains the format: kids perform, the audience votes by sending in Goo Goo Cluster wrappers, and winners progress for a chance to appear on the main Grand Ole Opry stage.
  • There's a playful encouragement: “Now you good people in our radio audience, grab a pencil and get ready now to listen and to vote. And give one of these youngsters a boost on the road to fame and fortune.” (Cousin Loy Buck, 01:39)

2. Contestant Performances

Each contestant’s spot features a casual interview, performance, and distribution of a Goo Goo Cluster prize.

Lefty Jim Moore (Lewisburg, TN)

• [02:17-04:56]
  • Age: 13
  • Song: “Collijah”
  • Notable: First contestant, receives encouragement to write his own name on candy wrappers for extra votes.
  • Memorable moment: “Well, Jim sat down so quick, they didn’t have a chance to tell him that Art Divine is handing him a great big box of Goo Goo Candy Clusters.” (Cousin Loy Buck, 04:56)

Barbara Weinstein (Nashville, TN)

• [05:46-07:54]
  • Age: 10
  • Song: “Your Cheating Heart”
  • Her shy charm is highlighted: “Get right up close to the microphone. Do you know what this is I have in the box there?”
    “Goo goos.” (Barbara, 08:04)
  • Receives box of candy as thanks.

Wayne Lovett (Spring Hill, TN)

• [09:35-11:05]
  • Age: Nearly 15
  • Song: “Fire on the Mountain” (fiddle instrumental)
  • Showcases instrumental flair; receives friendly vote instructions from Cousin Loy Buck.

Anglin Twins (Annette & Jeanette; Nashville, TN)

• [11:48-14:22]
  • Age: 15
  • Song: “I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know”
  • Playful banter about being twins:
    “Which one of you twins is oldest?”
    “We’re the same age!” (11:49)
  • Praised for harmonizing and given a candy box prize.

3. Special Guest: Carl Smith

• [14:55-19:25]
  • Country music star Carl Smith shares stories of radio roots:
    “I ain't going to tell my age but about 14 years ago I was on the show just about like this one…That’s how you got started.” (Smith & Buck, 16:07–16:22)
  • Performs “Hey, Joe.”
  • Jokes about candy rewards:
    “Where’s my Goo Goo candy bar?” (Carl Smith, 15:33)
    “I ain’t had no breakfast.” (Carl Smith, 19:32)
  • Loy Buck returns, “He doesn’t deserve a whole box, does he, boys and girls? Just give him one.”

4. Additional Contestants

• Bernie Wing (Urbana, IL)
  [20:18-22:44]

  • Age: 14
  • Song: “Walking Behind You”
  • Noteworthy as an out-of-state (Illinois) contestant.

• Francis Lyles (Lyles, TN)
  [23:40-25:33]

  • Age: 12
  • Song: “Pawn You My Gold Watch and Chain”
  • Noted for “old mountain ballad” style singing; returning by popular request.

• Mike Roberts (Nashville, TN)
  [26:47-28:06]

  • Song: “St. Louis Blues” (guitar, Chet Atkins style)
  • Praised for skillful guitar work: “Oh my, that’s great.” (Cousin Loy Buck, 28:06)

5. Closing Recap & How to Vote

• [28:06-29:55]
  • Host recaps all contestants, the songs they performed, and humorously reminds the audience NOT to vote for Carl Smith (“Don’t vote for Carl. He doesn’t get a vote. This is for boys and girls.” (28:29))
  • Encourages all aspiring young musicians to write in for a chance to audition.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Opportunity:

  • “All of you have an opportunity. It’s unlimited. If you work hard, then you too can become a boy who comes up here sleepy and without any breakfast, like Carl Smith.” (Cousin Loy Buck, 19:34)

• On Community Spirit:

  • “You folks anywhere can vote for Lefty Jim. Who wants to. But he’s only contestant number one.” (Cousin Loy Buck, 04:56)
  • “A new contest every four weeks with a winner on the Opry itself every four weeks.” (Cousin Loy Buck, 01:17)

• Playful Banter:

  • “Where’s my Goo Goo candy bar?” (Carl Smith, 15:33)
  • “No, but I got a telephone call.” (Carl Smith, on being invited, 15:58)
  • “He doesn’t deserve a whole box, does he, boys and girls? Just give him one.” (Cousin Loy Buck, 19:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Contest Rules – 00:00–02:17
• Lefty Jim Moore (“Collijah”) – 02:17–04:56
• Barbara Weinstein (“Your Cheating Heart”) – 05:46–07:54
• Wayne Lovett (“Fire on the Mountain”) – 09:35–11:05
• Anglin Twins (“I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know”) – 11:48–14:22
• Carl Smith Segment – 14:55–19:25
• Bernie Wing (“Walking Behind You”) – 20:18–22:44
• Francis Lyles (“Pawn You My Gold Watch and Chain”) – 23:40–25:33
• Mike Roberts (“St. Louis Blues”) – 26:47–28:06
• Contestant Recap & Voting – 28:06–29:55

Tone and Language

The tone is warm, genuine, and distinctly Southern, with an emphasis on encouragement, fun, and classic radio showmanship. Cousin Loy Buck’s folksy humor and Carl Smith’s down-to-earth interactions create a sense of nostalgia and comfort, recalling the communal joy of mid-century radio.

Summary

This episode of the Junior Grand Ole Opry is a delightful dive into America’s radio yesteryear, giving young hopefuls a chance to shine on air and inviting the entire listening audience to play a role in their journey. Interwoven with charming sponsor plugs and a strong sense of community, it’s a slice of Americana filled with music, laughter, and childhood dreams.