Old Time Radio Westerns – Grand Ole Opry 25th Anniversary Show (11-25-50)

Overview

This special episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, celebrates the Grand Ole Opry’s 25th anniversary. Originally broadcast on November 25, 1950, the show gathers legendary Opry stars for a jubilant musical and comedic tribute to the Opry's rich tradition, featuring performances, heartfelt remembrances, and light-hearted banter that capture the essence of America's golden age of radio. Listeners are treated to the wit and warmth of Red Foley, Rod Brasfield, Minnie Pearl, Judge George D. Hay, the Denning Sisters, the Possum Hunters, and a special message from Tennessee Governor Gordon Browning.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Opening & Celebratory Introduction

• [01:13] Andrew Rhynes introduces the restored broadcast, situating listeners in 1950 Nashville for the Opry’s silver jubilee.

2. Red Foley Kicks Off the Celebration

• [01:42] Red Foley opens with a breezy rendition of "Home in San Antone," setting a joyful, relaxed tone.
  • Memorable greeting: "Well, thanks a lot. And a good big howdy to all of my good friends and neighbors. Grand Old Opry." – Red Foley [03:06]

3. A Star-Studded Roster & Spirit of the Opry

• [03:31] Rod Brasfield highlights the evening’s stacked lineup, including the Denning Sisters, Uncle Dave Macon, Judge George D. Hay, the Possum Hunters, and more.

4. Jordanaires Quartet Performance: “Lead Me to That Rock”

• [04:00-05:54] Red Foley and the Jordanaires treat listeners to an energetic gospel number, with the crowd evidently enjoying the rhythm and harmonies.

5. Comedy Interlude: Rod Brasfield & Red Foley’s Banter

• [05:56-10:45] Rod and Red’s comedic chemistry shines with jests about hospitals, nurses, and country living. Light-hearted jokes about Minnie Pearl recovering in the hospital and their country kin keep the tone playful.
  • Joke: “She told me a man took some X ray pictures of her and she says that it was sure fun to find a man who could really see something in her.” – Rod Brasfield [06:57]
  • “That hospital is so up to date, they've got cures that ain't even found disease fer yet.” – Rod Brasfield [07:21]
  • “Grant Turner... beats his wife up every morning — she stays in bed till 8 o'clock and he gets up at six.” – Rod Brasfield [08:42]
  • “Uncle Sipe got a strain? How did he get a strain? ... Drinking soup through his mustache.” – Red Foley [09:38]

6. The Denning Sisters Perform “Tennessee Waltz”

• [11:32-13:44] A highlight as the Denning Sisters harmonize on this beloved classic. The group’s tight vocals convey both nostalgia and vocal prowess.

7. The Possum Hunters Old Time Fiddling

• [13:52-15:00] A nod to Opry’s roots, as Red Foley points out these are the same musicians who played at the Opry’s very beginning.

8. Judge George D. Hay Reminisces & Official Opry Naming

• [15:25-17:32] The Opry's founder, Judge George D. Hay ("the solemn old Judge"), shares remembrances, recalling the first broadcast and the moment the show was named the "Grand Ole Opry."
  • “From now on, our program, in contrast, will be known as the Grand Old Opry.” – Judge George D. Hay [15:36]

9. Uncle Dave Macon’s Performance: “Chewing Gum”

• [16:07-17:19] Uncle Dave, a spry Opry original, delights with a spirited version of “Chewing Gum,” highlighting the show’s blend of humor and music.

10. Presentation of Honorary Plaque & Governor’s Salute

• [17:40-20:13] Red Foley presents a commemorative plaque to Judge Hay on behalf of Governor Gordon Browning, who, though absent, sends warm congratulations.
  • “The world’s greatest single contribution to American folk music.” – Plaque Inscription, read by Judge Hay [18:16]
  • Governor Browning’s anecdote about Tennessee pride and Minnie Pearl elicits laughs and underlines the Opry's national reach. [18:46-20:16]
    • "After about an hour and 40 minutes, the lieutenant paused for breath and said, Soldier, are there any questions? And the private said, Yes, sir. How do I go about getting a picture of Minnie Pearl?" – Gov. Gordon Browning [20:09]

11. Second Denning Sisters Performance: “Old Mona”

• [20:55-23:46] The Denning Sisters return with the playful “Old Mona,” showcasing their versatility.

12. Minnie Pearl’s Bedside Greeting

• [24:18-25:26] A cherished moment as Minnie Pearl, convalescing, sends a greeting via telephone. Her trademark folksy charm and sly humor bring empathy and joy.
  • “I’ve been there 10 of the 25 years. Come up there. Just a slip of a girl. I’ve been a slippin fast ever since.” – Minnie Pearl [24:24]
  • “Uncle Nabob said it’s been so cold down there he’s just afeared to pet the dog for fear he’d wag his tail and then it fall off.” – Minnie Pearl [25:11]

13. Red Foley’s Closing Song (Unknown Title)

• [25:26-26:57] Foley delivers an emotional ballad about lost love, drawing the show back to its musical heart.

14. Closing Announcements

• [26:57] The U.S. Armed Forces Radio Service identifies the recording, historically situating the broadcast.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Red Foley on setting the tone:
  “Well, thanks a lot. And a good big howdy to all of my good friends and neighbors.” [03:06]
• Rod Brasfield’s hospital joke:
  “That hospital is so up to date, they've got cures that ain't even found disease fer yet.” [07:21]
• Governor’s punchline about Minnie Pearl’s fame:
  “How do I go about getting a picture of Minnie Pearl?” [20:09]
• Judge George D. Hay on the Opry’s legacy:
  “The Opry will always be my special baby, and I’m proud to be connected with it.” [17:32]
• Minnie Pearl’s wistful humor:
  “Come up there. Just a slip of a girl. I’ve been a slippin fast ever since.” [24:24]

Episode Structure with Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:13 | Host Introduction & Show Context | | 01:42 | Red Foley opens with “Home in San Antone” | | 03:31 | Announcement of the 25th Anniversary Lineup | | 04:00 | The Jordanaires perform “Lead Me to That Rock” | | 05:56 | Comedy segment: Rod Brasfield & Red Foley’s Hospital and Country Antics | | 11:32 | The Denning Sisters sing “Tennessee Waltz” | | 13:52 | The Possum Hunters perform (old time fiddle music) | | 15:25 | Judge George D. Hay Reminisces; Opry’s official naming recounted | | 16:07 | Uncle Dave Macon sings “Chewing Gum” | | 17:40 | Judge Hay receives commemorative plaque | | 18:46 | Governor Browning’s recorded message | | 20:55 | The Denning Sisters perform “Old Mona” | | 24:18 | Minnie Pearl’s bedside greeting | | 25:26 | Red Foley closes with a heartfelt ballad | | 26:57 | Armed Forces Radio Service sign-off |

Final Thoughts

This anniversary episode exemplifies the Grand Ole Opry’s enduring appeal—its magical blend of music, humor, and down-home storytelling. The seamless interplay between legends like Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Judge Hay, and the Denning Sisters captures the authenticity and good-natured spirit that defined the Opry’s first quarter-century. The restored audio, as presented here, enables modern audiences to fully appreciate the musical vibrancy and communal warmth that made WSM’s Grand Ole Opry a cornerstone of American folk culture.