25th Anniversary Show | Grand Ole Opry (11-25-50)

Summary

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.

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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.

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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]

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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 |

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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.

Transcript

[Minnie Pearl]

Mmm.

[Red Foley]

Oh.

[Rod Brasfield]

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[Red Foley]

Not even a little.

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[Rod Brasfield]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be the Grand Ole Opry. Original date is November 25, 1950. This is a 25th anniversary show, and I hope you enjoy.

[Rod Brasfield]

It'S Grand Ole Opry time. Starring Red Foley.

[Red Foley]

Haven't got a worry, haven't got a care haven't got a thing to call my own Though I'm out of money, I'm a millionaire I still have my home in San Antone When I greet my neighbor with a high ball I'm wealthy as the king of all a throne you can have your mansion or a cottage small I'll just take my home in San Antone Traveled over the country all my merry way Then he prouds himself I was alone When I feel like bragging I just up and say I'm a native Santa San Antone There's a sweet somebody by the Alamo Someday she's gonna be my very own Then we'll get a high chair in a year. Or my little home in San Antonio. Yes, there. Well, thanks a lot. And a good big howdy to all of my good friends and neighbors. Grand Old Opry.

[Rod Brasfield]

This is the biggest night of the year for us here in Nashville. Red. For tonight, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Grand Old Opry. And what a lineup we've assembled to help us with the occasion. The Denning Sisters. Uncle Dave Bacon. Judge George D. Hay. The Possum Hunters. Rob Brassfield, the Jordan A's, and the entire cast of Grand Old Opry, boys and girls.

[Red Foley]

Yes, sir. Grad. And a little later on the program, we're going to be privileged to hear from the honorable Gordon Browning, Governor of Tennessee. I think, if I'm not mistaken, that we're going to also hear from Minnie Pearl, who's rapidly recovering here in Nashville, so it looks like a night to be long remembered. And here are the Jordan Ears quartet to help get things going fast and furious. Boys, let's have that one called Lead me to that Rock.

[Rod Brasfield]

Why don't you lead me to that rock that is higher than I Lead me yes, lead me why don't you lead me to that rock that is higher than I now has been a shelter for me well, when you go down to yonder pole to search among the sheep Thou hast been a shelter well, you'll find him there so I've been told it knows he loves me Thou has been a shelter for me why don't you lead me to that rock that is higher than I'll lead me Just lead me why don't you lead me to that rock that is higher than mine Thou hast been a.

[Red Foley]

Shelter for me why don't you you.

[Rod Brasfield]

Lead me to the rock that is high then I know you lead me.

[Red Foley]

To the rock that is high then.

[Rod Brasfield]

Now lead me to the rock man is to higher the sky Thou has been a shelter for me why don't.

[Red Foley]

You lead me.

[Announcer/Narrator]

Why.

[Red Foley]

Thou has been a she. Thanks a lot, boys. Well, to you. There's a right smart young fella back here that's been busting at the leash there in the wings, I think. And it's look like we can hold him much longer. Folks. The horn wall Flash himself one of America's funniest men right here, Rod Bracefield. Come out here, Rod. Well, thank you, man.

[Rod Brasfield]

Thank you, man.

[Red Foley]

Well, Gerard, right now I think that we should report on the progress of the gossip of grind to switch cousin Minnie Pearl. You know, she's doing just fine when Rod and me went out to Vanderbilt Hospital the other day to visit her, wasn't she?

[Rod Brasfield]

Yes, sir, Mr. Foley, I know our Min is feeling better because 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. Don't that sound like being.

[Red Foley]

Yeah. Ain't that a modern hospital Minnie's in out there, though?

[Rod Brasfield]

Modern? That hospital is so up to date, they've got cures that Ain't even found disease fer yet.

[Red Foley]

Oh, wait a minute. You sure you're telling the truth, Rod?

[Announcer/Narrator]

Well, sure.

[Rod Brasfield]

As my gal Susie once said when she bought a size 32 girdle. Maybe I am stretching things a little bit.

[Red Foley]

Well, while we're on the subject, Rod, I wish you wouldn't bother with the. Listen, listen to me, will you? I wish you wouldn't bother with that pretty nurse when we go out there to visit Minnie.

[Rod Brasfield]

Why Flitter, Mr. Foley, all I done was ask her to take my temperature.

[Red Foley]

Ah, Rod, wait a minute. You knew very well that you didn't have any fever.

[Rod Brasfield]

No, I know that, Mr. Foley, but it wouldn't have taken much time for.

[Red Foley]

Her to give me one. All right. Well, to get back to Minnie. Did she like that present you brought for her, Ron?

[Rod Brasfield]

She sure did like it, Mr. Foley.

[Red Foley]

It sure was a nice gift. Yes, sir, beautiful. A nightgown trimmed in feathers.

[Rod Brasfield]

Trimmed in feathers?

[Red Foley]

Yes, sir.

[Judge George D. Hay]

She was just tickled to death with it.

[Rod Brasfield]

Ms. Foley, I ain't one to go around spreading rumors, you know, and gossiping and talking. But I heard a thing a while ago about old Grant Turner that is absolutely scandalous.

[Red Foley]

I just can't hold it back. I've got to tell you, my spirit.

[Rod Brasfield]

Do you know that he beats his wife up every morning?

[Minnie Pearl]

Morning?

[Red Foley]

Oh, Rod, now wait a minute. I can't believe that a nice fellow like Brant Turner would beat his wife up every morning.

[Rod Brasfield]

Yeah, he does all right. She stays in bed till 8 o' clock and he gets up at SA.

[Announcer/Narrator]

That just thrills me to get a.

[Rod Brasfield]

Good like that off on you, Miss Pony. Hi, dear friends. Barnett, it ain't hot tonight.

[Red Foley]

A little chilly, Eddie.

[Rod Brasfield]

Rod, I'm.

[Red Foley]

Hi, mister. You know what, Rod, I'll admit that you're mighty smart. Yes, sir. But you know something? If your Uncle Sipe had been as smart as you, he wouldn't have got such an awful strain last week.

[Rod Brasfield]

Uncle Sipe got a strain? How did he get a strain?

[Red Foley]

Drinking soup through his mustache. Just kills me to get a good nar Rod like that.

[Rod Brasfield]

Makes me so mad I could eat a snow burger or something. I'm telling you, Mr. Foley, the other night me and MJ Russian was a possum hunting tea down there in Russian's Creek.

[Red Foley]

Yeah.

[Rod Brasfield]

And we went out there, parson, and we caught two or three parsons and it was about 4 o' clock in the morning and this cold oyster, cold old hens was laying from a standing position. We come in home. We come in home and we went to bed. Me and MJ Went to bed, and the first thing I knowed, we had the COVID pulled up, and I noticed his feet sticking out from under the COVID I says, mj, what in the cat hair have you got your feet stuck out from under the COVID for? He says, well, Rod, I'd be a darn fool to take them cold things.

[Red Foley]

In bed with me. Well, I think it's about a year ago we had three mighty pretty young ladies come down from Chicago to pay us a visit here. You folks have heard them on records. You've heard them on the air and on television. You've probably seen them on the stage and in the movie. So let's give a great big welcome to three mighty pretty young ladies, the Denning sisters. Right in here for three of you pretty girls, huh? Well, sir, girls, I. I know it'll be kind of tough for all three of you to talk at once, so we'll just skip all the palaver and get to your singing, which is easy for all three of you to do at once. What are you gonna sing for us, huh?

[Minnie Pearl]

Tennessee Walk.

[Red Foley]

Well, they talk together, don't they? Here we go.

[Announcer/Narrator]

I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee wall when an old friend I happen.

[Red Foley]

To see.

[Announcer/Narrator]

I introduced her to my loved one and while they were dancing My friend stole my sweetheart.

[Red Foley]

From me.

[Announcer/Narrator]

I remember the night and the Tennessee W. Now I know just how much I have lost Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing the Beautiful Tennessee with I remember the night and the Tennessee War Now I know just how much I have lost Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing the beautiful Tennessee.

[Red Foley]

Well, friends, if you were listening to WSM on your crystal sets one cool night about a quarter of a century ago, chances are you heard music such as being picked and fiddled in the background there. And this music would have been played by the same bunch of old timers that are playing it now. Grand Opry's famous Possum Hunters. Yes, sir, there they are playing in Good News.

[Announcer/Narrator]

Sam.

[Red Foley]

Yes, sir, there was the Possum Hunters. And the boys are still going strong. Now, getting back to that night in November, 1925. You were tuned in. You heard a mighty familiar tude on an old steamboat whistle and a mighty friendly voice talking to you sort of like this.

[Judge George D. Hay]

This is the solemn old Judge George D. Hay Pick, your neighbors. You have been listening to Dr. Walter Damrash and his orchestra presenting music in the Grand Opera Manor. From now on, our program, in contrast, will be known as the Grand Old Opry page Uncle Dave Macon, accompanied by his son Doris, singing an old favorite, chewing gum. Okay, Uncle Dave.

[Rod Brasfield]

I'm born to sing. You bought me just as pretty as a plum Happy she had was one that was bad she was always chewing down Whenever she came to Sunday school She always come with a chum oh, right where they said and right where they said they were both A chewing gum yum. She so neat and she looked so sweet her silks and her hat was so plum Wherever she went or she spent every cent for ch Wherever she walked out of town she always did look so cute Every Motown she'd knock partied co.

[Red Foley]

Well, to thank you, Uncle Dave Macon. And that's how it was 25 years ago. Judge Hay, we sure do want to thank you for making honest folks out of us and giving us. Giving this show a name.

[Judge George D. Hay]

Thank you, Red Foley. The Opry will always be my special baby, and I'm proud to be connected with it.

[Red Foley]

Well, Judge, thanks a lot to you. The Governor of Tennessee, the Honorable Gordon Browning, had planned to be here with us tonight, but business in Knoxville has kept him from joining us. However, he called me during the past week, and he asked me to present the Grand Old Opry with a special plaque in his behalf. And he wants you to have it, Judge. Here it is, and congratulations to you.

[Judge George D. Hay]

Thank you very, very much, Governor Gordon Browning.

[Red Foley]

Judge, would you mind reading that inscription on the plaque there, please?

[Judge George D. Hay]

Certainly, Red. It reads, Grand Ole Opry, 25 years. The world's greatest single contribution to American folk music. Signed, Gordon Browning, Governor of Tennessee. Thank you so much, Governor Gordon Browning.

[Red Foley]

Now, the next voice you hear will be the Honorable Gordon Browning, Governor of Tennessee.

[Governor Gordon Browning]

Not so long ago, a friend of mine told me of an experience he had over in the European theater during the last war. He's a native Tennessean and extremely proud of his state, as he should be. Moreover, he's more than willing to engage the ear of anyone who will listen to him about the advantages of living in the Volunteer State. Well, on this occasion, he and his outfit were pinned down by enemy fire near Saint Low, and my friend, the first lieutenant, found himself sharing a foxhole with a tall, gangling foot soldier of about 20 or 22. It looked like a long, tedious wait, so the lieutenant proceeded to pass the time by making a speech on his favorite subject, the state of Tennessee. No man was ever more eloquent before an audience of one, and my lieutenant friend reached oratorical heights never before scale, as he told of the climate, the natural beauties of Tennessee, its great colleges and universities, its agriculture, its commerce, its exciting early history, its great TVA system of dams, and its historic state capital, Nashville. Finally, 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.

[Red Foley]

Picture of Minnie Pearl?

[Governor Gordon Browning]

My purpose in relating this anecdote is to illustrate the fame WSM's Grand Ole Opry has brought to the state of Tennessee. As governor of the state, it's my sincere pleasure to salute the talented and hardworking entertainers who have made the Opry a national institution these past 25 years. Sir Red Rod, Many and everyone connected with the Grand Ole Opry, congratulations and their heartfelt appreciation of the state of Tennessee.

[Red Foley]

Thank you very much, Gordon Browning. And now, that sort of brings us to our very lovely guest for this special anniversary show, the Brief Denning Sisters. Girls, I see you're already out here. I think you got a sort of a special arrangement on an old tune called Old Mona, haven't you? Let's hear it. Here we go.

[Announcer/Narrator]

Once about a time a country preacher sitting alone O Muna had his finger on the tree to ran his eye on a hog O Muna, the gun went boom and the hog said yip. O Muna, the creature grabbed him with all his grip O Munna O Muda, you shall be free O Muddy, you shall be free when the good Lord set you free what part of time I was flying down the road Omona had a tired team and a heavy load o motor I popped my whip and the leave was rung O Mona, the high horse bust at the wagon tower of money shall be free a horse we shall be free when the good Lord set you free Once upon a time by the hen house on my knees oh, Mona, I thought I heard a chicken sneeze oh, murder hits me so hard with a hoop and cuff oh, Mona, he's nicely getting his help to all shall be free when the good Lord set you free. Don't you worry, Monoc. You shall be free. Shall be free.

[Red Foley]

The past two weeks have had a big hunk of happiness taken out of her show by the absence of one of the Opry's charter members. So tonight we thought we'd get firsthand an anniversary greeting from one of the most beloved and most popular gals in the entertainment world by paying a little visit to her bedside. And here she is, the gossip of Grindr Switch, cousin Minnie Pearl.

[Announcer/Narrator]

Howdy.

[Minnie Pearl]

I ain't surprised to be here. Well, sir, I sure wished I could be down there tonight in person to see all of y' all and just help celebrate that silver jubilee. You know, 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. And that reminds me, you know what happened when I was in that horse spittle. Somebody got mixed up and sent me one of them there face doctors that tries to help you look beautiful like I need them. Well, it is almost worth though being poly to get all them fine cards and letters I got. Oh, it was nice. Letters and cards all the way from Oregon to Flersy. Well sir, I'm awful anxious to get well so I can run down to the switch next week and get all the latest news. Oh, been more happening down there, I know it. 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.

[Announcer/Narrator]

Oh, still.

[Minnie Pearl]

Well, sir, I got to be a going now and I'll see you all next week straight from the switch.

[Red Foley]

Bye now. Thanks a lot to you Mini Pearl. We'll be looking for you back with us next Saturday. Yes, yes Sireeva My heart is sad and I am lonely Thinking of the one I love I know that I I shall never more see her Till we meet in heaven above they told me that she loved another how could I believe them true until an angel softly whisper she has proven untrue to you.

[Judge George D. Hay]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.

[Red Foley]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Announcer/Narrator]

Sam.