Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast

Episode: “It’s A Lovely, Lovely World | Grand Ole Opry (07-05-52)”

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: December 11, 2025
Original Air Date of Content: July 5, 1952

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the golden age of American radio with a lovingly restored broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry from July 5th, 1952. Hosted by Carl Smith, the show features an array of legendary country and western performers, including Hank Williams, Anita Carter, Ray Price, The Jordanaires, June Carter, Tommy Soulsby, and more. The spirit is lively and sincere, filled with music, square dancing, sponsor messages targeting farmers and homemakers, and playful down-home banter among the stars of country’s past.

The focus is on musical performances and the communal feel of a 1950s Saturday night radio program—bringing listeners singalongs, heartfelt ballads, and comic swing numbers, punctuated by homespun commercials for Martha White feed.

Key Segments, Artists, and Notable Performances

1. Opening and Introduction

• [03:00] Carl Smith opens the show with warmth and a touch of humor, welcoming listeners to “Martha White’s second big Grand Ole Opry show.”
  • “Yes, sir, here's another big Grand Ole Opry show packed full of fun and music…” — Carl Smith [03:20]
• Sponsor message for Martha White Quick Fortune Feed is woven in seamlessly, using tongue-in-cheek salesmanship and catchy slogans.

2. Show Opener: “It’s a Lovely, Lovely World” by Carl Smith

• [03:51 – 05:58] Carl Smith performs the episode’s title song. The lyrics celebrate a newfound optimism thanks to love, highlighted by charming lines about ordinary things suddenly filled with joy.
  • “Mother nature's opened up the door to lots of things I never saw before. It's a lovely, lovely world since I met you.” — Carl Smith
  • Playful and light, reflecting 1950s country romance.

3. Feature: Hank Williams – “Long Gone Lonesome Blues”

• [06:23 – 09:14] Hank Williams brings his iconic, lonesome style, singing of heartbreak and longing beside a river. He delivers the performance with his signature blend of anguish and wit.
  • “I went down to the river to watch the fish swim by. But I got to the river so lonesome, I wanted to die…” — Hank Williams [06:38]
• The set captures the classic melancholy and lyrical storytelling of Williams at the height of his career.

4. June Carter – Comic Interlude and “Chicken Reel”

• [09:14 – 11:01] June Carter delivers a bright, comic twist with “Chicken Reel” and a sing-songy jingle about Fortune Feed, packed with playful sound effects and country animal references.
  • “The old hen cackled and the rooster crowed, dogs and cows did the do-si-do. Fortune feed, quick fortune feed. They all go wild for fortune feed.” — June Carter [09:23]
• Blends classic Carter Family humor with product promotion.

5. Anita Carter – “Anything That’s Part of You”

• [11:01 – 14:06] Anita Carter performs a tender ballad requesting keepsakes from a lover, her hauntingly sweet tone carrying nostalgia and hope.
  • “Send me the pillow you dream of. I want to dream on it too…” — Anita Carter [12:32]

6. Ray Price – “Let Me Come In and Talk to Your Heart”

• [14:24 – 17:01] Ray Price, introduced as “real proud” member, sings about yearning for a second chance, his rich voice echoing with sincerity.
  • “Loving you changed my life in just one day. So I'm waiting to hear what your heart will say.” — Ray Price [15:16]

7. Cedar Hill Square Dancers & The Possum Hunters – “Scruggs Reel”

• [17:17 – 19:01] A lively square dance instrumental and call, immersing listeners in the community fun of a barn dance. The host invites “everybody join in.”
  • “Step up high and step up low, four hands round and a do-si-do…” [17:58]

8. Tommy Soulsby – “Many Miles”

• [19:22 – 21:22] Soulsby debuts his new Columbia Records single—a mournful country ballad of lost love and distance.
  • “Many miles we walked together, side by side I was your own. Now you walk beside another, while I walk alone.” — Tommy Soulsby [19:40]

9. The Jordanaires – “Working on a Building”

• [21:22 – 23:11] Gospel harmonies shine in this spiritual, as the Jordanaires deliver encouragement and faith in their classic quartet style.
  • “I'm working on a building, a true foundation. I'm holding up the bloodstain banner…” — The Jordanaires [21:44]

10. Carl Smith – “Are You Teasing Me?”

• [23:31 – 25:44] Smith brings humor and uncertainty, singing about the doubts of flirtatious love.
  • “When we’re all alone, dear, and I’m in your arms—are you teasing me?” — Carl Smith [23:31]

11. Promotional Jingles & Advertisements

• Throughout, impromptu live sponsor spots for Martha White Quick Fortune Chick Grower add local color:
  • “It’s the quick that does the trick!” [Repeated in various forms after each main performance.]
  • “Now, Mr. Farmer, Martha White Quick Fortune Chick Grower is the only chick grower containing quick…” — Grant Turner [25:44]

12. Hank Williams – Premiere of “Window Shopping”

• [27:26 – 30:40] Hank Williams debuts his then-brand-new single, explaining it's “never been sung on the air” and will be his “next record.”
  • “You give away your kisses but you never give your heart to anyone who's fool enough to fall. You don't feel love