Live From Berlin – Freight Train Boogie | Grand Ole Opry (11-26-49)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Live From Berlin – Freight Train Boogie | Grand Ole Opry (11-26-49)"

Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Live From Berlin – Freight Train Boogie | Grand Ole Opry (11-26-49)

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to November 26, 1949, capturing a live broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry from Berlin, Germany. This historic episode showcases an array of legendary country artists performing for American servicemen stationed abroad, blending heartfelt music with engaging storytelling.

Featured Performances

Red Foley – "Freight Train Boogie" ([01:30] - [02:40])

The show opens with Red Foley delivering an energetic rendition of "Freight Train Boogie," a lively tune that encapsulates the upbeat spirit of the time. Foley's performance is filled with enthusiasm, inviting listeners to dance along and enjoy the rhythm of the rails.

Notable Quote:

Red Foley ([01:30]): "Not Fitz Jones was a tiny man but now he's the wrestler of the promised land..."

Hank Williams – "Move It On Over" ([03:47] - [05:29])

Next, Hank Williams takes the stage with his signature blend of humor and country flair in "Move It On Over." The song narrates a playful tale of moving a dog into a new house, blending catchy lyrics with Williams' distinctive vocal style.

Notable Quote:

Hank Williams ([05:04]): "Cause the big dog's moving in."

Jimmy Dickens – "Plain Old Country Boy" ([13:31] - [16:17])

Jimmy Dickens captivates the audience with "Plain Old Country Boy," a heartfelt ode to simple country living. His storytelling prowess shines as he recounts his upbringing, infusing the performance with personal anecdotes that resonate with the listeners.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Dickens ([14:16]): "I'm a plain old country boy, a cornbread loving country boy..."

Helen Harris – Yodeling Performance ([12:03] - [13:03])

Helen Harris delights the crowd with a mesmerizing yodeling performance. Her vocal agility and playful interaction with Jimmy Dickens create an engaging segment that highlights the traditional aspects of country music.

Notable Quote:

Helen Harris ([12:38]): "And now I'm going to teach you all the Yoda just like me."

Rod Brassfield and Minnie Pearl – Comedic Interlude ([08:02] - [23:18])

A standout segment features Rod Brassfield and Minnie Pearl, whose humorous exchanges add a lighthearted flair to the broadcast. Rod Brassfield shares amusing anecdotes about hometown tales, including stories about his Uncle Sipe and Aunt Sapp, providing a glimpse into the comedic side of the Grand Ole Opry.

Notable Quote:

Rod Brassfield ([08:41]): "I never will forget him coming out from under the ether after they had cut out his appendix."

Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys ([23:29] - [25:53])

Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys deliver a stirring performance of "I Saw the Light," a gospel-inspired song that uplifts the audience with its message of redemption and faith. Acuff's heartfelt rendition showcases the spiritual depth that country music often embraces.

Notable Quote:

Roy Acuff ([23:29]): "Praise the Lord, I saw the light..."

Finale with Hank Williams – "Every Step of the Way" ([26:00] - [29:03])

The episode culminates with Hank Williams performing "Every Step of the Way," a tender ballad that underscores the themes of love and companionship. The song's soothing melody and Williams' emotive delivery provide a perfect closing to the evening's performances.

Notable Quote:

Hank Williams ([26:16]): "Every single step of the way, my darling we'll walk along side by side..."

Anecdotes and Interactions

Throughout the broadcast, interactions among the artists add depth and personality to the show. Rod Brassfield's storytelling, particularly his humorous recounting of family disputes and mishaps ([08:17] - [09:41]), provides a charming glimpse into life on tour. Similarly, Minnie Pearl's humorous tales about her brother's adventures and misadventures ([19:45] - [23:18]) infuse the program with warmth and laughter.

Notable Quote:

Minnie Pearl ([20:18]): "I'm a cowboy. Minnie, you done went western?"

Hymn Time

Dedicated moments of hymn singing bring a solemn and reflective mood to the evening. Hank Williams leads the congregation in spiritual songs that offer comfort and a sense of community among the listeners and performers alike.

Notable Quote:

Hank Williams ([17:14]): "This world is not my home, I'm just passing through..."

Closing Remarks

As the night draws to a close, Red Foley expresses gratitude to the audience and acknowledges the support of the American military personnel in Berlin. The camaraderie and appreciation between the performers and the servicemen underscore the unifying power of music.

Notable Quote:

Red Foley ([29:03]): "We hate to have this last part of our big show here in Berlin come to an end. We just got to say goodbye."

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Conclusion

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns offers a nostalgic journey to a bygone era, showcasing the enduring charm of the Grand Ole Opry and its legendary performers. Through spirited performances and heartwarming interactions, listeners are given a window into the vibrant world of 1940s country music, preserved with clarity and richness thanks to the podcast's meticulous digital restoration.

For those who missed the live experience, this summary encapsulates the essence of the evening, celebrating the timeless tales and talents that have shaped American radio history.

Transcript

[Red Foley]

Foreign.

[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 Grand Ole Opry. This one original Air date is November 26, 1949 and this one is live from Berlin. Let's get into it.

[Hank Williams]

Have a Cavalier. Have a Cavalier. Extremely mild.

[Grant Turner]

Yes, Cavalier is a new and different cigarette. Mild, Extremely mild. With a delightful natural flavor and aroma. And its king size Cavalier is a modern blend of fine tobaccos of the original colonial type.

[Rod Brassfield]

So listen, if it's mildness you're missing, have a Cavalier.

[Grant Turner]

It's Grand Ole Opry time again tonight from Germany, and this time it's Berlin. Prince Albert smoking tobacco brings you transcribed the Grand Ole Opry starring Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Rob Brassfield, Hank Williams, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Dickens, Jimmy Riddle, Helen Harris, Roy Acuff.

[Grant Turner]

And the Smoky Mountain boys.

[Jimmy Dickens]

And here is Red Foley.

[Red Foley]

Not Fitz Jones was a tiny man but now he's the wrestler of the promised land Kind of music he could understand Was a six eight wheeler under his command he made Fred train boogie all the time he made Fred train boogie as roll down in line now when that farm started ringing the bell Everybody along the line could tell Casey Jones he was coming to town On a six or eight wheeler that was burning the ground he made Fred train boogie all the time he made Fred train boogie as he rolled down.

[Jimmy Dickens]

He.

[Red Foley]

Made Fred train boogie all the time he made Fred train boogie Ass roll down the. Thank you, boys. Thank you. Thanks a lot, fellas. Thank you very much. And a great big V gates. In other words. Howdy from Grand Ole Opry to Prince Albert smoking Tobacco's friends all over the world.

[Grant Turner]

Yes, sir. Ed, we're playing tonight at Berlin's largest concert hall, filled with American boys from your own hometown. On another stop on Grand Ole Opry's globe trotting tour of the United States Air Force and army occupation bases here in Europe.

[Red Foley]

Yes, sir. And they're hanging from the rafters tonight to hear and see in person our Prince Albert troupe direct from Nashville. So make way for our lean and lanky singing friend, the lovesick blues boy, Hank Williams.

[Jimmy Dickens]

I came home last night about a half past ten and I'd be baby.

[Red Foley]

Of mine she wouldn't let me in.

[Hank Williams]

So move it on over Move it.

[Jimmy Dickens]

On over Move it on over Move over short dog Cause my tall dog's.

[Red Foley]

Moving in.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Will she change the lock.

[Red Foley]

On our front door? And my door key it don't fit.

[Hank Williams]

No more so scoot it on over.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Shove it On over, little dog.

[Red Foley]

Cause the big dog's moving in. All right, Billy.

[Jimmy Dickens]

This dog house here it's mighty small. But it's better than no house at all.

[Red Foley]

So push it on over.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Slide it on over. Move over old or cause a new dog's moving in. She'll crawl back to me on her knees. But I'll be busy scratching fleas.

[Red Foley]

So scratch it on over.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Shove it on over. Move over good dog.

[Red Foley]

Cause a mean dog's moving in.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Now remember pup, before you whine that.

[Red Foley]

Side yours and this side mine. So shove it on over.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Drag it on over. Move over cold dog.

[Red Foley]

Cause the hot dog's moving here. Thank you, boys. Thank you.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Why, hello, Red.

[Grant Turner]

Happy Thanksgiving.

[Red Foley]

Well, Grant, today isn't Thanksgiving.

[Grant Turner]

Oh, I know that, but so many people were wishing you Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday, I decided that I could.

[Red Foley]

Wait, Grant, you can't wish someone a happy Thanksgiving when it isn't. Thanks.

[Grant Turner]

Oh, now, why can't I? Don't folks have just as much to be thankful for today, say, as they did two days ago?

[Red Foley]

Well, see, you got something there, Grant. The year round men are thankful for many things, such as Prince Albert. Thankful that Prince Albert is specially made for smoking enjoyment.

[Grant Turner]

Prince Albert is the largest selling smoking tobacco in America.

[Red Foley]

And I'm one of the men, Grant, that's thankful for Paul. Because Prince Albert is so rich and full flavored. And because Prince Albert's choice tobacco is specially treated to ensure against tongue bite and crimp. Cut to burn slow and even and smoke cool.

[Grant Turner]

So fellas, for extra smoking enjoyment, ask for Prince Albert, the National Joy Smoke. Buy it for convenience in the handy pocket tin with the humidor top. For economy buy Prince Albert in the big pound.

[Red Foley]

Well, sir, that is our boy Jimmy Riddle with that hard harmonica from the South. Boys, let's hear it.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Sam.

[Red Foley]

Oh, boy, just Kirby. You fellas certainly are wonderful to us. Well, boys, here is the lad who.

[Grant Turner]

Brought a C54 load of laughs all.

[Red Foley]

The way from Hornwall, Tennessee to Berlin. And of course, could be none other than Rod Brassfield right there.

[Rod Brassfield]

Thank you, Mr. Foley.

[Red Foley]

You're welcome, Rod.

[Rod Brassfield]

Hi, dear friend. I just flew in from Wishbottom.

[Red Foley]

Up.

[Rod Brassfield]

In the old airlift corridor.

[Red Foley]

You know all about that. All right.

[Rod Brassfield]

Yeah, you go that away.

[Red Foley]

See, Rod, Listen, tell me this. Are you homesick yet?

[Rod Brassfield]

Not for Wishbottom.

[Red Foley]

No, sir.

[Rod Brassfield]

By nettle wide and Wishbottom Wish Baden Wishbot over there where we was at. Couldn't even get me a. Couldn't even get me a glass of buttermilk. No, I couldn't they brought me out some stuff in one of my steins when I wanted buttermilk. I wished I was closer to the Snip Snap and Bite restaurant down home back there in the station. Hornwell. I wish I was there so as I could get me a grilled goat burger and a Sodi Pop. My Uncle Sipe that runs a Snip Snap and Bite was a telling me about him and his wife ain't Sapp. They've been a fighting and a feuding and a fussing again. And he was telling me about it. And just about that time, Dan Dudley come running up all out of breath and says, uncle Sipe, there's a burglar just broke into your house and there ain't nobody home but your wife. Uncle Sip says, well, it's too late.

[Red Foley]

To warn him now.

[Rod Brassfield]

I sure wish Uncle Sipe and Aunt SAP wouldn't fight so much like that. I sure wish they wouldn't fight so much like that. They could get along real nice if they just try. The other day, Uncle Cyp he bought ain't SAP a fur coat and brung it home to her. And she just Pertin there had a fit over it. Just Pertin there had a fit over it. And she looked at it and she says, I don't see. I don't see how a pretty coat like that can come from such a smelly old skunk. And Uncle Sipe says, well, I knowed you wouldn't thank me for it, but you don't have to call me names. Of course, now, it could be that Uncle Sipe's operation he just had had something to do with it because he's been out of sorts ever since. I never will forget him coming out from under the ether after they had cut out his appendix. Or they operated on Uncle Sipe and took out his removed his appendix. Uncle Sip heard the doctor say something about gangrene setting in, and he told Aunt Sapp to have the nurse bring in another chair into the room there. He said if old gangrene was coming, he sure didn't want him to have to stand up. Poor old feller. He sure put up an awful fuss when they wanted to operate on him. He says, why in the thunder do you want to cut me open when all I've got is just a little itch in my appendix. The doctor says, well, you darn fool, we got to take it out so you can scratch it. They took a blood test on Uncle Sipe and I asked a doctor how it come out. And he Said extraordinary. His blood tested 90 proof.

[Red Foley]

Goodbye. Thanks a lot, fellas. Thank you. We knew you'd like old Rod Brassfield. Well sing. Both in the hills of Tennessee and in the alpine country we have a little girl who is right at home here. Little gal that does some mighty, mighty fancy yodeling and tricks with her voice. Let's give a nice hand to Ms. Helen Harris, huh? Right here.

[Helen Harris]

I climbed a big high mountain On a clearing sunny day I fell in love with the yodeler and couldn't get away oh, he taught me the odor Odler. He taught me the odor.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Oda Teodoo.

[Helen Harris]

And now I'm going to teach you all the Yoda just like me. It's easy while you're singing till you go Yoda first. You take a deep breath and you exhale.

[Jimmy Dickens]

1, 2, 3.

[Helen Harris]

You hear a yodel if you listen close to me. Oh, this is how do you do.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Odalty odalty odal od this is how.

[Helen Harris]

Do you odle odal o t a.

[Jimmy Dickens]

T o de o t o t.

[Red Foley]

Thank you, fellas. Thanks so much to you. Well, sir, there's a little fella here that was so little he needed only a half a seat on the plane coming over here. Of course, that is Ma Dickens. Loud little boy from Tater Patch, West Virginia. Little Jimmy Dickens. Come on here, buddy.

[Helen Harris]

Allie.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Now I'm just a simple guy. There's one thing true to shooting I hate those folks who think that they're so dead. Burn high, pollute. I'd be the same in Hollywood or right in my own kitchen. I believe in fussing when you're mad and scratching when you're itching.

[Rod Brassfield]

I'm a.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Plain old country boy A cornbread loving country boy I raise cana on Saturday but I go to church on Sunday I'm a plain old country boy A tater eating country boy I be looking over my old gray mule when the sun comes up on Monday Bet y' all think I'm too little to look over a mule, don't you? Maybe I am. But I'll bet you I've looked under my sheriff Where I come from from opportunities they never were too good we never had much money but we done the best we could Ma doctored me from youngin hood on ips and sauce and iodine Made my diapers out of old feed sacks My spenders out of flour line I'm a plain old country boy A corn bread lovin country boy I raised Kate on Saturday but I go to church on Sunday I'M a plain old country boy A tater eating country boy I be looking over that old gray mule when the sun comes up on Monday. Well, every time that preacher came I always fixed a chicken. If I'd reached for a drumstick I was sure to get a licking. She always saved two parts for me but I had to shut my mouth. Twas a gizzard down the north end of it Chicken flying salad. I'm a plain old country A cornbread lovin country boy I raise cane on Saturday but I go to church on Sunday I'm a plain old country boy A tater eating country boy I be looking over my old gray mule when the sun comes up on Monday.

[Red Foley]

Thank you, fella. Thank you a lot. Boy.

[Grant Turner]

Well, golly, Red, this. This globetrotting sure earns you a rest. Why don't you just roll a cigarette and smoke for a while?

[Hank Williams]

Well, do I have time, Graham?

[Grant Turner]

Of course you do. You know, it takes almost no time at all to roll a firm, smooth making cigarette with Prince Albert. Because Prince Albert's choice tobacco is crimp cut so it clings to the paper. It doesn't blow around, doesn't dribble out the ends. So now go on and enjoy yourself. Right now is always a good time, I think, to smoke a making cigarette made with Prince Albert.

[Red Foley]

Come to what we call hymn time on this evening's Prince Albert Opry. Just to add a touch of home, I think maybe that you might enjoy a sort of a little sacred song here. The kind that we sang back home on Sunday night.

[Hank Williams]

This world is not my home I'm just passing through My treasures and my hope are all beyond the blue where many friends and loved ones have gone on before and I can't feel at home in this world anymore O Lord, you know I have no friend like you if heaven's not my home, O Lord, what will I do? The angels beckon me from heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in world anymore Heaven's expecting me, that's one thing that I know I fixed it up with Jesus a long, long time ago. He will carry me through Although I'm weak and low and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

[Jimmy Dickens]

O.

[Hank Williams]

Lord, you know I have no friend like you if heaven's not my home, O Lord, what will I do? The angels beckon me from heaven open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

[Red Foley]

Well, Sir Red.

[Grant Turner]

The Titania palace is just brim full of folks tonight. Here In Berlin. Did you ever see such a fine bunch of fellows in one meeting?

[Red Foley]

Well, I never did, Grant.

[Hank Williams]

But speaking of meeting, I see a gal waitin in the wings there that's.

[Red Foley]

Mighty anxious to keep her weekly Saturday meeting with her millions of friends.

[Hank Williams]

Of course, I mean Cousin Minnie Pearl.

[Helen Harris]

Howdy.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Howdy.

[Helen Harris]

I'm just so proud to be here. Well, well, sir, I'll tell you right now. We sure been having a big time since we've been over here in Germany. Boy, we had awful hard time last night in Heidelberg. Just for a while there though. The girls dressing room caught on fire. Took two hours to put out the fire. Took three hours to put out the fireman. And that puts me in the mind of Brother. I got a letter from home today and they said that Brother had been elected head of the bucket brigade in the fire department. Now he's got a big sign he wears on his overhauls. Buckethead. Well, Rodley. Rodley, what in the world.

[Rod Brassfield]

I'm a cowboy. Minnie.

[Helen Harris]

Are you? You done went western?

[Rod Brassfield]

Done gone get plum taxi, have you?

[Helen Harris]

Well, I'll declare. What you doing now since you went western?

[Rod Brassfield]

I'm with a rodeo.

[Helen Harris]

What you got on your rodeo? Got any Indian?

[Rod Brassfield]

Got one Indian.

[Helen Harris]

Minnie, what does he do on the show?

[Rod Brassfield]

Well, he's always running around. He's a crazy Indian. Yeah, always just running around, building a fire in his toupee.

[Helen Harris]

Oh, yeah, Bradley, not a toupee. You see, it's a tp. Toupee is a wig.

[Rod Brassfield]

Well, that's why he does it. He wants to keep his wig warm.

[Red Foley]

Mandy Pearl, I seen your brother at the moving picture show the other night.

[Rod Brassfield]

He was sitting right behind me and my gal Susie. He had him a new gal. I. I didn't know who she were. I didn't hardly know who she were. I figured she must have been a movie censor though, because she kept saying, cut it out.

[Helen Harris]

Well, sir, I tell you, talking about Brother, that puts me in the mind. One time last year we was laying off to take brother to town. We was going to buy him one of them there store bought suit. Got him one, had two pair of pants to it. That is nice for the winter, but that got awful hot for Brother come summer. And we was going down to the depot to get on and we got on that old train and we was just setting there, me and Brother both big as life and twice as natural. And all of a sudden a fellow come down the isle, he was hollering apples, oranges and nanners. Brother had never eat one of them. Nanners before. And he's careless with his money. He don't care for nothing. He'll spend a nickel just like that all in the same place. Think nothing of it. Well, he got that nana and he didn't know how to eat it. And this fellow right across the ends of got one too. And brother just kept his eyes on that feller. And that feller peeled down the nanner in his hand. Brother peeled down the nanner in his hand. Fella took a bite out of the nanner in his hand. But just. Brother took a bite out of the nanner in his hand. Went through a tunnel. Everything just black. Couldn't see a thing. Come through on the other side. Brother just sitting there holding that nanner. Wasn't saying a word. I said, brother, ain't you going to eat the rest of the. Of the nanner? He said, no, I ain't going to eat no more. I took one bite and I went stone blind.

[Red Foley]

These boys sure love Mini Pearl over here, and we don't blame them. Yes, well, sir, everywhere we go, there's a great reception for a singer of.

[Hank Williams]

American folk songs who really needs no introduction.

[Red Foley]

Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boy. Thank you, Ed. For me.

[Rod Brassfield]

Thank you, fellas.

[Jimmy Dickens]

I saw the light I saw the light no more darkness, no more night Now I'm so happy no sorrow inside Praise the Lord, I saw the light I wandered so aimless Life filled with sin I wouldn't let my dear Savior in Then Jesus came like an angel in the night Praise the Lord I saw the light I saw the light I saw the light no more darkness, no more Now I'm so happy no sorrow inside Praise the Lord I saw the light Just like the blind man.

[Rod Brassfield]

I wandered alone Wearies and fears I claimed for my own and like the.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Blind man that God gave back his sight Praise the Lord I saw the light I saw the light I saw the light no more darkness, no more night Now I'm so happy no sorrow inside Praise the Lord I saw the light I was a fool to wander.

[Rod Brassfield]

And stray for straight is the gate.

[Jimmy Dickens]

And narrows the way Now I have traded the wrong coin Praise the Lord I saw the light I saw the light I saw the light no more darkness, no more night Now I'm so happy no sorrow inside Praise the Lord I saw the light.

[Hank Williams]

Well, sir, here's.

[Red Foley]

A song I'd like to dedicate to Prince Albert. The best debacle, I think, in the whole wide world.

[Hank Williams]

This is a brand new ballad and.

[Red Foley]

One of our very latest recordings. Called Every step of the way.

[Hank Williams]

Every single step of the way, my darling we'll walk along side by side Every step of the way, my darling we'll let true love be our guide we'll make our own sunshine and store enough away to hold us over for a rainy day Two hearts beating is one, my darling with every single step of.

[Red Foley]

The way.

[Hank Williams]

Every step of the way, my darling we'll share our laughter and tears oh, how dear is the my darling we pledged our love through the years we may pick some roses that have too many thorns but we'll go on together Come what me? Not for just a few miles, my darling but every step of the way.

[Helen Harris]

Help our body help. Maybe the boys would like to dance.

[Rod Brassfield]

All shown engine circle around, grab dual gal and head for town.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Swing her high and swing her low.

[Rod Brassfield]

Turn her loose and on you go.

[Red Foley]

We hate to have this last part of our big show here in Berlin come to an end. We just got to say goodbye. We we've loved every minute of it, boys, and we're mighty grateful for the nice way of the Air Force and its special service division. They have it taken care of us on this tour through Europe. This is Red Foley saying good night for all of us and we'll be back with you next Saturday night at Prince Albert's Grand Ole Opry. Prince Albert Sandalwalker came to you transcribed from Tania palace in Berlin, Germany. You'll tune for The Stars on NBC.

[Grant Turner]

Here's songs by Morton Downey tonight on NBC.

[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.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Ra.