My Little Red Wagon (George Morgan) | Grand Ole Opry (07-18-53)

Summary

---

Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: “My Little Red Wagon” (feat. George Morgan) | Grand Ole Opry (07-18-53)

Original Air Date: July 18, 1953
Podcast Release Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

---

Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns resurrects a classic Grand Ole Opry performance from 1953, celebrating the golden age of country music and variety radio. The air is thick with musical numbers, homespun humor, and character skits, all led by the affable George Morgan and an all-star Opry cast (Minnie Pearl, Moon Mullikan, Rod Brasfield, the Jordanaires, and more). Host Andrew Rhynes presents the digitally restored program, delivering a listening experience richer than the original broadcast.

---

Key Discussion Points & Show Segments

1. Introduction to the Episode

• Segment Start: [01:13]
• Host Andrew Rhynes sets the stage, announcing the date and special focus on the Opry’s July 18, 1953 performance featuring George Morgan and his signature tune “My Little Red Wagon.”
  • “Let’s get into this episode… Grand Ole Opry, original air date July 18, 1953. The first song is entitled My Little Red Wagon. And we’ve got George Morgan again in the lead role.” —Andrew Rhynes [01:13]

---

2. “My Little Red Wagon” – George Morgan Opens the Show

• Segment Start: [01:35]
• George Morgan performs “My Little Red Wagon” to the delight of a national audience, conjuring nostalgic warmth and the thrill of community radio.
• George’s banter radiates warmth and inclusivity:
  • “There are people from just about every state in the 48 to see it… let’s recognize that, okay?” —George Morgan [02:34]
• Sets a cheerful tone, introducing special guests and setting up the flow of the evening.

---

3. Minnie Pearl’s Grinder’s Switch Gossip & Country Humor

• Segment Start: [03:52]
• Minnie Pearl delivers a humorous “news from Grinder’s Switch” sketch, lampooning small-town life and relationships.
• Notable jokes include:
  • “Uncle Nabob woke up the other morning and he was hot. He thought he’d done died and went where folks have been telling him to go all year.” —Minnie Pearl [04:09]
• Commentary on courtship, kissing, and family life, blending wit and a timeless appeal.
• Exchange between George & Minnie explores superstitions about kissing:
  • George: “Fellas have found that gals with a small mouth make the best kisser.” [05:41]
  • Minnie: “Should I tell you now, though? … now for the news in Grinder Switch…” [06:17]
• Minnie’s closing quip on marriage:
  • “Marriage, now this is the way marriage is… Like a poker game. It takes a pad to open. He shows her diamond, she calls his brush, and it ends up in a full house.” [07:21]

---

4. Moon Mullikan Performs on Piano & Sings

• Segment Start: [08:02]
• George introduces Moon Mullikan, “that big fella… sure plays the fool out of a piano, and sing up a storm too.”
  • “Moon… suppose you get over at that piano and hang out some of that fine country style swing.” —George Morgan [08:19]

Featured Performances:

• “Cherokee Boogie”
• “Where We’ll Never Grow Old” (sacred/gospel favorite)
• Delivery is energetic and soulful, praised by George and the Opry audience.

---

5. The Jordanaires – Quartet Spiritual Song

• Segment Start: [12:43]
• The Jordanaires perform “Dig A Little Deeper in His Love”
• Group harmonies and gospel spirit showcase the Opry’s musical diversity.
  • “I wanna dig a little deeper in the storehouse of his love…” —The Jordanaires [13:11]

---

6. Comic Interlude: Rod Brasfield’s Country Comedy

• Segment Start: [15:00]
• Rod Brasfield joins with a flurry of jokes, puns, and mock braggadocio.
• Notable gags and exchanges:
  • Rod: “Do you know how one antiseptic greets another antiseptic?”
  • George: “How does one antiseptic greet another?”
  • Rod: “Hygiene.” [15:19]
• Self-deprecating remarks about romance and country living; makes light of dating Siamese twins and other farcical scenarios.
• Joke about his girlfriend Susie’s dog-medicine mix-up:
  • “Well, the dog’s nipping a sweater at home and Susie’s been chasing cars all day…” —Rod Brasfield [18:44]
• Story about shaving mishap:
  • Rod: “He turned back around to finish shaving and looked up at that blank wall and he hollered, ‘Hey, Sam, come here.’”
  • Minnie: “I’ve done cut my full head off.” [19:54]

---

7. Moon Mullikan Returns: “I’ll Sail My Ship Alone”

• Segment Start: [20:02]
• Moon delivers a heartfelt rendition of his hit “I’ll Sail My Ship Alone,” a signature country heartbreak ballad embraced by Opry fans.

---

8. Folk Instrumentals & Closing Ballad

• Segment Start: [23:03]
• Feature of Stringbean (uncertain from transcript, but follows Opry tradition) playing five-string banjo on “Pretty Little Pink.”
• George Morgan delivers “I Pass By Your Window,” a wistful ballad of love lost.
• “…but I won’t pass your window again.” —George Morgan [27:40]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Kissing:
  • George: “Fellas have found that gals with a small mouth make the best kisser.” [05:41]
  • Minnie: “That’s a subject I always like to explore at close range.” [05:33]
• On Marriage:
  • Minnie: “…marriage…like a poker game. It takes a pad to open. He shows her diamond, she calls his brush, and it ends up in a full house.” [07:21]
• Rod Brasfield’s Country Wisdom:
  • “Hygiene.” [15:19]
  • “The dog’s nipping a sweater at home and Susie’s been chasing cars all day.” [18:44]
• Musical Camaraderie:
  • George: “Let’s give a great big Tennessee welcome to Moon Mullikan…” [08:08]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start |
|------------------------------------------|--------|
| Intro/Announcements | 01:13 |
| “My Little Red Wagon” by George Morgan | 01:35 |
| Minnie Pearl Sketch | 03:52 |
| Discussion on Kissing | 05:24 |
| Grinder’s Switch News | 06:10 |
| Moon Mullikan – Introduction & Song | 08:02 |
| Jordanaires’ Spiritual Performance | 12:43 |
| Rod Brasfield Comedy | 15:00 |
| Moon Mullikan – “I’ll Sail My Ship Alone”| 20:02 |
| Stringbean (?) – “Pretty Little Pink” | 23:03 |
| George Morgan – “I Pass By Your Window” | 26:14 |

---

Episode Tone and Style

The language is informal, playful, and full of down-home humor. Performers trade jokes in a folksy, close-knit manner that reflects the Opry’s communal spirit. Musical interludes blend seamlessly with comedy, painting a vivid picture of mid-century rural entertainment and affection for American folk culture.

---

Summary

This episode is a time capsule of Opry magic—brimming with classic country music, sharp wit, and memorable personalities. George Morgan leads a cast of legends who interweave songs of love and loss with clever, homespun humor. Whether through Minnie Pearl’s Grinder’s Switch gossip, Moon Mullikan’s piano songs, or Rod Brasfield’s rural comedy routines, the show delivers a warm, inviting journey into classic Americana. For newcomers and longtime fans alike, this is an endearing window into the heart of radio’s golden days.

---

Transcript

[A]

If you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why, hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time restocks, your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgrainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. This is the story of the 1. As the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, she knows the only thing more important than having the right safety gear is having it there when you need it. That's why she partners with Grainger for auto reordering, so her team members can count on her to have cut resistant gloves on hand and each shift can run safely and efficiently. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgranger.com or just stop by Ranger for the ones who get it done.

[B]

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 Original air date is July 18, 1953 the first song is entitled My Little Red Wagon. And we've got George Morgan again in the lead role. Let's get into it.

[C]

It's Granville Opry time. Another big folk music show starring George Morgan. Want you riding my little red wagon. I'd love to pull you down the street. I bet all the kids will be jealous when they see my playmate so sweet. Hold tight till we come to the hilltop and we'll coast down the hill, you and me. Won't you ride in my little red wagon? Cuz you are my sweetheart to be. Hold tight till we come to the hilltop and we'll coast on the hills you and me Want to ride in my little red wagon. Cause you are my sweetheart to be. Thanks. Thanks a lot. And a great big hottie to all our good friends and neighbors. And what a crowd we got here tonight, folks. Why, there are people from just about every state in the 48 to see it here. Rod Brassfield, Minnie Pearl, the Jordanares, Stringbean, and the entire gang. Yes, sir, Grant. And I'll bet there's a big delegation here from Polk County, Texas, to say howdy to their favorite son, Moon Mullikan. Let's recognize that, okay? Moon will come over the mountain directly, folks. But right now, let's see what's been happening this past week down in Grinder Switch. Here's the princess of the press and our best gal, Cousin Minnie Pearl. How do?

[D]

I'm just proud to be here. Well, throughout Aquarium, we are all mighty proud of that rain we've been getting. It drowned us, which has been so hot here recently that Uncle Nabob woke up the other morning and he was hot. He thought he'd done died and went where folks have been telling him to go all year. And Uncle Nabob. Uncle. You can't depend on Sellers now, no matter how old they are. But there's one thing you got to say for fellers. They're always interested in a sporting proposition. You take Uni Buttle's Foot, for instance. Uni once made a bet with Celina Skihorn that if he asked her to marry him, she'd turn him down. Well, Selina called his bet and raised him five. On the other hand, note there's Prunella Pinbody. She's so skinny that if she eats an olive, she stuff. And when she was a young girl, she swore that before she's 21, she was gonna get a man or bus. Well, when she was 21, she didn't have nobody. And then she swore she was gonna get a man before she was 30. And after that, she just swore. Sometimes it's your parents f that girls don't get mad when a girl gets to be a young chicken. They watch her like a hawk. Like the girl in this. Your poem right here says, they say a girl's acting improper if she's caught in the parlor by Papa. But I still insist if she wants to be kissed, it ain't proper for Papa to suffer.

[C]

Hey, say, Minnie Pearl.

[D]

Yes, George?

[C]

Minnie Pearl, do you want me to tell you something about kissing?

[D]

Oh, George, I sure do. That's a subject I always like to explore at close range.

[C]

Yeah, well, I know. Well, I'll let you in on a little secret, Min. Yeah. Fellas have found that gals with a small mouth make the best kisser.

[D]

Yeah, yeah.

[C]

The smaller the mouth, the better the kisser she is.

[D]

Oh, is that so? Well, I never knew of that before.

[C]

Oh, man. And I'll tell you another thing. Maybe you don't. Maybe you don't put enough well, oomph in your kissing. Are you sure you just don't give him those little pecks?

[D]

I don't know about the little pecks, but we sure do have bushels of fun. Well, should I tell you now, though? Now for the news and grinder switch. We got a feller up that grinder switch. That's the fattest feller up first. I'm telling you, he's awful big. He's also the laziest feller. His name's Porky Hopkins. Other day, well, Uncle Nabob went by and he seen Porky sitting up there on the porch not doing nothing. And Uncle Nabob says, porky, you old good for nothing. Why don't you get out there and hoe them weeds out of your corn? And Porky says, well, now, I would do that except I got conflictions. He said, what's that? He says, well, says, you see, my conscience says, porky, get out there and hold that corn. But this big old lazy carcass of mine says, who me? Well, sir, I gotta go now. But I'd like y' all to remember one thing. Marriage. Now, this is the way marriage is right here. It's like a poker game. It takes a pad to open. He shows her diamond, she calls his brush, and it ends up in a full house.

[C]

This is the story of the one as an H Vac technician, he and his digital multimeter are in high demand. So when a noisy office H Vac turns out to be a failing blower motor, he doesn't break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product information, he selects the product he needs to keep everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickranger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done. Well, we got a big fella as our guest tonight that sure plays the fool out of a piano. Yes, sir, and he can sing up a storm too. Matter of fact, his talent is as big as he is. And believe me, that's plenty large. So, folks, let's give a great big Tennessee welcome to Moon Mullikan. Hey, Moon, you know we haven't had the ple. Your company on the show for, well, let's see, about three months. Believe me, we don't aim to let you stay away so long next time. Oh, you tell us where you been, huh? George, I've had the pleasure of going from coast to coast in the past few months, meeting all of our friends and saying hello to them. Well, that's fine, Moon. But now that you're here, suppose you get over at that piano and hang out some of that fine country style swing. Here's Moon Mullikin, folks, picking and singing Cherokee Boogie. Hello, Cherokee TV Danced along There's an Indian boogie To a white man song saying hey holy. Night well, he dances over here, he dances over there he dances what the folk standing Bear said hey holy night hey holy night hey holy Sit hey holy night all the way tonight. Well, he danced in a trot and he danced in the water. Well, I'd kind of like to sing y' all one of my favorite sacred songs now. And from your letters, well, sir, I'd say that lots of you folks out there enjoy hearing it, too. It's called Where We'll Never Grow Old. I have heard of a land On a far away strand Is a beautiful city of gold Built by Jesus on high where we never shall die It's a land where we'll never throw old Never thrown Never grow In a land where we'll never grow. Never grow Never grow In a land where we'll never grow. Never grow Ever grow In a land where we never grow. Never grow Never grow In a land where we never grow. Thank you. Thank you, folks. Thanks a lot. You know, the Jordan Ayers took part in an all night singing a couple of weeks ago, and one of the numbers the good folks wanted to hear him do over and over again is the spiritual they've chosen for tonight. It's called Dig a Little Deep, the Jordanaire. I want to dig a little deeper in his love Dig a little deeper in his love I want to dig a little deeper in the storehouse of his love of his love well, I want to dig a little deeper in his love Dig a little deeper in his love I wanna dig a little deeper in the storehouse of his love well, I wanna dig deeper, deeper I wanna dig a little deeper I wanna dig a little deeper I wanna dig a little deeper in the storehouse all this love all this love well, I wanna walk a little more to talk a little more like a Christian sure want to dig a little deeper in this clubhouse of his love Love. Is love all peace love. I want to dig a little deeper in the starhouse all where I want to dig. I want to dig a little deeper in the storehouse Love is love Love is love well, I want to walk a little more like a Jesus I want to talk a little more like a Christian St. I want to dig a little we're in the storehouse all is love all is love. That's it. That's all right. Thank you, boys. Well, it's time now for some rib tickling. And you know that means only one thing. The Hornwald hot shot himself, Rod Bradfield. Well, thank you, ma'. Am. That was just fine music. Much obliged. I appreciate that so much. Howdy, Mr. George Morgan. I'm glad to see you Howdy, Rod. I'm sure glad to see you, George. Thank you. Hey, George. Yeah? Do you know how one antiseptic greets another antiseptic? Well, no, Rod. How does one antiseptic dick beat another antiseptic Hygiene. A. Boy that just slays me to get a good on you like that. Hi, friends. It's been cool today, but it's hot tonight, ain't it? Hey, Ronnie. Ronnie. You Rodney. I say, you're certainly looking good tonight. Well, now, you just ain't kidding there, George, old buddy. I'll tell you. By ned, I'll tell you one thing. There's one woman that used to write to me every day of the year and tell me that I was the most handsome man in the world. And then one day she stopped. Well, how come? Seems like they sewed up the sleeve on her straight jacket. Look, I'm afraid you're always guilty of exaggerating. Exaggerating? Yeah. Well, I'm only human. Well, there you go exaggerating again. How's that? Well, never mind. That makes me some mad order slap though. Oh, wait a minute, Rod. Wait a minute, Rod. Somehow, somehow, Somehow, Rodney, you just don't look like the lover type to me. Is that right? That's right. Why, why, Rod, I've seen great lovers walk down the street and. And just brush the women off like flies. Yeah, well, George, I have the same trouble with women. No flies. I wouldn't die. George. George, I'll tell you one thing. I bet I'm one of the few people you ever seen that had a double date at the same time. Had two dates at the same time. That's right. You remember when the circus come to town last fall at that Ringworm and Bay Room circus or something? Yeah, I remember. Barnett dated the Siamese twins. You know them gals that's growed together. The Siamese twins? Yeah, sure I did. Well, did you have a good time?

[D]

Well, yes and no.

[C]

Well, I tell you, Rod, you ain't. You know what they done? What? They was eating watermelons. And one of them was eating watermelons. The other ones are spitting out their seed. I bet they were listening. You ain't once mentioned your gal, Suzy Rodney. Now just tell me, tell me how she's been. Oh, George. Poor Suzie. I feel sorry for Susie. Is that right? Yeah, I sure do, George. I sure do. Susie and her dog both got sick yesterday and I went down to the drugstore and got him some medicine, see? Uh huh. And you know how accidental happened? Oh, yeah. I give the dog's medicine to Susie and Suzy's medicine to the dog. No kidding. What happened? Well, the dog's nipping a sweater at home and Susie's been chasing cars all day. I'm afraid I'm gonna to just chain her up to the porch or something. You the truth. Hey, did you hear what happened to my Uncle Sa? I didn't hear. So tell me all that. Well, the poor old soul was out there on the back porch yesterday morning getting ready to shave, see? Yeah. And he had a mirror hanging up there on a nail with a string on it, you know. Yeah. And he got all ready to shave and he thought he heard somebody knock on the door, see? So he turned around right quick and his razor cut that string and the mirror fell down in a basket of old clothes down there. Uhhuh. He turned back around to finish shaving and looked up at that blank wall and he hollered, hey, Sam, come here.

[D]

I've done cut my full head off.

[C]

Oh my God. So how. All right, Rob. So how about us calling right now on that piano playing man from Texas again? Moon Mullikin. Moon. Come on out here, friend. I tell you what, we all waiting play and sing that biggest record of yours. I'll sail my ship alone. Let's go, Moon. I'll sail my ship alone with all the dreams I own Drifting out across the ocean I sail my ship alone Though all the sails you, tone. And if it starts to sink then I'll blame you We've been sweethearts far so long but now you say we're through the love we shared is just a memory I had built a ship of dreams and planned them all for you but now I guess what is to be will be you. Well, I'm just like a ship sea that lost without a sail the dark clouds hides the sun prom up above and even with these broken dreams My heart will never fail for deep inside there's only one true love so I sailed my ship alone with all the dreams are all drifting out across the ocean blue oh, I sailed my ship alone Though all the sails you torn and if it starts to sink then I'll blame you.

[B]

Back in the old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for teas, tinctures and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more again otr westerns.com herbs.

[C]

Well, the bull brummel is a five string banjo has now appeared friends and it looks like there's no stopping him until he picks and sings Pretty Little Pink. It's the same thing. Get out of the way Minnie Pearl But I guess you think my pretty little miss life can live without you but let you know before I go care my little about you oh fly around my pretty little bee Fly around my daisy Fly around my pret little pink Y' all almost drive me crazy. But every time I go that road is always dark and cloudy and every time I see that gal always tell her cloudy go fly around my daisy Fly around my almost find me crazy. Hang on Killer R to go and can't go Ferrari when apples go white on three rims all four Brandy whirls around on Nashville sweeter than pansy Fly around my Philippines fly around my daisy Fly around my philippic almost running crazy. Okay, sing all right, Well, tonight's ballad is one I recorded a few weeks ago, and I'm kind of pleased at the way you folks have taken to it. Real please it's called I pass by your window. I passed by your window and what did I see the happiness that might have been you sat there with someone where I used to be I was out outside looking. Though I never heard even one whispered word I knew you were giving your heart as you dim the light and and to arms held you tight I remember how I played that fire I turned from your window alone in the rain the sea you kissed would burn like sin I walk in the shadow down memory lane but I won't pass your window again. I turn from your way window alone in the lake to see you kiss with her like s I'll walk in the shadow down memory lane But I won't pass your window again. This is the united states armed forces radio service. It's Sam.

[B]

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.

[C]

Sam.