Old Time Radio Westerns: New Year’s Special, Show 1 | Grand Ole Opry (12-31-50)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: September 11, 2025
Original Broadcast: December 31, 1950
Theme: Digitally restored, classic Grand Ole Opry New Year’s Eve broadcast — a lively, music-filled celebration echoing the warmth, humor, and musical virtuosity of America’s golden age radio.

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to New Year’s Eve 1950 at the National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., capturing the spirit and camaraderie of the Grand Ole Opry’s live special. Legends like Red Foley, Rod Brasfield, The Jordanaires, Grandpa Jones, and Minnie Pearl deliver a mix of rousing music, country humor, and heartfelt tributes, especially aimed at US armed service members tuning in worldwide.

“Our hearts are with them all, isn’t it, huh? Yes siree…” — Red Foley [05:32]

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Opening & Setting the Mood

• Host Andrew Rhynes (03:02) introduces the special, noting restoration quality and the historic value of the broadcast.
• Red Foley greets the crowd, establishing the event’s dual purpose: joyous celebration and providing comfort to servicemen far from home.

2. Warm Welcome & Military Tribute

• Red Foley acknowledges US soldiers:
  “…the Armed Forces Radio Service all over the country is going to carry our little broadcast tonight. So we don’t want the boys over there who are having a little rough luck right now to think we’re having too big a time. But our hearts are with them all, isn’t it, huh?” [05:32]
• The audience is included as part of this supportive community.

3. Classic Country Comedy: Rod Brasfield

• Rod Brasfield delivers signature downhome humor: stories about traveling by train, mishaps in sleeping berths, and a childhood memory of being “expelled early.”
  “There wasn’t room enough to cuss a cat without getting hair in your mouth.” [06:57]
  “Now you may think this is the end. Well, it is.” – finishing his musical parody [14:46]
• The crowd responds warmly to Brasfield’s comic rambling and musical send-off.

4. The Jordanaires’ Musical Showpieces

• The celebrated quartet, recently relocated from Missouri, perform stirring gospel numbers:
  • “Lead Me to that Rock” [17:01]
    “Why don’t you lead me to that rock that is higher than I…” [17:16]
  • “I Want To Dig a Little Deeper in the Storehouse of His Love” [22:19]
• Bob Hubbard offers comic banter, referencing presidential pride and making announcements:
  “Next week, right here in this auditorium, following Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, will be Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.” [16:39]
• The crowd’s enthusiastic applause underlines the group’s popularity.
  • “What a wonderful crowd we have. No kidding. A large crowd.” [19:21]

5. Special Guest: Grandpa Jones

• Grandpa Jones returns for a surprise appearance, delighting both audience and fellow performers.
• Performs high-energy, old-time banjo songs:
  • “Son, Get Up and Light the Lamp” [25:33]
  • A comical folk medley about his uncle’s misadventures.
• Shares a graveside story:
  “He looked out and says, ‘well, here it is — Resurrection. And I’m the first one up.’” [28:18]

6. Minnie Pearl’s Entrée & Humor

• Introduced as the “Princess of Grinder Switch,” Minnie Pearl leans into self-deprecating humor and rural romance:
  “Truer words was never spoke through falser teeth, I think.” [32:13]
  “They say kitchen spread germs. I sure have spent a healthy evening.” [33:12]
• Relates country dating tales, family anecdotes, and a song about jealousy:
  • “Jealous Hearted Me” [36:27]
• Engages in a comedic back-and-forth with “Rodney” (Red Foley) about playing hide-and-seek, kissing, and comic miscommunication.
  “Let’s play games.” — Minnie
  “No, we ain’t got nobody to find us…” — Rod/Red Foley [40:03]
  “I don’t want nobody to find us.” — Minnie

7. Variety Songs Medley & Musical Celebration

• Red Foley leads a rapid-fire medley of 1950’s hits, blending country, boogie, and gospel:
  • “Sugarfoot Rag”
  • “Somebody’s Crying Over Me”
  • “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” [46:27]
• Classic Opry on-stage camaraderie shines as all the cast join for “Mama Don’t Allow…”

8. Wrap-up & Countdown to Midnight

• The show closes with anticipation of midnight in Nashville — “five minutes to go here.”
  • “We’re going to celebrate our new year so you folks have all had yours about 55 minutes ago.” [52:47]
• Performers are thanked, and the stage is set for the next half of the special.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Red Foley:
  “We sometimes refer to him as the Clark Gable of the kitchen table.” [05:48] (on Rod Brasfield)
• Rod Brasfield:
  “I love to get high, but not that high. Just wait till after 12 o’clock and see what happens.” [06:53]
• Grandpa Jones:
  “…the population never changes. Every time a baby’s born, somebody leaves town.” [12:46]
• Minnie Pearl:
  “My feller says to me, he says, Minnie Pearl, what would you do if you was to get off up there at Washington on New Year’s Eve and run up on a bunch of them handsome Washington fellers that’d just kiss you at the drop of a hat? What would you do? I said, I reckon I’d be all time of dropping my hat.” [33:50]

Quick-Reference Timestamps

| Time | Segment / Highlight | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 03:02 | Show welcome and broadcast dedication | | 05:32 | Tribute to armed forces | | 06:35 | Rod Brasfield comedy routine | | 17:01 | Jordanaires perform “Lead Me to that Rock” | | 22:19 | Jordanaires: “I Want To Dig a Little Deeper…” | | 25:29 | Surprise: Grandpa Jones enters | | 26:43 | Grandpa Jones’ song “Son, Get Up and Light the Lamp” | | 32:04 | Minnie Pearl’s introduction and act | | 36:27 | Minnie Pearl: “Jealous Hearted Me” | | 38:00 | Minnie & Rodney (Red Foley) funny back-and-forth | | 43:46 | Red Foley: Medley of 1950 hits | | 46:27 | “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” | | 49:01 | “Mama Don’t Allow…” group jam | | 52:47 | Countdown to Nashville New Year |

Episode Tone and Style

The tone is warm, colloquial, and filled with lively rural humor, audience laughter, and Southern hospitality — echoing the original Opry broadcasts. The banter is quick and affectionate, with each performer’s personality shining through.

Summary

This New Year’s Opry special is a joyous, music-rich time capsule of 1950’s Americana featuring grand performances, irrepressible comedy, and heartfelt recognition of America’s servicemen. The blend of restored audio and iconic personalities creates an authentic, immersive experience for fans of classic radio and country music, while the natural flow and high spirits make it entertaining even for newcomers.