Old Time Radio Westerns – “Panamama (Hank Snow) | Grand Ole Opry (02-20-54)”

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Featured Artists: Hank Snow, Goldie Hill, Moon Mulligan, Rod Brasfield, Grandpa Jones, Old Hickory Singers
Original Broadcast: February 20, 1954
Podcast Release: March 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to a classic 1954 broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, starring country legend Hank Snow and featuring a lively showcase of unforgettable musical numbers, comedic banter, and vivid Americana storytelling. Digitally restored for enriched sound, the broadcast captures the spirit of live radio from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville — complete with country harmonies, old-fashioned humor, and guest performances by rising star Goldie Hill, comic Rod Brasfield, Moon Mulligan, Grandpa Jones, and the Old Hickory Singers.

Key Segments & Highlights

1. Opening & Introduction

[01:13–02:37]

• Andrew Ryan (Host): Opens with a warm Old Time Radio welcome, setting the scene for a night of country music and Opry fun.
• Vintage commercial plug for Harvey's department store and the show's main sponsor.

2. Hank Snow: "Panamama"

[02:37–04:00]

• Hank Snow: Performs his tropical-flavored tune “Panamama,” delivering imagery of love and adventure in Panama.
• Memorable Lyric:
  “In Panama, those Panamas, they live the life of a beautiful dream. Your life's a waste until you get a taste of the thrill that you get from a tropical queen.” ([02:45])

3. Grand Ole Opry Lineup & Old Hickory Singers

[04:00–08:24]

• Andrew Ryan: Announces the star-studded Opry lineup, touting guests and "mighty sweet icing" with Goldie Hill.
• Old Hickory Singers: Deliver “Sweet Mama Treetop Doll,” a catchy down-home harmony number.
• On-air sponsor plug for Prince Albert tobacco follows, interwoven with light banter.

4. Goldie Hill Interview & Featured Songs

[09:27–10:14]

• Andrew Ryan: Playfully introduces Goldie Hill, detailing her appearance and music credentials.
• Goldie Hill: Shares her recent musical journey:

  “We've been kindly appearing down through the south, through flat Florida, Mississippi, Alabama. Just got back this week from Chicago and made a few records this afternoon.” ([09:52])

• Performance: Goldie sings “Let Me Be the One,” a tender country love song.

5. Fiddle Square Dance & Hank Snow Hymn

[12:14–16:03]

• Energetic square dance segment with callers and lively fiddling.
• Hank Snow: Sings the sentimental gospel hymn “He’ll Understand and Say Well Done”:

  “Oh, when I come to the end of my journey. We are blind and the battle is won... He’ll understand and say well done.” ([13:35])

6. Moon Mulligan: Piano Interlude

[16:33–19:44]

• Introduction:

  “Of course, you all know who that is playing — the one and only big time piano man from Polk County, Moon Mulligan.” ([16:34])

• Moon Mulligan performs “I Sail My Ship Alone,” a wistful ballad of love and drifting dreams.

7. Comedy Segment: Rod Brasfield & Hank Snow

[19:44–23:54]

• Rod Brasfield: Country comic delivers a rapid-fire routine riffing on George Washington, inflation, dieting, and courting Minnie Pearl.
  • Notable Exchange:

    Rod: “Why couldn't Washington throw a dollar across the Potomac today?”
    Hank: “I don’t know, why?”
    Rod: “Because a dollar don’t go as far now as it did back in them days.” ([20:17])

  • He jokes about his girlfriend and moth-eaten clothes, closing with a sentimental nod to Minnie Pearl.

8. Goldie Hill Returns: "I'm Yesterday's Girl"

[24:24–27:27]

• Andrew Ryan: Invites Goldie back for a poignant number.
• Goldie Hill: Sings “I'm Yesterday's Girl,” an emotional ballad about heartbreak and faded love.
  • Memorable Lyric:
    “For no cause at all you let me fall. And now I'm your yesterday's girl.” ([24:54])

9. Grandpa Jones: "Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss"

[27:27–28:47]

• Grandpa Jones: Lights up the stage with his five-string banjo and the lively folk song “Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss,” full of playful lyrics and old-timey spirit.

10. Hank Snow: "Act One, Act Two, Act Three"

[30:38–34:01]

• Andrew Ryan: Introduces this track as “a little more sentimental.”
• Hank Snow: Sings about the stages of a relationship with theatrical metaphors.
  • Notable Lyric:
    “The play is ended now, the curtain drops for me. I thought I was the leading man.” ([31:53])

11. Closing & Preview

[34:01–34:30]

• Andrew Ryan: Bids farewell and previews next week’s “driver”: Ray Price, with guests Johnny and Jack, and Ellen.
  • “We aim to come calling for you in the buckboard a week from now.” ([33:55])
• Hank Snow: Signs off with gratitude:
  “Thanks for everything and we'll be seeing you next Saturday night at the Grand Ole Opry.” ([34:01])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Opry Camaraderie:
  “Well, thanks and a great big howdy to all my good friends and neighbors of the Grand Ole Opry.”
  — Hank Snow ([04:00])
• Rod Brasfield’s Classic Comic Style:
  “His britches is too dead busted tight!” ([20:14])
  “Washington couldn't throw a dollar across the Potomac today. Because a dollar don’t go as far now as it did back in them days.” ([20:20])
• Sentimental Touch:
  “Oh, when I come to the end of my journey... He’ll understand and say well done.”
  — Hank Snow ([13:35])

Episode Structure & Flow

• Classic Opry Mix: Seamless blend of music, lighthearted host chat, sponsor mentions, gospel, and old-time rag.
• Musical Diversity: From “Panamama”’s island flair to sentimental hymns, love songs, and lively folk.
• Comedic Relief: Brasfield’s routines offer a change of pace, keeping the variety show style authentic.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Chatter, introductions, and fiddle reels transport listeners to the Ryman Auditorium’s heyday.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 01:13 | Andrew Ryan welcomes listeners | | 02:37 | Hank Snow performs “Panamama” | | 04:00 | Lineup announcement & Old Hickory Singers | | 09:27 | Goldie Hill interview | | 10:14 | Goldie Hill sings “Let Me Be the One” | | 12:14 | Square dance/fiddle segment & gospel hymn | | 16:33 | Moon Mulligan piano interlude | | 19:44 | Rod Brasfield comedy segment | | 24:24 | Goldie Hill: “I'm Yesterday’s Girl” | | 27:27 | Grandpa Jones: “Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss” | | 30:38 | Hank Snow: “Act One, Act Two, Act Three” | | 34:01 | Sign-off and next week’s preview |

Summary

This restored Grand Ole Opry episode is a well-paced, heartwarming slice of midcentury country variety entertainment. Revel in Hank Snow’s smooth vocals, Goldie Hill’s rising-star charm, jovial banter, folk traditions, and vintage radio atmosphere — all brought vividly to life by modern restoration. Whether you’re a longtime Opry fan or curious about America’s musical roots, this episode is a lively, authentic window into radio history.