Old Time Radio Westerns – Performer Interviews with Connie B | Grand Ole Opry (12-31-50)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: September 25, 2025
Highlighted Segment: Performer interviews with Connie B. Gay, featuring Grand Ole Opry stars
Original Broadcast: December 31, 1950

Episode Overview

This special episode dives into the excitement of a Grand Ole Opry road show performance in Washington, D.C., at the close of 1950. Preserved from an original broadcast, it features legendary voices of country and western radio being interviewed live from the National Airport by Connie B. Gay, with special appearances by Minnie Pearl, Cully Holt of the Jordanaires, Rod Brasfield, and Red Foley. The focus is on backstage banter, performer camaraderie, and enthusiastic anticipation for the night’s giant concert at the National Guard Armory. The conversation is rich with personality, humor, and a palpable sense of community typical of the era’s radio variety shows.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Welcoming the Opry Stars to D.C.

[01:00 – 01:30]

• Donald Tucker sets the scene, announcing the special nature of this final show for 1950 and handing over hosting duties to Connie B. Gay.

2. Minnie Pearl’s Signature Humor

[01:40 – 03:37]

• Minnie Pearl brings her trademark warmth and humor as she banters with Connie B. Gay about the flight from Nashville.
  • Discusses a fellow passenger:

    "There was one nice looking feller sat down by me and looked over at me and smiled." – Minnie Pearl, 02:01

  • Jokes about her attire and prospects for meeting someone at the show.
  • Chimes in on the excitement:

    "We's talking about it all the way up. Every one of us hollering and screaming and yelling about." – Minnie Pearl, 02:34

  • Expresses affection for Washington audiences:

    "We'd rather play Washington in almost any place in the world." – Minnie Pearl, 02:43

3. Details About the Concert Venue

[03:00 – 03:23]

• Connie B. Gay shares practical information for concert-goers:

  • "We've got 5,000 tickets that we've set aside for sale at the door tonight... [The] Armory is a powerful big place." – Connie B. Gay, 03:01

  • Discusses the vast "two acres of unobstructed floor space" for the event.

4. The Performer Roll Call

- Cully Holt (of the Jordanaires)

[03:38 – 04:53]

• Connie is introduced to Cully Holt:
  • Confirms the Jordanaires’ versatility:

    "We do most anything the occasion calls for. Anything from Ragmop. Right on." – Cully Holt, 04:15

• Their focus on spirituals, but readiness for all types of music.

- Rod Brasfield’s Comic Relief

[04:53 – 06:09]

• Light-hearted talk about the cold and travel woes:

  "It's plum cold outside. In fact, it's been so cold in Hornwall last week, the old hinge is laying from a standing position." – Donald Tucker (as Rod Brasfield), 05:21

• Shares about being well-treated and fed, and anticipates the show.

- Red Foley’s Professionalism

[06:09 – 09:22]

• Praised by Connie B. Gay for his contribution to American folk music.
• Recalls fond memories of previous Washington performances.
• Previews an extensive, no-intermission concert:

  "Everything that we've ever done the last five or six years... we plan on throwing it at them over there tonight." – Red Foley, 06:40

• Promises to perform "Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy" as per Connie's request.
• Repeats event details to encourage listeners to attend:

  "That's tonight from 9 until 2 in the National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C... The price is $3 plus tax. Wonderful. That’s the best price I know of in the nation." – Red Foley, 08:59

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Minnie Pearl (about men on the plane):

  "Well, he finally laughed out loud, so it didn’t mean much. Not a whole lot, I'd say." (02:08)

• Connie B. Gay (on venue space):

  "We got two acres of unobstructed floor space over there tonight." (03:14)

• Rod Brasfield’s Weather Humor:

  "It's plum cold outside. In fact, it's been so cold in Hornwall last week, the old hinge is laying from a standing position." (05:21)

• Red Foley (on performing the hits):

  "Everything that we've ever done the last five or six years... we plan on throwing it at them over there tonight." (06:40)

• Red Foley (plugging the concert):

  "Show and dance and celebration. No intermissions. Is that wonderful? Complete from nine till two." (08:45)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:00 — Donald Tucker opens, sets context for the episode
• 01:40 — Minnie Pearl’s entrance, comic anecdotes, and pre-show excitement
• 03:00 — Info about show seating and the size of the Armory
• 03:38 — Cully Holt introduces the Jordanaires and their music styles
• 04:53 — Rod Brasfield brings humor and stories of traveling
• 06:09 — Red Foley discusses the show, memories, and setlist
• 08:45 — Red Foley shares final event logistics and encourages attendance

Episode Tone and Atmosphere

The language is playful, affectionate, and colloquial—smattered with good-natured teasing, rural metaphors, and lively anticipation. The cultures of country and radio variety are on full display, capturing both the community spirit of these road shows and the humor that endeared these performers to generations.

Conclusion

This episode is a delightful window into the camaraderie, humor, and showmanship of Grand Ole Opry stars on the eve of a major D.C. performance at the close of 1950. Listeners get a sense of backstage dynamics, pre-show jitters, and the distinct voices that made country radio a cornerstone of American entertainment. The vivid personality exchanges and direct invitations pull the audience not just into a broadcast, but into a living event full of anticipation and genuine warmth.