Red Foley and Merl Travis | Grand Ole Opry (01-08-48)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Red Foley and Merle Travis | Grand Ole Opry (01-08-48)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: April 10, 2025

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Introduction

The episode kicks off with the host, Andrew Rhynes, welcoming listeners to the "Old Time Radio Westerns." He sets the stage for an engaging episode featuring two legendary country music stars, Red Foley and Merle Travis, performing live at the Grand Ole Opry. Rhynes expresses his enthusiasm, saying, "I hope you enjoy" (00:12).

Red Foley Takes the Stage

Red Foley opens the evening with his signature charm, addressing the enthusiastic audience at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee—the heart of American folk music. Foley introduces himself and his special guest, Merle Travis, with the line:

"It's Grand Ole Opry time. This is Louis Buck, ladies and gentlemen..." (00:32)

He begins with a heartfelt rendition of a song that sets a nostalgic tone for the night:

"I dreamed I rode to heaven Setting on a bailey he got off on the wrong road..." (00:32)

Foley's performance is enriched by meticulously restored audio, bringing out the subtle sounds of the venue and the vibrant energy of the performance.

Merle Travis Joins In

Merle Travis steps up with his guitar, delivering a captivating performance. His song intertwines storytelling with melodic tunes, showcasing his exceptional talent:

"The coming year I'm in need of..." (02:49)

Travis's seamless collaboration with Foley highlights the chemistry between the two artists, creating a memorable musical experience. Their duet captures the essence of the Grand Ole Opry, transporting listeners back to the golden age of radio.

Engaging Audience Interaction

Red Foley engages the audience with lively interactions, introducing Merle Travis' favorite pieces. He invites the Old Hickory Singers to harmonize, leading into a lively number:

"Boys, harmonize on who threw the overalls in Mrs. Murphy's car." (03:35)

This segment not only entertains but also immerses listeners in the communal spirit of the Opry, where every performance feels personal and interactive.

Minnie Pearl’s Hilarious Segment

The podcast features a delightful comedic interlude by Minnie Pearl, the beloved comedic genius of the Grand Ole Opry. Pearl narrates humorous anecdotes from Grinder Switch, blending her signature wit with engaging storytelling:

"He's the head of the day, though, of the rummy sale when he brought in a beautiful cook rug..." (07:22)

Her jokes and playful tales about local events, such as the rummage sale and quirky characters like Uncle Nabob, add a lighthearted touch to the episode. Notable lines include:

"A gal don't have to worry none if she's got a character. That's just what I've got." (08:03)

Musical Performances Continue

Minnie Pearl seamlessly transitions into musical performances, showcasing traditional folk songs that resonate with the audience. She performs "You Are My Sunshine," delivering it with heartfelt emotion:

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..." (10:00)

Red Foley praises Pearl's performance, highlighting her exceptional talent:

"She's got a sharp turn, that girl. One of the finest of all." (10:38)

Grandpa Jones Brings Classic Country Flair

The stage welcomes Grandpa Jones, another Opry staple, who performs "Old Joe Clark." His humorous take on traditional themes and engaging storytelling captivates the audience:

"Well, I wish I had a nickel and I wish I had a d. Wish I had a pretty little girl..." (19:59)

Jones’s lively performance underscores the rich tapestry of personalities that make the Grand Ole Opry a cherished institution.

Cris the Fiddler’s Entertaining Story

A young performer named Cris shares a humorous and relatable story about his misadventures in town, interspersed with musical snippets that amplify the comedic effect:

"I went over to the Clarkston hotel to get me a room... I didn't kiss your wife." (16:14)

Cris’s storytelling, coupled with his musical interludes, adds a fresh and youthful dynamic to the evening’s lineup.

Final Musical Numbers and Curtain Call

As the evening progresses, the performances build to a crescendo with heartfelt ballads and upbeat tunes. Merle Travis presents "Sweet Temptation," a song that beautifully blends melody with evocative lyrics:

"Sweet temptation, you smile and pass me by..." (13:09)

Red Foley ends the night on a high note, inviting everyone to dance along with the entire gang:

"So come on, everybody, and dance along with the whole gang here." (25:14)

The final song, a lively dance number, encapsulates the joyous and communal spirit of the Grand Ole Opry:

"Swing that girl like a hinge on a gal hand up and go." (25:48)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a vibrant dance performance, bringing together all the night’s performers for a memorable finale. Host Andrew Rhynes signs off, encouraging listeners to like, rate, and follow the podcast on various platforms:

"This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed." (26:55)

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Notable Quotes

• Red Foley:

  • "It's Grand Ole Opry time. This is Louis Buck, ladies and gentlemen..." (00:32)
  • "She's got a sharp turn, that girl. One of the finest of all." (10:38)
  • "I love these nice people." (05:56)

• Minnie Pearl:

  • "A gal don't have to worry none if she's got a character. That's just what I've got." (08:03)
  • "How deep? I'm just proud to be here." (07:22)

• Grandpa Jones:

  • "Hold your car." (20:37)

• Cris:

  • "I had a lot of trouble when I got up here in town today..." (16:14)

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Insights and Highlights

• Authentic Atmosphere: The digitally restored audio quality enhances the listening experience, bringing out the rich sounds of the Ryman Auditorium and the vibrant performances of the artists.

• Star Power: The collaboration between Red Foley and Merle Travis exemplifies the camaraderie and mutual respect among country music legends.

• Humor and Storytelling: Minnie Pearl and Cris add layers of humor and relatable storytelling, showcasing the diverse talents that contributed to the Grand Ole Opry's enduring legacy.

• Musical Diversity: From heartfelt ballads to lively dance numbers, the episode features a broad spectrum of musical styles, reflecting the eclectic nature of the Grand Ole Opry.

• Community Spirit: Interactions between performers and the audience highlight the communal and familial atmosphere that made the Grand Ole Opry a beloved institution.

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Conclusion

This episode of the "Old Time Radio Westerns" podcast offers a rich tapestry of performances, humor, and storytelling that pays homage to the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Through the masterful digital restoration, listeners are transported back to 1948, experiencing the magic and camaraderie of iconic country music stars like Red Foley and Merle Travis. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to these timeless tales of the Wild West, this episode promises an engaging and nostalgic journey into America's musical heritage.

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Timestamp Reference:

• Times mentioned in the summary correspond to the MM:SS format from the transcript provided.

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 Old Opry. Original air date is January 8, 1948. And this one's got Merle Travis and Red Foley in the lead roles. Let's get into it, and I hope you enjoy.

[Red Foley]

It's Grand Ole Opry time. This is Louis Buck, ladies and gentlemen, speaking to you from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, the Folk Music center of America. And as always, it would be impossible to cram one more person in. They're all here to see and hear Red Foley. Plus, Red's very special guest tonight, Merle Travis. Now, here he is, the man you've been waiting for, Red Foley. I dreamed I rode to heaven Setting on a bailey he got off on the wrong road I could hear old Satan say Just come on back Just come on back Boy, I've got a special place picked out for you and as you soar so tell you for.

[Merle Travis]

The coming year I'm in need of.

[Red Foley]

You My wife and I, we partied she makes me feel every time I get behind I can hear the jailer say Come on back, come on back, come on back For I've got a special place looked out for you and as you so January, Come on. Thank you, my little boy. At midnight a water metal patch is near the death devil sneaks behind him and whispers in his ear Just come on back, Just come on back oh, I've got a special place picked out for you and as you sow shall.

[Merle Travis]

You read for the comers. Here are many levers here.

[Red Foley]

For the.

[Merle Travis]

Common Here are many believers.

[Red Foley]

Thank you very much. Well, thanks a lot. And a great big hearty to all my good friends and neighbors at Grand Old Apple. Gonna be a big time here tonight. And everyone's anxious to hear from Merle Kravis. So let's set the stage here with one of Merle's particular favorites, as sung by the Old Hickory Singers. Boys, harmonize on who threw the overalls in Mrs. Murphy's car.

[Merle Travis]

Just about a week ago Everything was plenty full of Murph. They treated us like gentlemen we tried to act the same Only for what happened where it was an awful shame When Mistress Murphy dished the child around she fainted on the spot she found.

[Red Foley]

A pair of overalls at the bottom.

[Merle Travis]

Of the pot Him, Nolan. He got ripped and that his eyes were bulging out he jumped upon the piano and loudly heated shovel who threw the overall in Mistress Murphy. Chopper. Nobody spoke so he shouted all the louder. It's a night make this through I can make the mix crew the overall Mr. Smurfy shower who threw the overalls and mixed his murder Nobody spoke so we shout it all the louder if the n trick is true I can lick them Lick it through the overalls and disrespect your child.

[Red Foley]

Well, I'm so glad you didn't wait too long to come back with us. Part of the country, old buddy. Well, Red, everybody was so good to me here at the grand Old Opera and up at my hometown in Drexburg, Kentucky. I just had to come back. Yeah, I heard that the mayor in Drakeburg t turned over the key to the city to you. Is that right?

[Guest Performer]

Yeah, he did.

[Red Foley]

R. He did. What's on the docket for tonight, huh? Well, I thought I'd try to thrash.

[Guest Performer]

Out a couple licks of John Henry.

[Red Foley]

That's a good buddy. Let's thrash it out.

[Guest Performer]

When John Henry was just a little bitty boy Sitting on his mammy's knee Picked up by hammer and a little piece of heel and said this hammer going to be the death of me this hammer going to be the death Lord of me When John Henry was just a little bitty boy no bigger than the palm of your hand his manny she looked down at Johnny and she said my Johnny going to be a steel driving man Lord, Lord, Johnny going to be a steel driving man.

[Red Foley]

I love these nice people.

[Guest Performer]

Out John Henness said to the shaker Said now, Shaker, why don't you pray.

[Red Foley]

If my hammer ever misses this little.

[Guest Performer]

Piece of steel said tomorrow be your burying day Tomorrow be your burying day Then they buried John Henry by the graveyard and they laid him way down in the sand and every time a freight train comes up and by they say now yacht lays the steel driving man.

[Red Foley]

Okay, that's fine. Mer will come back for another song. Just a few minutes, but right now we're about ready to go to press with the latest edition of the Grinder Switch Gazette. Here's the editor herself, Cousin Vinnie Pearl.

[Minnie Pearl]

How deep? I'm just proud to be here. Well, sir, I want y'all to know that I've made a motto for 1948 and it bit a man or bus. So if y'all hear explosion along about the end of the year, that'll be me. Well, sir, I told Uncle Mayfarb yesterday. I told him I'm sure to get me a man once I make up my mind. He said, well, he looked at me and he said, well, you get one quicker if you make up your face. Well, I'll tell you though, he's wrong, you know. A gal don't have to worry none if she's got a character. That's just what I've got. I've got Hezzy. What a character. Well, see, the big news in Grinder Switch this week was the rummage sale we had up there. Uncle Nabob was at the rummage sale, but he was a little disappointed. He says, this ain't much of a rummy sale. I don't see no rum. We had. We had a grab. We had a grab bag. These fellers worry me. I have to keep turning around and looking at them. There's the handsome. Every one of them. Oh, well, says. Oh, we had a grab bag at the sale where everybody was supposed to bring something, use something. The more useless, the better. I took Brother. Brother was the head of the. Of the. He was the head of the day, though, of the rummy sale when he brought in a beautiful cook rug. Of course, there sure was a commotion when we tried to sell it back to the people Brother took it from. We had me in charge of the antique at the rummy sale. So Bud Smead got up, made an announcement about it. He said, if any of you folks is interested in a relic, see Minnie Pearl. Wasn't that nice of it? Yes, the rummage sale broke up when Flood got up to auction off one of the articles. And he got up and said, we're now going to auction off a beautiful organ stew donated by Ms. Lily Twitchell, the singing teacher with hand carved legs.

[Guest Performer]

I like to sing. Yes, he loves to.

[Minnie Pearl]

I like sing out there and call.

[Guest Performer]

You are my sunshine. You are my sunshine.

[Minnie Pearl]

My only sunshine.

[Guest Performer]

You make me happy. God's grace. You never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away. Me, I'm always looking. But if you leave me for a.

[Red Foley]

She's got a sharp turn, that girl. One of the finest of all. The good old hymn. The Old rugged cross.

[Guest Performer]

On a hill for a wasted. An old rugged cross. The emblem of suffering and shame. And I love that old cross. Where the dearest invest. For a world of lost sinners will slain. Though I'll cherish the old rugged frost. Till my throat is at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross. And exchange it suddenly for a proud. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true. It came and rude gladly bear. Then he'll call me Sunday to my home For a week where his glory forever I'll share so I'll cherish the.

[Merle Travis]

Old rugged cross.

[Guest Performer]

Fill my soul.

[Red Foley]

I.

[Guest Performer]

Will cling to the a throne.

[Red Foley]

And the king is hung before.

[Guest Performer]

Christ.

[Red Foley]

This time, a tune that has folks humming from Bangor to Berkeley. And it's sweet temptation sung by Merl Crab.

[Guest Performer]

Well, sweet temptation that's what you are to me that's all you always be, it seems now sweet temptation, you smile and pass me by still you occupy my dream now maybe I've got lots of hidden charms you'd find if you just hold me in your arms but you're just sweet temptation a diamond in the rust. You make it awful tough for me now sweet temptation the most delicious peach is always out of reach they say now sweet temptation, you're just a little flirt don't you know you might get hurt that way? Now someday you may get a big surprise by someone who will make you realize that you're just the temptation a diamond in the rough. You make it awful for me.

[Red Foley]

Ah, Mel, come back again soon. There's another little fellow. It's always gone from here week after week. He's Hornwall, Tennessee's pride and joy. Drive, Cris.

[Cris]

Thank you, Mr. Foley and Heidi. Friends, I'm glad to be here tonight. It ain't so hot tonighty. I've got a little cold tonight. I can't hardly talk. I've got a little cold. I slept in the barn last night and woke up this morning a little horse. But as hoarse as I am, I sure do feel pretty good. I sure do feel pretty good. I won a milking contest yesterday down there in Hornwall. I won a milking contest. I didn't have no influence with the judges neither, but I had a lot.

[Red Foley]

Of pull with the cows.

[Cris]

I had a lot of trouble when I got up here in town today. I went over to the Clarkston hotel to get me a room. And I was standing there in the lobby just like a human being, minding everybody's business but mine. And I was talking to Mr. Gossett. He's the clerk over. He's the feller behind the sanger in the hotel. If the one tells you you can or you can't, you know what I'm talking. Well, see, while I was standing there talking to him, there was a man and his wife walked down the. Down the stair step, sir, and Mr. Gossett handed them a bill for $35. And the fellow just nearly had to fit. He just nearly had to fit. He says. Do you mean to tell me it's going to cost me $35 to save in this hotel five days. Mr. Gossett says, well, now that included your meals at that there was your meals too. And the fellow said, well, we didn't eat here, though. Mr. Gossett said, well, that wasn't my fault. The meals was right here for you. So the fellow says, well, if that's the case, you owe me $35 for kissing my wife. Gossip said, what do you mean kissing your wife? I didn't kiss your wife. Fellow says, well, it ain't my fault, brother. She was right here for you. I got in my room and I sort of tied it up a little bit and I needed a haircut. So I went over to the YMCA barber shop right to get me a haircut. And I don't know what in the cat hair was the matter with that barber, but he, he, he was without a doubt the slowest barber I ever sing. Barbara. I got in his chair and I just sat there and sat there and.

[Guest Performer]

Sat there and sat there and sat.

[Cris]

There and finally he got through and he says to me, he says, rod, did you know your hair was turning gray? I says, no wonder, bud. I've been here long enough. Why, it made me so mad. Dr. Dad the banana, I'm telling you the truth. But I just says to myself, while I'm here, I'm just going to buy me a, A, a store bought shave. So I, I told him, I said, I'd like to get a shave too, please. Well, he was shaving me there and I don't know what was the matter with. He must have been sort of nervous or something because it cut a big chunk out of my chin right there and it. And, and it started bleeding. And then he got some paper, a cigarette leaf or anything put on it to stop the blood. And when he got all through, I said to him, I said, well, shake hands, brother. I'm glad to meet the master of three trades. Barber, butcher and paper hanger. Seems to me like, it just seems to me like I have trouble every time I come up here. Now you take the day when I left home, I brung our old grandfather's flock. We've got one of my big grandfather's clocks and it got out of whack and I brung it up here to get it fixed. And I was walking down the street with it and it's a big. I was holding it like this. I couldn't see around it and run right smack dab into a lady there and just knocked her Flat as a flitter there right on the sidewalk. And I looked around this clock and I says, oh, pardon me, ma'am, I'm awful sorry. She says, why in the world, boy, don't you wear a wristwatch like everybody else does?

[Red Foley]

Well, the price of all the Jones boys. Good old Grandpa himself is just waiting to rare back to sing us that song about old Joe Clark. So rare back and let her go, Grandpa.

[Grandpa Jones]

Well, I wish I had a nickel and I wish I had a d. Wish I had a pretty little girl park Goodbye, Betty Brown well, I went old your park I was going to leave this town well, I went down old your park didn't mean no harm he went and got his old.44 and he shot me through the arm and when old your Parker.

[Guest Performer]

Hold your car.

[Grandpa Jones]

To me no man to tell you the reason why he has so many poking folks you make my biscuit fly.

[Red Foley]

Oh, that's what I call I'm sure this gang around me is none other than Wally Fowler. And tonight, Wally and his old Fridge quartet plan to take us all down on the Jerry Cole Road.

[Guest Performer]

As you travel along on the Jerry.

[Merle Travis]

Cole.

[Red Foley]

There'S room for just to no more no man Just Jesus Just Jesus.

[Guest Performer]

Each all of his there's never a.

Care for Jesus.

[Red Foley]

Well, we're sort of getting short on time here. But I wouldn't want to let the night go by without singing what I think is one of the prettiest folk songs ever written. It's Blue Eyes crying in the rain. Go something like this.

[Guest Performer]

In the firelight glow I see her blue eyes crying in the rain.

As.

We kissed goodbye and farted I knew we never meet again Love is like a dying ember Only memories remain through the ages I remember who I and.

Then when we meet up yonder.

We.

[Red Foley]

Stroll hand in hand again.

[Guest Performer]

In a land that knows no parties Blue eyes flying in the rain.

[Red Foley]

I wasn't just kidding when I said we were running out of minutes here. So come on, everybody, and dance along with the whole gang here. Of course. Joe Carol fiddles laughing riches and old Mrs.

[Wally Fowler]

Fly out and throw. Hop in, swing your partner and draw.

[Guest Performer]

Again.

[Red Foley]

That brings down the curtain on another grand old opera. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service. Voice of information Education around the lady.

[Wally Fowler]

In Face your partner and back to the wall Meet your partner and hi. All those she go now you're gone Swing that girl with her egg dress on Hurry up, boys, and don't be late Swing that girl like a hinge on a gaze all hands up and those she go swing it partner on.

[Red Foley]

We go or join hands and dance in the middle Swing the H you.

[Wally Fowler]

Keep time with a little big foot up and lift them down Swing the h go round round her fly off the throw hop in swing your partner and d again Chase the rabbit and chase the squirrel Chase that pretty girl around the world a chase the cow and catch the cat Catch the your partner swing a once in a hat lady around the lady in the gent don't go gent around the lady and no seat toe Face your partner and back to the wall Meet your partner and hi you all don't be going hing that girl with her excess on Hurry up boys and don't be laid Swing that girl like a hinge on a gal hand up and go.

[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.