Red Foley and Rod Brasfield | Grand Ole Opry (02-23-49)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Red Foley and Rod Brasfield | Grand Ole Opry (02-23-49)"

Episode Details

• Title: Red Foley and Rod Brasfield | Grand Ole Opry (02-23-49)
• Host: Andrew Rhynes
• Release Date: June 5, 2025
• Original Air Date: February 23, 1949

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Introduction to the Grand Ole Opry Episode

The episode transports listeners back to February 23, 1949, featuring a lively and entertaining performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Hosted by the charismatic Rod Brassfield, alongside the delightful Minnie Pearl, the show spotlights legendary country artists Red Foley and Jimmy Dickens, blending humor, music, and engaging storytelling that captivated audiences during the golden age of radio.

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Opening Banter and Introductions

Rod Brassfield kicks off the show with infectious enthusiasm:

[02:59] Rod Brassfield: "Welcome to Grand Ole Opry with Rod Brassfield, Minnie Pearl and starring Red Foley."

Minnie Pearl adds her signature warmth:

[03:18] Minnie Pearl: "Everyone will have some fun at the Grand Ole Opry."

This friendly greeting sets a convivial tone, preparing the audience for an evening of entertainment.

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Humorous Sketches and Dialogues

Rod Brassfield engages in a playful exchange with Minnie Pearl, showcasing their comedic chemistry.

Rod Brassfield shares a humorous encounter with a fortune teller:

[06:20] Rod Brassfield: "Her name was Princess Pomona. I asked her, I bet you can't read my mind... And she slapped my face."

Minnie Pearl responds with her trademark wit:

[08:02] Minnie Pearl: "Who?"

Their banter continues as Rod elaborates on the fortune teller's prediction about his girlfriend, Susie, leading to a comical misunderstanding about famous movie stars:

[08:04] Rod Brassfield: "...she says, well, she ain't much on looks, but she talks just like a movie star."

[08:22] Minnie Pearl: "Who?"

This segment highlights the lighthearted humor that characterizes the show's appeal.

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Red Foley’s Musical Performance

Red Foley, a stalwart of country music, delivers a heartfelt rendition of "Tennessee Border." His soothing vocals and storytelling prowess transport listeners to the scenic Tennessee border, encapsulating themes of love and longing.

Notable Quote:

[05:41] Rod Brassfield: "You know, Ms. Foley, I think by that I'm getting smarter every day."

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Jimmy Dickens’ Comedic Song

Jimmy Dickens, known for his humorous songs, presents "Take an Old Cold Tater." Through his witty lyrics, he hilariously narrates his childhood experiences with forced meals and the resultant "puny ways."

Notable Lines:

[08:40] Jimmy Dickens: "Now when I was a little boy around the table at home... But I had to eat them just to say."

[11:14] Rod Brassfield: "Grady boy, that's the biggest little voice I ever heard in my life."

These performances blend comedy with relatable anecdotes, eliciting laughter and connection from the audience.

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Musical Interludes and Harmony

The show features seamless transitions between dialogues and musical performances. Minnie Pearl takes the stage with her rendition of "Swiss Moonlight Lullaby," enchanting listeners with her melodic voice and heartfelt delivery.

Highlighted Lyrics:

[16:32] Minnie Pearl: "I'd like to do the first number I ever recorded. And here it is, folks, my Swiss moonlight lullaby."

Her performance is interspersed with humorous interruptions, maintaining the show's dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

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Anecdotes and Audience Interaction

The camaraderie between Rod Brassfield and Minnie Pearl is evident as they share amusing stories and interact with each other and the audience.

Uncle Nabob's near-miss incident adds a layer of suspense followed by humor:

[22:33] Rod Brassfield: "I think everybody had a good time at the picnic. Except your Uncle Nabob. What in the cat Harry was the matter with him?"

[23:02] Uncle Nabob: "He stuck his shotgun out the window and just blazed away... Wasn't nobody. It is his long handle underwear flapping on the clothesline."

This anecdote not only entertains but also reinforces the close-knit community vibe of the Grand Ole Opry.

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Closing Remarks and Teasers for Future Episodes

As the episode nears its end, Rod Brassfield and Minnie Pearl wrap up with promises of future shows, ensuring listeners remain eager for more entertainment.

[26:22] Minnie Pearl: "That's about all for now."

[26:23] Rod Brassfield: "But we'll be back again next week."

This conclusion leaves the audience anticipating the next installment, solidifying their connection to the Grand Ole Opry community.

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Conclusion

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully captures the essence of the Grand Ole Opry as it was in 1949. Through a blend of humor, music, and engaging storytelling, Rod Brassfield and Minnie Pearl, alongside stars like Red Foley and Jimmy Dickens, deliver an unforgettable auditory experience. The show's ability to balance comedic sketches with heartfelt musical performances exemplifies the timeless appeal of classic Western radio dramas.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [02:59] Rod Brassfield: "Welcome to Grand Ole Opry with Rod Brassfield, Minnie Pearl and starring Red Foley."
• [06:20] Rod Brassfield: "Her name was Princess Pomona. I asked her, I bet you can't read my mind... And she slapped my face."
• [08:03] Minnie Pearl: "Who's?"
• [08:40] Jimmy Dickens: "Now when I was a little boy around the table at home..."
• [22:33] Rod Brassfield: "I think everybody had a good time at the picnic. Except your Uncle Nabob. What in the cat Harry was the matter with him?"

Listeners who missed the live broadcast will find this summary a comprehensive guide to the episode's highlights, capturing the lively spirit and enduring charm of the Grand Ole Opry.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Expedia Ad]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and before we get into this episode I wanted to do a little PSA and remind you that I put out multiple shows a week of Old Time Radio Westerns. You can check them out by going to otrwesterns.com or looking up OTR Westerns on your podcast application of choice. We are releasing over 10 episodes a week so far, about a hundred a month, so definitely want you to check that out again. OTRWesterns.com check it out. I also wanted to invite you to check out my sister podcast site otnetcast and that's net c a s t so ot n e t c a s t netcast otnetcast.com we're currently releasing mystery genre shows and this is shows like the Shadow Escape Suspense and the Whistler and we have plans on bringing other shows to to the network for you guys to listen to. So it's my non western old time radio channel that I can kind of do other genres that not only I like but hopefully you would like too. You can check us out by going to otnetcast.com or searching o tnet C A S T on your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be grand old operated Original Air Dates February 23, 1949 in this episode we've got Red Foley and Rod Bradsfield.

[Announcer]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Rod Brassfield]

It'S Grand Ole Opry time.

[Minnie Pearl]

Everyone will have some fun at the Grand Old Operator.

[Rod Brassfield]

Welcome to Grand Ole Opry with Rob Brassfield, Mini Pearl and starring Red Foley.

[Expedia Ad]

Her eyes were blue, her hair was open her smile was like an angel, dear she was her daddy's only daughter on the Tennessee border One night I took a ride just across the line I picked her up in a pickup truck and she broke this heart of mine her mother said, no, she's my only daughter but we got married on the Tennessee border the roses were blooming on the border the moon was shining from above I fel in love the night I saw her on the Tennessee border One night I took a ride just across the line I picked her up in a pickup truck and she broke this heart of mine her mother said no, she's my only daughter but we got married on the Tennessee border He's fresh off the noon bus from Hohenwald, and I want to bring him out right now. Rod Ricefield. Thank you.

[Rod Brassfield]

Thank you, Ms. Foley. You know, Ms. Foley, I think by that I'm getting smarter every day.

[Expedia Ad]

You look it.

[Rod Brassfield]

Yeah, I do. Sure enough. Now, you take while ago I stopped up here at a drugstore. A while ago I stopped up here at a drugstore and just from standing there and watching a feller drink an ice cream suddy, I could tell that he was going to have a long boat trip, right?

[Expedia Ad]

My goodness, you must be a mind reader.

[Rod Brassfield]

How could you tell he had on a sailor suit?

[Minnie Pearl]

I got you. I just killed, man.

[Rod Brassfield]

Hi, dear friend. Now, by that, it's been a pretty day today, ain't it? We had us a lady fortune teller down there in Hohenwald last week. And I mean, she was pretty. I'm telling you, she was as pretty as a little old bitty pulling shiny pig in a pea patch. Boy, she was pretty. Her name was Princess Pomona. Princess Pomona, that was her name. And I asked her, I says, princess, I bet you can't read my mind. And she didn't say that. She just slapped my face. I wanted, I wanted, I wanted to know all about love and romance. So she says to me, says, I can tell that you're fretting to get married. I says, princess, when a fellow goes as long as I have without finding a gal that'll have him, he ain't fretting, he's just fidgeting. And then she got out her crystal ball and took one good look into it and let out a scream there that just nearly deepened me just screamed. And I knew right away what happened. I knowed right then what had happened. I. I know she'd seen my gal, Susie. She says, yeah, I see Susie. I see Susie. She's got a figure like a rookie baseball Pitcher. She's got a lot of curves, but she can't control them. I says to her, I says, princess Pomona, can't you see just one thing nice about my gal, Susie? And she says, well, she ain't much on looks, but she talks just like a movie star. And that there made me just plum proud. I just. I just felt plum proud when she said that. I says, who?

[Minnie Pearl]

Who?

[Rod Brassfield]

What kind?

[Minnie Pearl]

Who?

[Rod Brassfield]

That's what I said. I said, who? What movie star? French Betty Grable? She says, no. Gabby Hayes.

[Expedia Ad]

Folks, here's the most talent I've ever in a small package. Little Jimmy Dickens.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Now when I was a little boy around the table at home I remember very well when company would come I would have to be right still until the whole crowd ate. My mama always said to me, jim, take a tater and wait now taters never did taste good with chicken on the plate But I had to eat them just to say that is why I look so bad to have these cutie ways Because I always had to take an old cold tater in a.

[Minnie Pearl]

Way.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Gotta chew my gum a while now and then the preachers, they would come to stay of a while with us I would have to slip around and raise a little fuss in fear that I would spill the beans or break a china plate My mama always said to me, jim, take a tater and wait now taters never did taste good with chicken on a plate But I had to eat them just the same and that is why I look so bad and have these puny ways Because I always had to take an old cold tater and plague well, I thought that I'd starve to death before my time would come all that chicken they would eat and just leave Jim's a bun, the feet and neck are all that's left upon the Chinese a plate it makes you pretty darn weak to take an old cold tater in a plate now taters never did taste good with chicken on a plate But I had to eat them just the same and that is why I look so bad and have these puny ways Because I always had to take an old potato and wa.

[Rod Brassfield]

You know, I thought Jimmy. I thought Jimmy Short can say, Grady boy, that's the biggest little voice I ever heard in my life. I'm telling you true, Mr. Foley, I like the way that boy sings, but I just wish by net he wouldn't be so that busted.

[Minnie Pearl]

Bold.

[Expedia Ad]

Now wait a minute. You mean Jimmy Dickens Bold?

[Rod Brassfield]

Yes, sir, Jimmy is bold.

[Expedia Ad]

I don't believe it.

[Jimmy Dickens]

Well, he is.

[Rod Brassfield]

I Took him to see this, your Princess Pomona while she was fortune telling there in Horn Mall. And the minute he seen her, he just went running up that red and just grabbed her and give her a great big kiss there. Yeah. And she says to him, she started jerk back away from him. Says, now look here, my lips are for another. What Jimmy do he give her another.

[Expedia Ad]

Rodney? I'll tell you what you do. You go over and sit in the rocker and rest yourself. Rest yourself. While Wally Fowler and his Oak Ridge quartet give us one of their fine songs. And it happens to be the Bible on the table and the flag upon the wall People say that I'm a bit old fashioned Just the going to have my say if we all believe.

[Minnie Pearl]

In God and country Everything will be okay With a Bible on the table and a flag up on the wall Neighbors that's the answer to it all they're the backbone of our nation and they'll always find salvation where the Bible holds a table and a plague upon the wal I have talked to farmers in the valley Mountaineers and men who sail the sea I have talked with businessmen and scholars and today they all agree with the Bible on the table and the flag upon the wall Neighbors as the answer to it all they're the backbone of our nation and we'll always salvation with the Bible on the table and the flag upon the wall.

[Expedia Ad]

Tonight we'd like to sing a sacred song called Just a Closer Walk With Thee. I am weak but thou art strong Jesus, keep me from all wrong.

[Minnie Pearl]

I'll.

[Expedia Ad]

Be satisfied as long as I walk Let me walk close to thee.

[Minnie Pearl]

Just.

[Expedia Ad]

A closer walk with thee Granted, Jesus, is my plea Barely walking close to.

[Rod Brassfield]

Thee.

[Expedia Ad]

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be when my feeble life is.

[Minnie Pearl]

O.

[Expedia Ad]

Time for me will be no.

[Minnie Pearl]

More.

[Expedia Ad]

Guide me gently Set me all to thy kingdom shore to thy shore.

[Minnie Pearl]

Just a closer walk with me Granted.

[Expedia Ad]

Jesus, is my feet.

[Minnie Pearl]

Daddy. Walking close to the. Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

[Expedia Ad]

Montana Slimy. Buddy, this is a heck of a question, but what do you think of our Saturday night doings down here, huh?

[Rod Brassfield]

It's the grandest show on earth, buddy.

[Expedia Ad]

You'd have said anything else, we'd have had to let you go, you know?

[Rod Brassfield]

But still I tell you. How about you doing one of those.

[Expedia Ad]

Fine yodel songs of your voice, huh?

[Minnie Pearl]

I'd like to do the first number I ever recorded. And here it is, folks, my Swiss moonlight lullaby. Drawing along in the moonlight by a mountain oh, high up on the mountain There lies my golden dream There lives my sweetheart Waiting day by day Watching from the doorway of her moonlight Swish away Roll along O silver labels Roll along on high While I sing my.

[Expedia Ad]

Swift.

[Minnie Pearl]

When I cross the valley and climb the moun I hear the echo ying Of a Swiss moonlight lullaby it echoes through the canyon along the mountain side and sets my height afloat With a Swiss moonlight lollipop in the morning the only.

[Expedia Ad]

Deeper In God's love.

[Minnie Pearl]

All his love I want to shine I want to shine in love sublime in love sublime well, I want to deeper deeper into.

[Expedia Ad]

Deeper In God's love Deep.

[Minnie Pearl]

A little deeper In God's love I want divinity brings to ours harvest love of love we don't want to walk a little more than the Jesus would Want to talk a little more like.

[Expedia Ad]

A priest queen chill I want to.

[Minnie Pearl]

Dig a little deeper in the storehouse all this love Love is love, yes I want to be.

[Expedia Ad]

Like a Jesus.

[Minnie Pearl]

World I want to talk a little more like a Christian should all dig in storehouse all his love all his love Windows.

[Expedia Ad]

I'm going to tear down the mailbox Here she comes.

[Minnie Pearl]

I'm going to tear down the mailbox Tear up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm going out to the country out on the RFD There I'll get a catalog to keep me company they say the postman now it rings you twice I don't know the gent Every time the doorbell rings the landlord for the rent I'm going to tear down the mailbox Tear up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm going to tear down the mailbox Tear up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm going to write to the paper Put me in an ad hello? Where My bed and board has left me raving mad I'm going to buy a home and pitch send him on a call I'll bet I'll get an answer Brother, that ain't all I'm gonna tear down the mailbox Tear up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm gonna tear down the mailbox Tear up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm gonna pay up my taxes so that I'll be free I don't have no doggone sheriff coming cod I had a gal who promised you would write Never would forget she practiced on my checkbook she's up the river yet I'm going to tear down the mailbox Tear up the address I never get no letters anyhow thank you.

[Expedia Ad]

Cousin.

[Minnie Pearl]

Jenny Pearl.

[Uncle Nabob]

I'm just proud to be here.

[Rod Brassfield]

I think everybody had a good time at the picnic. Except your Uncle Nabob. What in the cat Harry was the matter with him? Why was he so jittery?

[Uncle Nabob]

Well, didn't you hear about it? Uncle Nabob almost got himself killed the night before.

[Rod Brassfield]

Sure.

[Andrew Rines]

Now.

[Minnie Pearl]

Yes.

[Rod Brassfield]

Well, good gracious.

[Minnie Pearl]

Alive.

[Rod Brassfield]

I mean, what in the world happened? Did he run into a flash of lightning or something?

[Uncle Nabob]

No, but he thought he heard him a noise out in the yard.

[Rod Brassfield]

Yeah.

[Uncle Nabob]

And when he looked out, he seen somebody jumping around out there.

[Rod Brassfield]

Yeah.

[Uncle Nabob]

So he stuck his shotgun out the window and just blazed away.

[Rod Brassfield]

He did? Who was he?

[Uncle Nabob]

Wasn't nobody. It is his long handle underwear flapping on the clothesline.

[Rod Brassfield]

Well, how in the world do you figure he almost got killed?

[Uncle Nabob]

Well, he'd have got killed if he'd have been in the underwear.

[Rod Brassfield]

You know, I never thought of that. Hey, Minnie. Yeah, by Ned, Mini Pearl. I'll bet you one thing. I'll bet you by Ned, you was proud of Hezy when you won that there milking contest there. Like you did.

[Uncle Nabob]

I sure was, Rodney. But he. He goes by his milking talent. Ony his pappy was the best milker in the county, sure enough.

[Rod Brassfield]

Yeah, his pappy had a lot of pull, huh?

[Uncle Nabob]

Once he melts a cow. Now I'm gonna tell you. Yeah. Once he milked a cow so dry it left her bow legged. She milked that cow so dry she give two gallons of milk, one quart of talcum powder and an iou.

[Expedia Ad]

Welcome to my last song tonight. I've got a kind of a sad one here. It's as full of sentiment as a package of old letters in lavender. Here it is. Blue eyes crying in the rain.

[Minnie Pearl]

In.

[Expedia Ad]

The firelight glow I see her.

[Minnie Pearl]

Blue.

[Expedia Ad]

Eyes crying in the rain as we kissed goodbye and parted I knew we'd never meet again Love is like a.

[Minnie Pearl]

Dying ember.

[Expedia Ad]

Only memories remain.

[Minnie Pearl]

Through the.

[Expedia Ad]

Ages I'll remember through eyes crying in the rain Someday when we meet up yonder we stroll hand in hand again In a land that knows no party Blue eyes crying in the rain.

[Minnie Pearl]

That'S about all for now.

[Rod Brassfield]

But we'll be back again next week.

[Minnie Pearl]

With another grand old Opry. Sam.

[Rod Brassfield]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.

[Announcer]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[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.