Red Foley and Wesley Turner | Grand Ole Opry (04-02-49)

Summary

Episode Summary: Red Foley and Wesley Tuttle | Grand Ole Opry (04-02-49)

Welcome to the latest episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, hosted by Andrew Rines. In this special release, we journey back to April 2, 1949, to witness a classic Grand Ole Opry broadcast featuring the iconic Red Foley alongside the talented Wesley Tuttle. This episode is a delightful blend of heartfelt performances, humorous anecdotes, and the enduring charm of the Golden Age of Radio.

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Opening Performances by Wesley Tuttle

Timestamp: [05:09] - [09:30]

The episode kicks off with a spirited performance by Wesley Tuttle, who captivates the audience with a rendition of the folk ballad "John Henry." His powerful vocals bring the legendary tale of John Henry to life, emphasizing themes of perseverance and the human spirit. As Wesley sings:

Wesley Tuttle ([05:24]): "John Henry went to the tunnel to drive the steam drill by his side. John Henry beat that steam drill down. Then he laid his hammer down and he died, Lord, Lord, he laid his hammer down and he died."

Wesley’s portrayal of John Henry not only showcases his vocal prowess but also his ability to convey deep emotion through song.

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Harmonic Interlude and Transition to Comedic Segment

Timestamp: [07:00] - [11:29]

Following Wesley’s moving performance, the show transitions to a harmonious melody by Claude Sharp and the Old Hickory Singers with "Wait Till the Sun Shines." This seamless blend of music sets a warm and inviting tone for the audience.

Shortly after, Wesley Tuttle returns to the stage to introduce the beloved character Cousin Minnie Pearl, bringing a touch of humor to the evening. Minnie Pearl’s segment is a highlight, filled with her signature wit and whimsical storytelling:

Minnie Pearl ([11:59]): "Spring's done sprung. It's affected everybody down in Grinder Switch. Even my old Uncle Nabob... I've just feel so young and skittish. I just feel like doing a kind of a three-cornered prance."

Her amusing anecdotes about love, family, and small-town antics provide a delightful contrast to the soulful music, showcasing the diverse talent featured on the Grand Ole Opry.

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Heartfelt Performance by Wesley Tuttle

Timestamp: [17:17] - [20:28]

Back on stage, Wesley Tuttle delivers a poignant performance of the spiritual "Only One Step More." His rendition is both soothing and stirring, reflecting themes of hope and faith:

Wesley Tuttle ([17:20]): "Soon my burden will be lifted, soon my trial will turn over. My journey will be ended, for it's only one step more, one step more from earth to heaven."

Wesley’s heartfelt delivery resonates deeply with listeners, highlighting his ability to convey profound emotion through his music.

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Engaging Storytelling and Musical Encore

Timestamp: [20:28] - [26:35]

The evening progresses with an engaging storytelling segment by Ronald Coleman Rod Bracef, who shares a humorous and convoluted tale about a newspaper mishap in Hohen Wall. His playful narrative blends absurdity with charm, eliciting laughter and amusement from the audience.

Following Rod’s entertaining story, the show welcomes Grandpa Jones, who delights listeners with his comedic and whimsical song "I'm My Own Grandpa." His performance is a testament to the lighthearted spirit and familial humor that the Grand Ole Opry is renowned for:

Grandpa Jones ([24:54]): "Well, many years ago when I was 23, I was married to a widow whose pretty as could be... Now I have become the strangest face you ever saw as husband of my grandmother."

Grandpa Jones’ unique storytelling and catchy tune add a memorable twist to the episode, highlighting the Opry’s ability to blend humor with music seamlessly.

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Final Musical Numbers and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [26:35] - [28:20]

Concluding the musical journey, Wally Fowler and the Oak Ridge Quartet perform the uplifting spiritual "I'm on My Way." Their harmonious voices and spirited arrangement bring the episode to a heartfelt close:

Wally Fowler and Oak Ridge Quartet ([26:53]): "I'm on my way, praise the Lord, I'm on my way."

The performance leaves listeners with a sense of optimism and community, encapsulating the essence of the Grand Ole Opry experience.

---

Behind the Scenes and Technical Excellence

As always, Old Time Radio Westerns takes pride in presenting these classic broadcasts with enhanced audio quality, ensuring that every note and nuance is crystal clear. The digital restoration brings to life the rich sounds of the era, from the lively strumming of guitars to the crisp harmonies of vocal ensembles, allowing modern audiences to fully appreciate the artistry of these legendary performers.

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Conclusion

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns offers a charming glimpse into the vibrant world of the Grand Ole Opry in 1949. Through memorable performances by Red Foley and Wesley Tuttle, alongside delightful appearances by Minnie Pearl and Grandpa Jones, listeners are treated to an evening of timeless music and endearing storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to these classic broadcasts, this episode is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Golden Age of Radio.

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Notable Quotes:

• Wesley Tuttle ([05:24]): "John Henry went to the tunnel to drive the steam drill by his side. John Henry beat that steam drill down. Then he laid his hammer down and he died, Lord, Lord, he laid his hammer down and he died."

• Minnie Pearl ([11:59]): "Spring's done sprung. It's affected everybody down in Grinder Switch. Even my old Uncle Nabob... I just feel like doing a kind of a three-cornered prance."

• Wesley Tuttle ([17:20]): "Soon my burden will be lifted, soon my trial will turn over. My journey will be ended, for it's only one step more, one step more from earth to heaven."

• Grandpa Jones ([24:54]): "Well, many years ago when I was 23, I was married to a widow whose pretty as could be... Now I have become the strangest face you ever saw as husband of my grandmother."

• Wally Fowler and Oak Ridge Quartet ([26:53]): "I'm on my way, praise the Lord, I'm on my way."

---

Discover More:

Don’t forget to explore more episodes of Old Time Radio Westerns by visiting otrwesterns.com or searching for OTR Westerns on your favorite podcast platform. For fans interested in other genres, check out the sister podcast OTNetcast, featuring mystery and suspense shows like The Shadow, Escape, Suspense, and The Whistler.

Thank you for tuning in and stepping back in time with us. Until next time, saddle up and enjoy the rich history of Old Time Radio Westerns!

Transcript

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[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Foreign.

[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. Which is we're releasing over 10 episodes a week so far, about 100amonth, so definitely want you to check that out again otrwesterns.com and check it out. I also wanted to invite you to check out my sister podcast site otnetcast and that's N E T C A S T so O T N E T C a s tnetcast 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 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 ot n e t C A S T on your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Grand Ole Opry Original Air Dates April 2, 1949 in this episode, we've got Red Foley and Wesley Turner.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, Watermelon ice and Cool Mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@ flavorshookorgonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for.

[Indeed Advertiser]

Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund. You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, Sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at indeed.comararts. just go to indeed.comarts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tube. Expedia Made to travel. It's grand o opry time.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Everyone will have some fun at the Grand Old Star and Singing Master of Ceremonies Dreadfully.

[Wesley Tuttle]

And Henry was a little bitty boy no bigger than the palm of your head his man looked at him and proudly said John Henry, be a steel driving man Love lo John Henry be a steel driving man John Henry was a little bitty boy now this man is said the big tunnel on the SEO it's going to be the death of me Lord, Lord it's going to be the death of me Come on. John Henry went to the tunnel to drive ste drill by his side John Henry beat that steam drill down Then he laid his hammer down and he died Lord, Lord he lit his hammer down and he died yes, he lit his hammer down and he died.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Go.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Have Wesley Turtle here tonight. So let's sort of pave the way for Wesley's appearance with a good old harmony song by Claude Sharp and the Old Hickory Singers. And, boys, give us a little sample of Wait Till the Sun Shines, Mel.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

On a Sunday morning Santa made for long With a sweetheart by her side. Through the wind or pain she looked at the rain. We must stay home, Jo, she cried. There's a picnic, too at the old Point View. It's a shame it rain, no. When the boy who deare kissed away still and she heard him softly sing. Pray till the sunshine say. When the cows go by, we will be happy. Danny Golden S. Now love is rain. Little wonder, sweetheart, you and I Wait till the sunshine D Mine.

[Wesley Tuttle]

That's the way to go, fellas. Well, see, we got a big old Colorado boy coming up here now, and I want you all to give him a big welcome. You've seen him in the movies with such fellows as Charles Sterrett, Tex Ritter and many others. And you've heard him on the air and on his many records. So, folks, let's give a nice welcome to Wesley Tuttle. We're gonna have to raise this mic way up here for this boy, huh? Well, Wesley, we're mighty pleased that you found some time to pay us another visit, particularly when you took time out from training those fine horses. Yours to be with us tonight. What tune would you like to sing for us first, huh?

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Well, Red, how about let's try All Go on and Cry Yourself to Sleep, and I'd like to do it for all of my friends away out in Pacoima, California, in the heart of the great San Fernando Valley.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Way out in California. That's good enough. And here he is. Go and cry yourself to sleep. Just as it was recorded by Wesley Tuttle.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Go on and cry yourself to sleep. The way I've done a million times. And think of every broken heart as you weep. Go on and cry yourself too sweet. Don't say you're sorry. I don't care. I needed you, but you weren't there. You broke my heart and threw it back at my. Go on and drag yourself too. Sleep, you found just what it means to cry. You say you prayed to God to die. And all because of vows you swore you would keep. Go on and cry yourself to sleep. Go out and cry yourself to sleep the way I've done a million times. And think of every broken heart as you weep. Go on and try yourself to sleep.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Mighty nice, Wesley. We won't let Wesley. Get away, folks. So be patient. He'll back. Be back a little later on in the program. Right now there's a lady waiting in the wings. A very important lady when it comes to giving us the weekly news from Grinder Switch. And here she is, Cousin Minnie Pearl.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

How do?

[Minnie Pearl]

I'm just as proud to be here. Well, sir, it's spring all right. Spring's done sprung. It's affected everybody down in Grinder Switch. Even my old Uncle Nabob. He's kind of feeling romantical. Yesterday a pretty girl walked by and he yelled, minnie Pearl, fetch me my store bought teeth. I want a whistle. Well, to go. Spring always makes me feel young. Oh, I just feel so young. Feel so young and skittish. I just feel like doing a kind of a three cornered prance. Well, you can life if you want to, but a lot of folks just figure out that I'm just kind of a crotchety old maid. They don't seem to realize that I'm only in my late 20s. What I'd like to know is just how late can the 20s get? Spring fever's done caught up with brother, though. He come down the other day with a kind of a quiver in his liver. But now last night we had to come over to the house and that there's my feller's head, it is. I've got one. I want to hold on to him. There ain't no more where he come from. Right now he come by the house and he just acted so shy and bashful like. And he says to me, he says, many pearls, that's my name. Twice of it. He says, minnie Pearl, will you come out in the moonlight with me? And down to the back pasture. And I said, well, how come? And he said, well, I bought a ring.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Ooh.

[Minnie Pearl]

I said, a ring. Well, I rushed down there with him and sure enough, he had a ring. You know what? He asked me to help him put that ring in his new bull's nose. But I remember one time Hazy did give me the engagement ring. It is the pretty. It is the new still had some of the Cracker Jacks sticking onto it. The biggest news though at trying to switch this week is Lynn Banger's new baby. Yes, sir, Liam got a telegram that said, your wife just gave birth to a 8 pound baby girl down at the bottom. It said, call Western Union when you want a boy.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

I'm just saying.

[Minnie Pearl]

Now I'm gonna send you a there. It's called Careless Love. Fellows letter. Who love? Oh, love or Careless Love?

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Love oh, love, that is a true love. Oh, love.

[Minnie Pearl]

Oh, careless love. To love some fellas that don't love you. You can pass my window Past my door Fast my window.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Pass my door Fast my window Pass.

[Minnie Pearl]

My door but your shark. And pass my 44.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Ah, she's got a sharp con right down just. Well, we. We always know when it's hymn time for Eggie McEwen sets the pattern with his accordion each week along about this time. Tonight's sacred song is titled Only One Step More. I have known a life of sorrow. I've seen a heavy load. And my weary feet have stumbled on this rough and rocky road. Soon my burden will be lifted soon my trial will turn your. My journey will be ended. For it's only one step more One step more from earth to heaven. Soon I'll reach that blessing. Soon I'll join my friends up yonder. For it's only one step more Mother's love and over yonder she'll be waiting for me too.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

She'Ll be oh, so.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Glad to see me Proud to know that I pull through. She will be the first to greet me When I enter Heaven stone. Oh, I'll soon be with you, Mother for it's only one step more. One step more One step more from earth to heaven.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Soon I'll reach that blissful shore. Soon I'll join Soon I'll join my.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Friends up yonder for it.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

So, yes, it's only one step more. One step more.

[Wesley Tuttle]

My guest, we're sleeping. Tuttle is a big man in any crowd, especially when he starts picking and singing one of those fine songs of his. Here he is with an encore, and it's one of Jimmy Rogers old tunes called Any Old Time.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Now. I just received your letter. You're counting out, you say. At first I thought I would tell you to travel on the other way. But in my memory lingers all you once were to me. Now I'm gonna give you another chance. Just to prove what you can be. Any old time you want to come back home. Drop me a line and say no more you roam. Cause you've had your chance to play the game fair. When you left me, sweetheart. Oh, you only left a load of care. Now that you're down I'm going to stay by you. If you'll only promise me that all your rambling days are through. You'll find me here like the day you left me alone. Any old time you want to come back home. Just any old time you want to come back home.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Come back again soon. Wesley well, see, we've heard what's been going on and grind this switch. Now let's get the low down on the high jinks in the hoen wall. Here is the rural Ronald Coleman Rod Bracef.

[Rod Bracef]

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Foley. Come here, Ben. I don't talk to you.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Hey, you're going to put me on the spot. Really? Tonight.

[Rod Bracef]

All right, I'm just going to ask you one question. Red, come here. Do you know where Benjamin Franklin was going when he was 29 years old?

[Wesley Tuttle]

Rod. No. Where was he going on 30? You didn't.

[Rod Bracef]

No, I know.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Hi.

[Rod Bracef]

Your friend. I want you to know I'm a man what has been touched. I was coming. I was coming by the cemetery there in Hornwall today and I seen something that just touched me.

[Wesley Tuttle]

It. It.

[Rod Bracef]

It just touched me.

[Wesley Tuttle]

I.

[Rod Bracef]

There was a feller over there at the grave talking to this grave and all he was saying was, oh, why did you die? Oh, why did you die? And I went over to him and I says to him, I says, buddy, was it your mother? He says, no, it wasn't my mother. Oh, why did you die? Why did you die? I says, well, was it your father? He says, no, it wasn't my father. Oh, why did you die? I said, well, who was it? He says, it was my wife's first husband. Looks like I have a lot of trouble here lately. I got me a job working on a newspaper there in Hohen wall. I was the printer. And I dropped a whole page of typewriter one day and got it all mixed up and. And it was.

[Wesley Tuttle]

It.

[Rod Bracef]

It awful. I'm telling you the truth. There was two. There was two very important items in this. One of them was about a big auction sale and the other was about a big society wedding. And I dropped them and got them all mixed up. And this year is how it come out when the paper was printed says William Smith, the son of Mr. Mrs. Joshua Smith and Ms. Lucy Anderson, were disposed of of at public auction at my farm, one mile easy, in the presence of 75 guests including two mules and 12 head of cattle. The Reverend Mr. Jackson tied the nuptial knot for the parties averaging £1,250 on the hoof just before the ceremony was pronounced. The wedding march was rendered by one milk cow five years old, one jersey cow and one sheep who carrying a bunch of brides roses in her hand was very beautiful, although suffering from a slight case of stranghall.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

She.

[Rod Bracef]

She wore one light spring wagon, two crates of apples, three rakes of hay, one grindstone the white satin crepe trimmed with about 100 bushels of taters. The the bride and groom are perfectly matched Pair of mules well broke to har. And so young Smith was married to one brood sow with nine healthy pigs.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Well, we knew it had to happen sometime. And tonight's the night. Here's Grandpa Jones with his five string banjo and his family tree trees singing I'm my own grandpa.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

He's his own grandpa.

[Grandpa Jones]

Well, many many years ago When I was 23 I was married to a widder whose pretty as could be. This widder had a growed up daughter who had hair red. My father fell in love with her and soon to a wed. This made my dad my son in law and changed my very life. But my daughter was my mother cause she was my father's life. To complicate the matter, even though it brought me joy, I soon became the father of a fountain baby boy. My little baby then became a brother in law to dad and soon became my uncle though it made me very sad. And if he was my uncle, then it also made him brother of the widder's growed up daughter who of course was my stepmother father's wife then had a son who kept him on the run and he became my grandchild for he was my daughter's son. My wife is now my mother's mother and it makes me blue because although she is my wife, she's my grandmother too. And if my wife is my grandmother then I'm her grandchild. And every time I think of it it nearly drives me wild. For now I have become the strangest face you ever saw as husband of my grandmother.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

I am my own grandpa I'm my own grandpa he's his own grandfather.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Well, sir, here now you, Wally Fowler and his Oak Ridge Quartet singing one of those fine old spirituals. I'm on my way home well, I'm on my way I'm on my way.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

I'm on my way I'm on my way.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Bridge load of money on my way.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

I'm on my way Praise the.

[Wesley Tuttle]

Lord I'm on my way.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

I'm on.

[Wesley Tuttle]

My way Praise the Lord I'm on.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

My way if a brother don't go Brother don't go don't hinder me if my sister don't go don't hinder me I'm on my way Praise the Lord and on my way.

[Wesley Tuttle]

SA Cameron Hill, Grand Old Opry came to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, Voice of Information, Education.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Sam Hill Sam.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon, ice, including coolant to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me at flavors hookoregon kids.org paid for by.

[Indeed Advertiser]

The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund. You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites With Indeed sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need. Most people would rather assemble a 300 piece cabinet than search for insurance. That's why the zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can Compare. [e-mail].

[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 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.

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[Teen Advocate]

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[Teen Advocate]

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[Indeed Advertiser]

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[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Feel that synergy.

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