Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns with Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Red Foley "Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes" | Grand Ole Opry (11-22-52)
Date: January 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns transports listeners to the golden age of country music with a restored 1952 broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry. Headlined by legendary crooner Red Foley, the show features musical performances, down-home comedy sketches, and lively banter from the Ryman Auditorium stage in Nashville. Special guests like Cousin Minnie Pearl, Sue Thompson, Rod Bradfield, and the Foggy River Boys bring classic Americana humor and heartfelt songs, all enhanced by the podcast’s signature audio restoration.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

[03:04–06:03] Opening Performance: Red Foley Sings "Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes"

• Red Foley opens with his hit “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes,” setting a cheerful, nostalgic tone.
  • Quote (03:04):
    “Don’t let the stars get in your eyes, keep your heart for me for someday I’ll return and you know you’re the only one I’ll ever love.” — Red Foley
• Foley greets the audience and introduces the venue, the Ryman Auditorium, describing the gathered crowd and the evening’s lineup.

[06:03–11:09] Comedy Sketch: Cousin Minnie Pearl’s Grinder Switch News

• Cousin Minnie Pearl delivers her signature comedic “news” segment:
  • Shares humorous updates from her fictional home of Grinder Switch.
  • Reads and riffs on advice column letters, including playful quips about romance and marriage.
    • Quote (07:16):
      “Kissing is like eating soup with a fork—it takes a long time to get enough.” — Cousin Minnie Pearl
  • Local anecdotes involve quirky townsfolk, a musically gifted undertaker, and brothers with comical driving habits.
    • Quote (10:24):
      “He always did like a quick bite before going to sleep.” — Cousin Minnie Pearl, on her brother sleeping with a snapping turtle tied to his bed

[11:09–12:05] Welcome and Interview: Sue Thompson

• Foley introduces Sue Thompson, praising her talent and presence.
• Thompson briefly discusses her recent marriage and busy schedule with radio and TV performances.
  • Quote (11:50):
    “Well, Red, besides getting married… why, I’ve been doing our regular TV show every week, and… a little radio.” — Sue Thompson

[12:12–14:28] Sue Thompson Sings "How Many Tears Make an Ocean"

• Thompson delivers a heartfelt performance, featuring her clear, plaintive vocals.
  • Song Lyrics:
    "How many tears make an ocean? Just count the tears I’ve shed over you..."

[14:28–19:29] Gospel Set: Red Foley, Foggy River Boys

• Red Foley performs “I’d Rather Have Jesus”—a soulful, expressive rendition.
• The Foggy River Boys follow with an uplifting spiritual, “I’ll Walk Them Golden Stairs.”
  • The crowd’s enthusiasm for the group is evident in Foley’s acknowledgment.
• A brief setup introduces the next comedic act.

[19:29–23:07] Comedy set: Rod Bradfield

• Rod Bradfield, local comic, regales the crowd with stories from his small town and folksy jokes.
  • Shares an anecdote about a boxing match and Uncle Cyp’s advice.
  • Quote (21:00):
    “He said I had hardening of the artillery… That’s silly, Rod, cuz I ain’t even in the ar’!” — Rod Bradfield, on seeing the town doctor
  • Droll comments on family members, odd supper mishaps (“poor old ain’t SAP stuck in the stove”), and run-ins at local diners.

[23:19–25:16] Sue Thompson: "You’re an Angel on the Outside, a Devil on the Inside"

• Thompson returns to the stage for a playful country-blues tune, displaying both wit and emotion.
  • Song Lyrics (23:31):
    “You’re an angel on the outside, devil on the inside, but I’m still in love with you…”

[25:16–27:08] Red Foley: "Deep Blues"

• Foley presents a slow, blues-tinged ballad, concluding the musical portion on a reflective, somber note.
  • Song Lyrics:
    “Deep blues are falling around me. Deep blues have shackled and bound me…”

[27:08–27:35] Sign-off (Historical Context)

• Announcement closes out the Opry portion, noting the show’s broadcast via United States Armed Forces Radio Service—highlighting its role as morale-boosting entertainment for servicemen and women.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cousin Minnie Pearl, advice on love:
  "Kissing is like eating soup with a fork—it takes a long time to get enough." (07:16)
• On small-town gossip:
  "Nellie Stern's niece... sparked with the men, shocked the women and wasn't properly insulated." (09:23)
• Rod Bradfield, on hypochondria:
  "He said I had hardening of the artillery. That's silly, cuz I ain't even in the ar'!" (20:59)
• Red Foley’s warm professionalism:
  Foley’s role as host shines in his gentle teasing, heartfelt introductions, and encouragement of artists, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Tone & Style

The episode blends warmth, wit, and classic mid-century musical entertainment. There’s a strong sense of nostalgia throughout, with performers engaging directly with the live audience and each other in a tone that’s down-to-earth, jovial, and sincere. The comedic sketches retain their rural charm, while the musical segments spotlight both heartbreak and hope—a reflection of the American country tradition.

Summary for New Listeners

This Grand Ole Opry episode (originally aired Nov. 22, 1952) is a delightful showcase of mid-century country music and classic variety show humor, curated with today’s crystal-clear audio restoration. With Red Foley as both performer and congenial host, standout comic interludes from Minnie Pearl and Rod Bradfield, and the melodic talents of Sue Thompson and the Foggy River Boys, listeners are transported to the heart of Nashville’s musical scene, where tender ballads, homespun wisdom, and laughter mingle beneath the Opry stage lights.

Essential Segments:

• [03:04] Red Foley’s “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes”
• [06:03] Cousin Minnie Pearl’s Grinder Switch news and advice
• [12:12] Sue Thompson—"How Many Tears Make an Ocean"
• [14:28] Gospel and group numbers
• [19:29] Rod Bradfield’s comedic monologue
• [23:19] Sue Thompson—"You’re an Angel on the Outside, a Devil on the Inside"
• [25:16] Red Foley’s “Deep Blues”

Listeners are treated to laughter, stories, musical nostalgia, and a little slice of American radio history—restored for a new generation.