Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast

Episode: Red Foley, Hank Williams | Grand Ole Opry (05-05-51)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: October 16, 2025

Episode Overview

This digitally restored episode transports listeners to the golden era of country and western music through a classic broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, recorded on May 5, 1951. Featuring the beloved Red Foley, Hank Williams, Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield, and notable backing acts like The Jordanaires, the program is a vibrant, humor-filled, and musically rich slice of Americana. The show weaves together vintage comedy routines, heartfelt country ballads, lively dance tunes, and gospel numbers, all with the warmth and camaraderie that defined the Opry stage.

Key Discussion Points & Performances

1. Opening Act and Welcome (00:30–02:30)

• Red Foley opens the show with a lively number about a late-night car race, setting the energetic, informal tone.
• Foley greets a full and responsive Opry crowd, signaling a night of entertainment with a “great big hearted” audience.

2. Classic Country Comedy: Rod Brasfield Banter (02:31–08:52)

• Rod Brasfield, a staple of Opry comedy, joins Foley for a folksy exchange filled with wordplay and lighthearted misunderstandings.
  • Memorable Exchange:
    • "Valentine. Yeah, it's a little late for Valentine's ride, but go ahead. Open it up and let's see what it says here..." (03:00)
    • Hilarious confusion over "Saint" vs. "Street" in an address, illustrating classic country humor.
  • Rod shares anecdotes about his sweetheart Susie, family squabbles, and being kicked by a mule, blending rural wit with physical comedy.
    • Quote:
      If my head was Maine and my feet was Florida, I'd say he kicked me right square dab in the lower end of South Carolina. — Rod Brasfield (07:30)

3. Hank Williams, the Star Guest (08:52–09:48)

• Introduced affectionately by Foley as “the old low, sick blues boy,” Hank Williams talks about his latest records.
  • Discusses new releases: "Howling at the Moon" and "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love with You)".
  • Foley asks Williams to play a hit: "Cold, Cold Heart".

4. Live Music: Hank Williams Performs "Cold, Cold Heart" (09:49–12:30)

• Performance Highlight: Williams, accompanied by soft instrumentation, delivers a deeply emotive rendition of this timeless ballad about heartbreak and longing.
  • Quote:
    Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart? — Hank Williams, singing (10:40)
• Foley and the crowd acknowledge the “rich and mellow” quality of Hank’s voice.

5. Square Dance and Opry Jam (12:31–14:45)

• Tommy Jackson and others lead a rousing square dance, inviting the audience to join in.
  • Dance calls and jubilance sweep over the broadcast, capturing the inclusive, participatory spirit of the Opry.

6. Gospel Time: Red Foley & Ensemble (14:46–16:07)

• Foley introduces a sacred song, "Where Could I Go (But to the Lord)", reflecting on the beauty of spring and the solace of faith.
• Followed by The Jordanaires’ rousing "Read That Book", mixing gospel with upbeat harmonies and moral messaging.
  • Quote:
    If you want to fool ol’ Satan, read that book... — The Jordanaires (16:00)

7. Minnie Pearl’s Comic Monologue (15:45–18:59)

• Minnie Pearl enters with her iconic “Howdy! Just proud to be here,” delivering trademark rural observations about courtship, marriage, and the quirks of small-town life.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Of course, I like men in all walks of life—a walk in the park or walk down Lovers Lane and a walk to the altar. Oh, I like that golf. I'd like to make that golf just anytime, ma'am. — Minnie Pearl (16:00)
    • Poor old Pap Winkle. He has a winning smile but a losing face. His teeth are all wearing out, they are. Almost down to the rubber. But you can’t resist Pap’s smile—you never seen such a bright sparkling set of gums. (17:13)
    • Now I have to have the money. (18:01), on the trials of modern romance.
• Minnie concludes with a story about being crowned “Queen of The Gourd Festival—Ms. Ford Head.”

8. Hank Williams Returns for "Dear John" (18:59–20:37)

• Second feature from Williams: "Dear John"—an upbeat heartbreak tune about receiving a goodbye letter.
  • Quote:
    That’s all she wrote—I sent your saddle home. — Hank Williams (19:45)

9. Fiddle Breakdown and Lighthearted Ensemble (20:38–22:36)

• Brief banter leads into a rollicking fiddle tune, “Launch of Road Blues,” featuring lively string playing and ensemble energy.
  • Quote:
    Strang Bean, you sure got some hand on that number! (21:40)

10. Closing Ballad: Foley Sings "Somebody’s Crying Over Me" (22:37–24:19)

• Foley slows things down with a tender ballad, closing the show on a poignant note about longing and loss.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Red Foley on Hank’s voice:
  You know that Hank, he’s got a voice as rich and mellow—and brother, that’s as rich and mellow as they come. (12:35)
• Rod Brasfield’s geography gag:
  If my head was Maine and my feet was Florida, I’d say he kicked me right square dab in the lower end of South Carolina. (07:30)
• Minnie Pearl’s classic greeting:
  Howdy! Just proud to be here. (15:45)
• Hank Williams’ heartbreak refrain:
  Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart? (10:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Crowd Welcome: 00:30–02:30
• Rod Brasfield Comedy: 02:31–08:52
• Hank Williams Intro: 08:53–09:48
• “Cold, Cold Heart” (Williams): 09:49–12:30
• Square Dance Segment: 12:31–14:45
• “Where Could I Go but to the Lord” (Foley & Ensemble): 14:46–16:07
• “Read That Book” (Jordanaires): 16:08–16:45
• Minnie Pearl’s Monologue: 15:45–18:59
• “Dear John” (Williams): 18:59–20:37
• Fiddle Breakdown & Banter: 20:38–22:36
• “Somebody’s Crying Over Me” (Foley): 22:37–24:19

Tone & Style

The episode bursts with warm country humor, gentle self-deprecation, down-home philosophy, and classic Opry hospitality. Music and storytelling take center stage, painting a vivid portrait of 1950s Americana where laughter, sorrow, and song intermingle.

For fans of classic Western music and comedy, this episode is a pitch-perfect time capsule—restored to vibrant life for today’s listeners.