Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Red Foley Jive County Tennessee | Grand Ole Opry (1952)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Original Airdate: 1952

Podcast Release Date: October 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the golden age of country radio with a digitally restored recording of the Grand Ole Opry variety show, headlined by Red Foley in “Jive County, Tennessee.” Featuring stellar performances by iconic artists like Carl Smith, Minnie Pearl, Rod Brassfield, and others, the episode captures the heart, humor, and music of 1950s Nashville. Skits, country wisdom, down-home jokes, and classic songs abound, with a warm and lively camaraderie among artists and audience.

Key Discussion Points and Segments

Welcome and Introductions

[01:27–04:19]

• The show opens with a rousing introduction, boasting a “capacity turnout” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
• Red Foley introduces the evening’s special guests and recurring cast members, including Rod Brassfield, Minnie Pearl, Claude Sharpe and the Old Hickory Singers, Stringbean, and the Prince Albert Gang.
  • "We got a special treat ... Carl Smith, that young singing sensation from Maynardville, Tennessee." – Mr. Foley [04:19]

Opening Comedy Skit: Rod Brassfield and Red Foley

[04:57–09:02]

• Rod Brassfield delivers a set of humor steeped in rural wisdom and gentle ribbing.
  • Jokes about taxes on farm products:
    “Paul says every time he goes out to the barn to milk, every day he's there he thinks he's just pulling for his country.” – Rod Brassfield [05:22]
  • A slapstick take on going to a Yankees game, complete with physical comedy about his “Adam’s apple made out of horse hide and seam” from sitting behind the batter. [06:15]
  • Wry takes on fashion (“I'm inclined to look down on them, Mr. Foley.” re: low-cut dresses [06:49]), dating woes, and family tales with punchlines about “flea” children and X-ray love tokens.
    “I just wanted to show her my heart is in the right place.” [08:01]

First Musical Set: Carl Smith – “Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way”

[09:42–12:03]

• Red Foley celebrates Carl Smith’s meteoric rise and invites him to perform one of his hits.
  • “Would you mind telling me which one?”
    “It was entitled 'Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way.'” – Carl Smith [09:48–09:50]
• Carl delivers a smooth, romantic rendition, met with enthusiastic applause.

Gospel Interlude: “Peace In The Valley”

[13:53–16:26]

• Foley, Smith, and company join for a moving gospel number, spotlighting close harmonies and heartfelt lyrics.
  • “There will be peace in the valley for me someday.” – Carl Smith (vocals) [14:41, 16:02]
  • “There’s no sadness, no sorrow, my Lord. No trouble I see.” – Red Foley [16:17]

Group Harmony: The Old Hickory Singers – “Mandy”

[17:15–18:47]

• The Old Hickory Singers, led by Claude Sharpe, present an upbeat, classic vocal number, reminiscent of barbershop and early country pop stylings.

Comedy Monologue: Minnie Pearl

[19:27–23:31]

• Minnie Pearl takes the stage for signature comedy about rural life, aging, and small-town gossip.
  • “The thing that bothers me most is that when I do wink at a feller, all he thinks is that I’ve just got something in my eye.” [19:34]
  • Anecdotes about attending the World Series with family, poking fun at fashion and the confusion of big city ways.
  • Rural wisdom: “There was a feller, one of them agriculture experts, was around last week ... he said, ‘You’d do a lot better if you separate the hay from the weeds.’ Flood says, ‘Huh, mister, maybe you’re right. But I figured the cows have got more time than I have.’” [22:51]
  • Commentary on large families: “They’ve had so many young UN’s that ort to and tuggle nose babies backwards.” [23:09]

Return of Carl Smith: “Mr. Moon”

[23:39–26:03]

• Smith returns with his popular ballad, “Mr. Moon,” offering a tender vocal with backing harmonies, encapsulating the romantic ideals of country music.

Stringbean and the Band: “Stay a Little Longer”

[26:03–27:00]

• Stringbean and his band inject energetic string music and dance rhythms with quick, humorous interjections.

Group Ballad: “No One to Cry To”

[27:00–28:13]

• The cast delivers a bittersweet, harmony-rich ensemble performance of this classic country ballad.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Every time he goes out to the barn to milk ... he thinks he's just pulling for his country.” – Rod Brassfield [05:22]
• “I just wanted to show her my heart is in the right place.” – Rod Brassfield, on gifting an X-ray [08:01]
• “When you shine, you make love seem to come from above.” – Carl Smith, lyrics from “Mr. Moon” [25:26]
• “There’s no sadness, no sorrow, my lord. No trouble I see.” – Red Foley, “Peace in the Valley” [16:17]
• “But I figured the cows have got more time than I have.” – Minnie Pearl’s neighbor, via Minnie [22:54]

Musical Highlights & Timestamps

• Mr. Foley and Ensemble – “Jive County, Tennessee” [01:40–03:38]
• Carl Smith – “Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way” [09:53–12:03]
• Foley, Smith, and Ensemble – “Peace in the Valley” [13:53–16:26]
• Old Hickory Singers – “Mandy” [17:15–18:47]
• Carl Smith – “Mr. Moon” [23:57–26:03]
• Stringbean and Band – “Stay a Little Longer” [26:03–27:00]
• Group Ballad – “No One to Cry To” [27:28–28:13]

Closing Segment & Farewells

[28:13–29:36]

• The cast signals next week’s special with new guests, thanking the audience for their loyal attendance.
• Red Foley: “We better get going before we overstay our welcome ... I’ll be seeing you next Saturday night at Prince Albert Grand Ole Opry.” [28:46–29:36]
• A somber public service announcement salutes the National Safety Congress, urging road safety.

Episode Tone & Style

The show embodies a warm, convivial, and genuinely rural camaraderie. The blend of gentle comedy, heartfelt gospel, and dynamic country music evokes strong nostalgia, delivered in a friendly, neighborly Tennessee drawl with lively audience reactions. The humor remains homespun and relatable, while the music connects to timeless American roots.

Summary Takeaway

This episode of “Old Time Radio Westerns” offers a true taste of mid-century country radio, not only preserving historic performances, but intensifying their appeal through careful restoration. Listeners are treated to top-tier music, rollicking country humor, and a seamless blend of love, laughter, and community straight from the heart of the Grand Ole Opry.