Old Time Radio Westerns – Grand Ole Opry (07-15-1950)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield
Original Air Date: July 15, 1950
Podcast Release Date: August 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This special episode transports listeners to a classic 1950 airing of the Grand Ole Opry, spotlighting the stars of country and comedy: Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, and Rod Brasfield. With musical performances, comedic banter, and heartfelt gospel numbers, this Opry show embodies the warmth, humor, and musical traditions of mid-century American radio, all in painstakingly restored audio.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

Opening and Welcome

• Host Andrew Rhynes introduces the episode and describes the digital restoration work that enhances the audio experience.
• Rhynes sets the scene: “Let’s get into this episode. This episode is going to be Grand Ole opry original dates July 15, 1950. We’ve got Red Foley, Mini Pearl and Rod Brassfield.” (00:43)

Red Foley and the Opry Kickoff

• Red Foley opens the show with an upbeat performance, invoking the jubilation of Saturday night and Sunday morning in Tennessee.
• Quote (sung):

  “Wake up in the morning with my head on the floor where I left it Saturday night… Oh brother, take me by the hand, I’ll lead you to the promised land…” (00:57–02:40)

• The atmosphere is jovial, full of audience engagement.

Rod Brasfield’s Comedy Routine

• Rod Brasfield delivers a string of comic exchanges with “Uncle Sype,” handling a joke about a goat, wordplay, and escalating banter.
• The back-and-forth about goats features classic Opry hillbilly humor:
  • “I got a goat down at my house.”
  • “A goat? Got no goat.”
  • “You mean herd of goats?”
  • “Heard the goat? You have?” (07:12)
• Notable punchline:

  “I got a goat at my house, ain’t got no nose.” “How do he smell?” “Not so bad, but he’s just a young goat.” (08:00)

• The segment is marked by fast-paced, overlapping dialogue and slapstick wordplay, showcasing the duo’s comedic chemistry.

Oak Ridge Quartet: Gospel and Sentimental Songs

• Wally Fowler and the Oak Ridge Quartet perform spiritual numbers, including:
  • “Eyes in His Care” (09:56)
  • “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” (10:16)
• Memorable lyric:

  “Will the circle be unbroken, by and by, Lord, by and by? There's a better home awaiting in the sky, Lord, in the sky.” (11:05)

• The religious themes anchor the program in Southern traditions and nostalgia.

Musical Interlude: Roy Acuff

• Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys perform:
  • “Waltz of the Wind” (13:12)
• Acuff’s performance is tender, emphasizing rural romance and yearning.

Minnie Pearl’s Comedy Monologue

• Minnie Pearl enters with her signature greeting:

  “Howdy! How do? I'm just as proud to be here…” (16:53)

• Humorous anecdotes about her “feller” Hezzie, small-town life, her five-year-old dress, and her brother’s hair-raising ambitions.
• Notable joke:

  “That feller of mine… sometimes he gets so affectionate with me. Just last night he was just a pinching my cheek and a tweaking my nose… It hurts, though. He uses a pair of pliers.” (17:20)

• Observations about being featured (flustered) in the New York Times and an uncle offering “corn squeezes”:

  “That stuff’s slow poison.”
  “Well, that’s all right. I ain’t in no hurry.” (18:56)

• Pearl’s blend of country wit and self-deprecation is a highlight.

Instrumental & Guest Musical Number

• Wayne Rainey plays “Steel Guitar Rag” on harmonica—a novelty performance (20:05).
• Roy Acuff returns with “Thank God (for Every Flower and Each Tree),” delivering a message of gratitude and spiritual reflection (21:50).
  • Key lyric:

    “Thank God for giving life to you and me, wherever you may be, thank God.” (22:18)

• Red Foley closes with the heartbreak ballad “Hang My Head and Cry.”

  “Every time I see her passing by / All I do is hang my head and cry…” (24:45)

Highlighted Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rod Brasfield & Uncle Sype:

  • “I got sleepy looking up at all them tall buildings. All of a sudden I yawned and gagged, and the fella walked up and mailed a letter in my mouth!” (02:45)

• Minnie Pearl:

  • “This here dress that I got on is five year old this year. That ain’t no story neither.” (16:56)
  • “The camera and my garter snapped at the same time.” (18:30)

• Roy Acuff’s heartfelt performance:

  • “Now I’m dreaming of you / Till we meet tomorrow and dance to the waltz of the wind.” (13:57)

• Red Foley’s closing sentiment:

  • “We’ll be back again next week with another Grand Ole Opry.” (25:55)

Notable Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:43 | Host introduction and setting the stage | | 00:57 | Show opening with Red Foley | | 02:45–09:25 | Rod Brasfield and Uncle Sype comedy exchange | | 09:56 | Oak Ridge Quartet: “Eyes in His Care” | | 10:16 | “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” | | 13:12 | Roy Acuff: “Waltz of the Wind” | | 16:53 | Minnie Pearl monologue | | 20:05 | Wayne Rainey’s harmonica feature | | 21:50 | Roy Acuff: “Thank God for Every Flower…” | | 24:45 | Red Foley: “Hang My Head and Cry” | | 25:55 | Show sign-off |

Conclusion

This Grand Ole Opry broadcast is a vibrant snapshot of a postwar Saturday night: part music party, part comedy hour, part heartfelt tribute to faith and community. The digitally restored episode lets a new generation experience the timeless appeal of Red Foley’s music, Minnie Pearl’s sly, self-mocking humor, and Rod Brasfield’s nimble wisecracks—preserving the joy of the Opry for listeners old and new.