Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Red Foley Rod Brasfield | Grand Ole Opry (04-05-49)
Host: Andrew Rhines
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Original Air Date: April 5, 1949

Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to April 5, 1949, with a captivating production of the Grand Ole Opry featuring the legendary Red Foley and Rod Brasfield. The episode showcases a blend of musical performances, humorous dialogues, and engaging interactions that epitomize the golden age of radio broadcasting.

Main Content

Opening Performances and Banter (02:43 - 05:19)

The episode kicks off with Rod Brasfield humorously introducing the Grand Ole Opry:

"It's Grand Ole Opry."
— Rod Brasfield [02:43]

Following the introduction, Red Foley performs the uplifting song "Take that Night Train to Memphis", inviting listeners to join in a musical journey:

"Take that night train to Memphis. When you arrive at the station, I'll be right there to meet you."
— Red Foley [03:19]

Post-performance, Rod engages in a light-hearted exchange with Red, sharing a comical anecdote about his Uncle Sipe and the challenges of playing baseball:

"I got me a Charlie horse playing baseball last week and I'm so mad I could eat an umpire burger."
— Rod Brasfield [05:02]

Red responds with playful curiosity:

"Tell me this. Why should that Charlie horse make you mad?"
— Red Foley [05:14]

Ernest Tubb's Musical Interlude (07:15 - 10:39)

Ernest Tubb, a prominent folk artist, joins the conversation, discussing his recent activities in California:

"I've been out in California, Red, for a few weeks on making some personal appearances and made a few new phonograph records while I was out there."
— Ernest Tubb [07:15]

Following this, Tubb captivates the audience with his rendition of "Biting My Fingernails", a heartfelt song reflecting on love and longing:

"I'm biting my fingernails and thinking of you don't love nobody else. It's funny but it's true."
— Ernest Tubb [08:09]

The performance is met with appreciative applause and further banter between Red and Rod:

"That there in this pump is the singingest feller I ever seen."
— Rod Brasfield [10:39]

Humorous Stories and Local Color (10:45 - 23:23)

Rod shares more humorous stories about Ernest's baseball prowess and antics:

"I could run the bases so fast that one day I hit a home run and I was around first base before the people heard the crack of the bat."
— Rod Brasfield [10:49]

As the segment progresses, Red and Rod introduce the Oak Ridge Quartet, who perform a soulful medley of spirituals, encouraging audience participation:

"Let's all go together. Don't you want to go to heaven when you die?"
— Rod Brasfield [14:27]

The atmosphere remains lively with Minnie Pearl joining the troupe, bringing her signature Southern charm and humor. She shares amusing tales about Claude Sharp and the challenges of keeping secrets during intimate moments:

"He says, 'minnie Pearl, how old are you?' And I said, 'Why, Hezzy, I'm looking forward to 30.'”
— Minnie Pearl [20:17]

Rod and Minnie engage in a playful exchange about photography mishaps, highlighting the camaraderie and comedic timing that define their interactions:

"He sure is the hardest man to stick a Cameron I ever seen."
— Rod Brasfield [22:37]

Emotional Musical Performances (23:33 - 27:20)

The mood shifts as Ernest Tubb returns to deliver a poignant performance of "Walking the Floor Over You," expressing heartache and longing:

"You left me and you went away? You said that you'd be back in just a day?"
— Ernest Tubb [23:53]

Rod humorously challenges Ernest's ability to convey sadness, leading to Red Foley stepping in to highlight the emotional depth of Miss Jenny Lou Carson's songwriting:

"Don't rob another man's castle no matter how lonesome you feel."
— Red Foley [25:03]

The quartet, along with Rod and Red, underscore the heartfelt messages of the songs, resonating with the audience's emotions and reinforcing the timeless appeal of these classic folk tunes.

Closing Remarks and Broadcast Information (27:20 - 29:01)

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts acknowledge the historical context of the broadcast, originally aired by NBC and rebroadcast for servicemen and women overseas:

"This was originally released by NBC, the National Broadcasting company, for listeners in the United States, and rebroadcast for our servicemen and women overseas."
— Rod Brasfield & Ernest Tubb [27:25]

Andrew Rhines then wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms:

"Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook... Subscribe to our YouTube channel..."
— Andrew Rhines [29:01]

Key Highlights and Notable Quotes

• Rod Brasfield on Baseball Woes:
  "I got me a Charlie horse playing baseball last week and I'm so mad I could eat an umpire burger."
  [05:02]

• Red Foley on Emotional Songs:
  "Don't rob another man's castle no matter how lonesome you feel."
  [25:03]

• Ernest Tubb's Heartfelt Performance:
  "I'm biting my fingernails and thinking of you don't love nobody else. It's funny but it's true."
  [08:09]

• Minnie Pearl's Humorous Storytelling:
  "He says, 'minnie Pearl, how old are you?' And I said, 'Why, Hezzy, I'm looking forward to 30.'"
  [20:17]

Conclusion

This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast masterfully blends humor, music, and storytelling, offering listeners a rich tapestry of the cultural and entertainment milieu of the late 1940s. Through the charismatic performances of Red Foley, Rod Brasfield, Ernest Tubb, and Minnie Pearl, the Grand Ole Opry comes alive with vibrant energy and timeless charm, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of classic radio dramas and Western lore.

For more episodes and classic Western radio dramas, visit otrwesterns.com or search for OTR Westerns on your preferred podcast platform.