Red Foley Roly Poly | Grand Ole Opry (12-14-47)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary
Episode: "Red Foley Roly Poly | Grand Ole Opry (12-14-47)"
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Host: Andrew Rines

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Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to December 14, 1947, highlighting a classic Grand Ole Opry broadcast featuring legendary country artists Red Foley and Roy Acuff. The episode showcases digitally restored performances, enhancing the original recordings' clarity and richness, allowing modern audiences to experience the timeless charm of the golden age of radio.

Red Foley's Performance: "Roly Poly"

The episode opens with Red Foley performing the catchy and whimsical song "Roly Poly." At [00:12], Andrew Rines introduces the episode, setting the stage for Foley's delightful rendition. Foley’s performance is accompanied by Louis Buck, who provides engaging commentary and interactions. Notable lyrics include:

Red Foley [01:22]:
"Oh, Roly Foley Eating corn and taters Hungry every minute of the day..."
(Timestamp: 01:22)

Foley’s cheerful delivery and the song’s playful lyrics capture the lighthearted spirit of the era, inviting listeners into a festive and entertaining atmosphere.

Roy Acuff's Performances: "Little Moses" and "Unclouded Day"

Following Foley's performance, the spotlight shifts to Roy Acuff, a regular Grand Ole Opry guest renowned for his heartfelt singing and storytelling. At [02:40], Acuff performs "Little Moses," a song that blends religious themes with Acuff’s signature country style.

Roy Acuff [04:04]:
"Now, you've heard of a little Moses in the bull rut..."
(Timestamp: 04:04)

Acuff’s rendition emphasizes themes of faith and hope, resonating deeply with the audience.

Later, at [10:15], Acuff delivers "Unclouded Day," another poignant piece that has been a long-time favorite among Grand Ole Opry listeners. The song’s soothing melody and optimistic lyrics provide a comforting narrative about a peaceful afterlife.

Roy Acuff [10:25]:
"Oh, they tell me of a home far beyond the sky..."
(Timestamp: 10:25)

Acuff’s powerful vocals and the song's uplifting message highlight his profound ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.

Minnie Pearl's Comedy Segment

Minnie Pearl, a beloved Grand Ole Opry comedian, brings humor to the broadcast with her signature storytelling style. At [06:36], Pearl recounts a humorous tale about a character named "Brother," blending wit and Southern charm to entertain the audience.

Minnie Pearl [06:36]:
"So names don't make no difference after all. It's just like the poet said, a rose by any other name would still smell..."
(Timestamp: 06:36)

Her storytelling not only provides comic relief but also offers a glimpse into the everyday humor of the time, making her a favorite among listeners.

Additional Performances and Interactions

Throughout the episode, Red Foley and Louis Buck engage in lighthearted banter, enhancing the overall experience. Foley shares anecdotes and interacts seamlessly with the performers, adding a warm, communal feel to the broadcast.

At [19:36], Wally Fowler and his Oak Ridge Quartet perform "I A the Grant," infusing the episode with rich vocal harmonies and lively instrumentation typical of the period's country music.

Roy Acuff [19:43]:
"Swing ball swing the gap in Arkansas..."
(Timestamp: 19:43)

Their energetic performance encourages audience participation, reflecting the communal spirit of the Grand Ole Opry.

Roy Acuff's "The Great Speckled Bird" and "I Ain't Gonna Steady Wall"

Roy Acuff returns to the stage to perform "The Great Speckled Bird," a gospel song that showcases his versatile vocal talents and deep-rooted faith.

Roy Acuff [12:57]:
"The Great speckled bird. What a beautiful fault I am thinking concerning a great speckled bird..."
(Timestamp: 12:57)

Acuff’s heartfelt performance underscores the spiritual dimension of country music, offering solace and inspiration to listeners.

Later, at [16:00], Acuff performs "I Ain't Gonna Steady Wall," a lively tune that blends humor with traditional country themes. His playful lyrics and vibrant delivery engage the audience, illustrating his prowess as both a singer and entertainer.

Roy Acuff [16:00]:
"I ain't had no Fried chicken since I left old Alabama..."
(Timestamp: 16:00)

Closing Remarks and Final Performances

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Red Foley and Louis Buck continue to entertain with more musical numbers and humorous exchanges. Foley performs additional songs like "Doing the Chores" and "Swing Ball Swing the Gap in Arkansas," further enriching the broadcast.

At [23:15], Louis Buck introduces performers and wraps up the musical segments, ensuring that the episode maintains its engaging and lively tempo until the very end.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Rines [00:12]:
  "Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns... This episode is going to be Grand Ole Opry Original air dates December 14, 1947."
  (Timestamp: 00:12)

• Louis Buck [01:22]:
  "Good evening, all you folks, music fans from coast to coast... Now, here he is, that bashful guy from Berea, Ky. Red Foley."
  (Timestamp: 00:58)

• Red Foley [10:08]:
  "Glory."
  (Timestamp: 06:18)

• Minnie Pearl [06:36]:
  "It's just like the poet said, a rose by any other name would still smell."
  (Timestamp: 06:36)

Conclusion

This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast masterfully preserves and revitalizes a classic Grand Ole Opry broadcast from 1947. Through meticulous digital restoration, Andrew Rines ensures that the performances of Red Foley, Roy Acuff, and Minnie Pearl shine with enhanced audio quality, allowing contemporary audiences to relish the rich storytelling, heartfelt music, and timeless humor that defined the golden age of radio. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to these legendary artists, this episode offers a captivating journey into the storied past of American country music.

Transcript

[Red Foley]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Grand Ole Opry Original air dates December 14, 1947. And the first song is called Roly Poly. And we've got Red Foley with it. Go ahead and let that one rhyme a couple times and let's get into it.

[Louis Buck]

Good evening, all you folks, music fans from coast to coast. This is Louis Buck speaking to you from the cradle of American music. The stage of Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. As in hundreds of Saturday nights past, the Old Opry House is again filled to capacity with people from the four corners of the United States. Now, here he is, that bashful guy from Berea, Ky. Red Foley.

[Red Foley]

Oh, Roly Foley Eating corn and taters Hungry every minute of the day Roly Foley now and on a biscuit as.

[Louis Buck]

Long as he can chew it, it's.

[Red Foley]

Okay he can eat an apple pie Never even fat an eye he likes.

[Louis Buck]

Everything from soup to hay hey, Roly Poly. That is little Fatty Betty's going to.

[Red Foley]

Be a man someday let's.

[Louis Buck]

Pulls up.

[Red Foley]

Weeds and does the chores Runs both.

[Louis Buck]

Ways to all the stores he works.

[Red Foley]

Up an appetite that way A Roly.

[Louis Buck]

Foldy Daddy's little fatty I bet he's.

[Red Foley]

Gonna be a man someday.

[Louis Buck]

Betty's gonna.

[Red Foley]

Be a man someday.

[Louis Buck]

Come on, old hit. Get everybody in that good old timey.

[Red Foley]

Spirit With a little close harmony on.

[Louis Buck]

Wait till the Sun Shines down On.

[Roy Acuff]

A Sunday morning sat a maple lawn.

[Red Foley]

With a sweetheart by her side through the window pane she looked at the rain we must stay home till she cried Then a picnic too at the old front view It's a shame it rained today when the boy drew near Kissed away and she heard him softly say Wait till the sun shines, Nanny when the clouds go drifting by we will be happy Nanny, don't you stop down, lovers rain we'll wonder Sweetheart, you and I Wait till the sun shines and mind bright.

[Louis Buck]

Oh, boy, that's my kind of thing. Introducing our guest tonight, the regular grand.

[Red Foley]

Old opera listeners, is like introducing Sears to Roebuck.

[Louis Buck]

Folks, it's your buddy and mine, Roy.

[Red Foley]

Acuff sings his famous rendition of Little Moses.

[Roy Acuff]

Now, you've heard of a little Moses in the bull rut. You've heard us in this David and his Sl. You've heard the story told of Breman Joseph and of Joni and the whale. We often claim there are so many others through the Bible. I'd like to meet them All I do declare find why the Lord will surely let us meet them at that meeting in the air there's going to be a meeting in the air in the sweet, sweet by and by I'm going to meet to meet them over there in that pond beyond the sky the things you will hear Never heard by mortal ear Will be glorious to declare and God's only son will be the leading one at that meeting in the earth Many things will there be missing at that meeting Them that know no saints Will have no place at all There'll never be a servant preached to sinners for the sinners have refused to heed the call. There'll be no moaning over wayward loved ones There'll be no lonely nights no pleading prayer all our burdens and sins will be lifted at that meeting in the air they're going to be a meeting in the air in the sweet, sweet by and by I'm going to meet to meet them over there in that home beyond the sky thank you. Here never heard by mortal ear Will be glory, I do declare and God's only son will be the leading one at that meeting in the eyes.

[Red Foley]

Glory.

[Louis Buck]

Be For not a little while, folks. Right now, the recreation of red hot news from driver Switch as dished out by Cousin.

[Minnie Pearl]

I'm just proud to be here. If he ain't a sight, I'm telling you, he just wouldn't have nothing. But he'd go to Steve Jones up by a grinder switch. He has the general store there. Well, sir, Brother, he went to see Joe's and got him a job down there working at the general store for the holidays. Well, sir, the first day he went in there where him and Steve was talking about it and Steve says, well, brother, you know, everybody calls brother brother. Folks always pestering me about what brother's given name is. And I always just tell him that he ain't never been give one yet. Mammy said when brother saw him, she just figured that that is one child she just let name itself. So she said she'd just call him brother till he got old enough and had sense enough to name himself. And she'd just been brother ever since. We don't bother none about it. So names don't make no difference after all. It's just like the poet said, a rose by any other name would still smell. Why, there ain't no flowers on brother, huh? Not since we got ddt. Well, sit down. One reason brother got the job was he's mad with Mammy. He got mad with Mammy she said she wanted Brother to keep track of the hens up our home, See which ones was laying and which ones wasn't. And she told Brother to mark on each egg what day it laid, which hen laid it. Brother said he quit. He wasn't gonna play secretary to no bunch of hens. I don't know why Brother said that, though. He's a kind. He said he's awful kind. He's the funny kind. He's the kindest thing. Now, he was sitting down there on the fence last night feeding hogs. And his smart, elderly feller come by and says, brother, he says, hi, boy, how you ho? Brother says, just fine.

[Louis Buck]

How are all your folks?

[Roy Acuff]

Bye, now.

[Minnie Pearl]

See you next week.

[Roy Acuff]

Aunt Zeri. Thank you, Minnie Pearl.

[Red Foley]

I love to tell the story of unseen things above Of Jesus and his glory Of Jesus and his love I love to tell the story Because I know it is true it satisfies my longing as nothing else would do I love to tell the story Will be my theme in glory to tell the old, old story Of Jesus and his love I love tell the story Will be my theme in glory to tell the old story Of Jesus and his love well, I don't know whether all you folks know it or not, but.

[Louis Buck]

Roy Acuff sold more than 10 million records. And now we're going to have a firsthand demonstration of why, it's my guest.

[Red Foley]

Roy Acuff, singing the Unclouded Day as only he can.

[Louis Buck]

Come on out here, Roy.

[Roy Acuff]

Oh, they tell me of a home Far beyond the sky oh, they tell me of a home far away oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise oh, they tell me of an unfolding cloudy day all the land on cloudless day all the land of an unclouded sky oh, they tell me I'm a home where no star and clouds rise oh, they tell me of an unclouded day oh, they tell me of a home where my friends have gone oh, they tell me of that land far away where the tree of life in eternal bloom Sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day oh, the land of cloudless days oh, the land of an unclouded sky oh, they tell me I'm a home where no stars clouds rise oh, they tell me of a sun, cloudy day oh, they tell me that he smiles on his children there and the smiles drive their sorrows all away and they tell me that no tears ever come again in that lovely land of unclouded day O, the land of cloudless day O the land of an unclouded sky oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise oh, they tell me of an unclouded day Here's a song that has been a favorite of the Grand Ole Opry for a number of years.

[Louis Buck]

I hope you'll enjoy it once again.

[Roy Acuff]

The Great speckled bird. What a beautiful fault I am thinking concerning a great speckled bird dream Remember her name is recorded on the pages of God's holy word Is loring to lower her standard they watch every move that she made they long to find fault with her teaching but really they find no mistake I am glad I have learned of her meekness I am proud that my name is on her.

[Red Foley]

Bow.

[Roy Acuff]

For I want to be one Never fearing the face of my savior's true love when he cometh descending from heaven on the cloud that he rides in his words I'll be joyfully carried to meet him on the wings of that great echo bird thank you, neighbors.

[Louis Buck]

Thank you. Well, they don't allow us to send personal messages over the radio. I guess it's all right. Where the bosses at? Fairport Jones says get things ready for me, ma Because I'm a coming home Once Uncle Sam said get your hat.

[Roy Acuff]

And come along with me we got a little job to do for and now that we have done that job Got two stars of our own well, get things ready for me Mo pause I'm coming home I ain't had no.

[Louis Buck]

Fried chicken since I left old Allervam no pumpkin pie no turnip green not.

[Roy Acuff]

Even my smoke out ham butter stuck with selfie bitter dryer when he gets back over the home well, get things ready for a few Mo. Cause I'm coming home Go out to.

[Louis Buck]

The old smokehouse and get down that hickory ham. Cause I ain't had no red gravy.

[Roy Acuff]

I left old Alabama stirrups many cornbread corn a full size home I could sing pretty glam Me coming home with.

[Minnie Pearl]

A batch of sals and molasses on.

[Louis Buck]

Biscuits buttered fine Ain't nothing half so.

[Roy Acuff]

Tasty in the good old eating line.

[Louis Buck]

We're glad of good cold buttermilk Just.

[Roy Acuff]

As fresh as oak and f. Well, we thank for this burn Mo Never coming home.

[Louis Buck]

Here's a man that gives more last.

[Red Foley]

Per minute than anybody we know.

[Louis Buck]

In the hero of H Wall, Tennessee.

[Red Foley]

The barnyard boy is Rob Br.

[Louis Buck]

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Foley. Thank you, Mr. Foley.

[Red Foley]

And.

[Louis Buck]

Hi, friends. I'm sorry. Glad to be here with with y'all all tonight. It's already wet outside. It's raining. I'm sorry. Sad tonight.

[Red Foley]

I. I'm. I'm.

[Louis Buck]

I'm just sort of sad. I was up here in the picture show watching a very romantic love scene in the picture show. Just sitting there watching a very romantic love scene. And that there usher come down there and made me turn around and watch a picture. Made me so mad I didn't stay for but just three shows. Wouldn't have gone to the picture show no how. Only the doctor told me I needed some exercise. And it was one of them mystery horror pictures and it made my flesh treat. Everybody needs to take exercise. Everybody needs exercise because everybody needs exercise. You take. If you don't get enough exercise, you're a good school plumbatty. Now you take a feller down home. Old Luch Morgan. He's a big old tall boy and he's nervous. He's awful nervous. He. He's nervous. He just goes around tying knots and everything he gets his hands on. It was awful yesterday morning when he tried to milk a cat gal. Speaking about them romance pictures and things, my gal Susie is very romantical. Susie, my gal. Susie used to be a wave in the navy. Yes, sir, she used to be a wave in. In the navy. She spent two years sleeping in a hammock. From, from the looks of her finger, I think she's still sleeping in that hammer. Yes, sir. But she wanted to get married the other day. She says, well, married. And I says, now, Susie, honey, by n. I want you to be sure you know what you're doing. I says, now do you think it that the rest of your life you could look at the same man across the table every day for the rest of your life? The same man. She says, don't worry about that, son. When we get married, you won't be the same man. Susie says, you'll have to ask my daddy. So I went up to Mr. Snodgrass and I says, look, Mr. Snodgrass, I wanted to talk to you about your daughter.

[Red Foley]

Her.

[Louis Buck]

I said, now she has given me her lips and she has given me her heart and I want to ask you for her hand. And he says, what are you doing, boy? Piece work. They. They had supper there. They was going to have a big supper and asked me to stay and eat with them and. And I stayed and eat with them and me and her had to go to the grocery store and get some. Some vittles there to cook. And it was on Tuesday and I know we couldn't get no meat for her brother, he went out and killed a rat. Rabbit. Rabbit. We had rabbit for supper there. Rabbit. In fact, I have had so much rabbit meat here lately that now every time I hear a dog bark, I run under the barn.

[Red Foley]

All righty. Good there, Rod Bashfield. Here is Wally Fowler and his Oak Ridge Quartet singing I A the Grant.

[Louis Buck]

Is steady war no more.

[Red Foley]

Well, I'm going to lay down my burdens down by the riverside down by the riverside down by the riverside Going lay down my burden down by the riverside Study w no more I ain't going to study wrong no more I ain't going to study wrong no more Ain't going steady wrong no more no more, no more I ain't going to study war no more Ain't going to study wall no more Ain't going to steady wall.

[Louis Buck]

No more Gonna lay down on my.

[Red Foley]

Sword and shield down by the riverside down by the riverside down by the.

[Louis Buck]

Riverside Gonna lay down my sword and.

[Red Foley]

Shield down by the riverside Steady wall no more I ain't gonna steady wall no more I ain't gonna steady wall no more Standing gonna go steady wall no more Ain't no more no more I ain't gonna steady wall no more Steady wall steady wall no more I ain't gonna go steady wall no more Ain't gonna go steady wall no more, no more, no more, no more I ain't going to study wall no more I ain't going steady wall no more a Going to study wall no more I ain't going to steady wall no more I ain't going to study wall no more A Going to study wall no more, no more, no more I ain't going to study wall no more I a study wall no more A study wa no more I sing this for a very special little lady in the hospital up in Chicago where he called I'll be true to my little darling till the end of time Please come back to me, my darling has your love grown dead and cold? You know that I love you, darling More than the world and all its gold Till the end of time, my darling Till the stars no longer shine I'll be true to you, my darling Love you till the end of time.

[Louis Buck]

Fiddling and Milton S Is calling that big favorite vital triple street Everybody.

[Red Foley]

Away.

[Roy Acuff]

You go.

[Louis Buck]

Slap your hands and stomp the floor Catch your partners weighing some more fresh threads in it dry Turn them around and hurry up Swing, mom.

[Roy Acuff]

Swing ball swing the gap in Arkansas.

[Louis Buck]

Everybody turning gold back again and now you know Dance to the wall now to the middle Everybody Grand Ole Opry was a presentation of the United States.

[Red Foley]

Armed Forces Radio Station Service, the Voice.

[Louis Buck]

Of Information Educ Catch the cow and catch the cat Catch your partner swing once and a half Swing that girl like a hinge on a gate Hurry up boys and don't be late on the wall Swing them through your short and tall Swing them to swing them fro circle four and away you go Slap your handy stomp the floor Take your partners once more pur and then it's draw it turn him around and rest boy everybody turning gold back again and now you know dance to the wall now to the middle Everybody keep time with the K that gal and pat her on the head if you don't like that you feed her cornbread Catch the cow and catch the cat Catch the par square once and a half that girl like a hinge on a gate Hurry up boys don't be late.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.