Red Foley Tex Ritter | Grand Ole Opry (12-10-49)

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Red Foley Tex Ritter | Grand Ole Opry (12-10-49)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode: Red Foley Tex Ritter | Grand Ole Opry (12-10-49)
• Release Date: August 14, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Red Foley Tex Ritter | Grand Ole Opry (12-10-49)", host Andrew Rhynes invites listeners to step back in time to December 10, 1949. This episode showcases a classic broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry, featuring legendary country music stars Red Foley and Tex Ritter, along with beloved personalities Rod Brassfield and Minnie Pearl. The podcast leverages advanced digital restoration techniques to enhance the original recordings, offering a richly immersive experience that highlights the authentic sounds and lively performances of the era.

Opening Remarks and Welcome

At [00:57], Rod Brassfield enthusiastically opens the show with the iconic greeting:

“It's Grand Ole Robbery time. Everyone will have some fun at the Grand Ole Opry tonight.”

Rod, alongside Minnie Pearl, sets a jovial tone, inviting listeners to imagine themselves taking the "night train to Memphis" for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment.

Introduction of Hosts and Guests

Rod Brassfield introduces the ensemble:

“You can't blame folks though, for turning out to see and hear Rod Brassfield, Minnie Pearl, Bald Shops, Old Hickory Singers, Wally Fowler and his Oak Ridge Quartet, and the entire game.”

He proudly presents Red Foley and Tex Ritter as tonight's special guests, emphasizing their prominence in the folk music scene:

“[04:20] One of the biggest stars on the folk music horizon, and certainly one of the best. Like personally, my old buddy from out Van Nuys, California way, Tex Renner. Golly, Red.”

Red Foley’s Performance

Red Foley takes the stage with a captivating performance. His song "Some Sweet Day" resonates deeply:

“Someday, darling when the dark cloud rolls away… We start over and make our dreams come true.”

Foley's heartfelt delivery and smooth vocals exemplify the emotional depth and storytelling prowess that made him a cornerstone of country music.

Minnie Pearl and Rod Brassfield’s Banter

Throughout the evening, Minnie Pearl and Rod Brassfield engage in lighthearted and humorous dialogues, sharing anecdotes that reflect their down-to-earth personalities and comedic timing.

At [10:29], Minnie Pearl introduces a musical interlude with Wally Dollar:

“Poor Pet to give us their version of Old Blind Barnabasy…”

Their interactions provide comic relief and showcase the camaraderie between the hosts, enhancing the listener's connection to the performers.

Wally Fowler and Oak Ridge Quartet’s Performance

Wally Fowler and his Oak Ridge Quartet deliver "Old Blind Barnabasy," blending harmonious vocals with skilled instrumentation:

“Blind Barnabas stood on the way... Crying oh Lord have mercy on me…”

The performance underscores the rich musical talent that graced the Grand Ole Opry stage, offering a blend of country melodies and soulful lyrics.

Tex Ritter’s Musical Showcase

Tex Ritter follows with his rendition of "Blues in My Heart," a poignant ballad that highlights his vocal prowess:

“I should have known right from the start you'd leave me with the blues in my heart…”

Ritter's performance adds a layer of emotional depth to the evening, balancing the earlier upbeat numbers with a more introspective tone.

Humorous Stories and Personal Anecdotes

Minnie Pearl shares amusing stories from her time overseas, reflecting on her interactions and the humorous situations that arose:

“[17:35] All the time I was over there in Europe, I never even looked at another man.”

Her storytelling ability brings warmth and laughter, enriching the overall listening experience with personal touches.

Rod Brassfield adds his own humorous tales, such as the mishap involving a glass eye swallowed by a young boy named Ickey:

“[19:44] So the doctor put down one of them long cubes with a light on it... he nearly had a fit.”

These anecdotes not only entertain but also humanize the hosts, making their performances relatable and endearing.

Community Participation and Interactive Segments

The hosts encourage community involvement through interactive segments like singing "Back Home Again in Indiana." Minnie Pearl invites listeners to join in, fostering a sense of unity and shared enjoyment:

“[19:39] Let's all join in then and sing about the good state of Indiana once more.”

Such segments highlight the inclusive spirit of the Grand Ole Opry, inviting audiences to partake in the musical celebration.

Closing Performances and Final Remarks

As the evening draws to a close, the hosts and guests perform final numbers that leave listeners with lasting impressions of joy and nostalgia. Minnie Pearl and Rod Brassfield wrap up the show with heartfelt goodbyes, ensuring the audience feels appreciated and eager for future broadcasts.

Notable Quotes

• Rod Brassfield at [00:57]:

  “Take that night train to Memphis. Take that night train to Memphis.”

• Rod Brassfield introducing Tex Ritter at [04:20]:

  “He can sign his name with a capital X.”

• Minnie Pearl at [19:28]:

  “He swallowed a glass eye socket ball and winker.”

• Rod Brassfield at [19:50]:

  “That just kills me.”

Conclusion

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully captures the essence of a 1949 Grand Ole Opry broadcast. Through engaging dialogues, humorous anecdotes, and stellar musical performances by Red Foley and Tex Ritter, the podcast offers listeners an authentic glimpse into the golden age of radio Westerns. The enhanced audio quality ensures that every chirp, creak, and musical note is vividly brought to life, honoring the timeless legacy of these beloved radio dramas.

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For more information and to explore additional episodes, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

[Rod Brassfield]

Limu.

[Andrew Rines]

Emu and Doug.

[Rod Brassfield]

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[Minnie Pearl]

Save yourself the money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save. We save.

[Rod Brassfield]

That may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty.

[Minnie Pearl]

Liberty.

[Rod Brassfield]

Liberty Savings Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts 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 Dandel D Opery Original Air Dates December 10, 1949 We've got red Foley and Tex Ritter in this episode.

[Rod Brassfield]

It's Grand Ole Robbery time. Everyone will have some fun at the Grand Ole Opry tonight. Welcome to Grand Ole Opry with Ross Grand Steel, Vinny Pearl and starring Ed Foley. Make that night train to Memphis. Take that night train to Memphis. When you arrive at the station I'll be right there to meet you. I'll be right there to greet you. So don't turn down my invitation. Halleluj, Hallelujah. I'll be shouting hallelujah all the day. Oh, we'll have a jubilee down in Memphis, Tennessee. And I'll shout hallelujah all day. Take that night train to Memphis. Take that night train to Memphis. You know how I'm longing to see you. Leave at 3:57 and arrive at 11. Then I'll be shouting hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I'll be shouting hallelujah all the day. Oh, we'll have a jubilee out in Memphis, Tennessee And I'll shout hallelujah. Oh, dear. And I'll shout hallelujah all the day. I don't know where we'd put one more person here in the Rhyme and auditorium tonight, do you, Ran? Well, I sure enough, though, Grant. You can't blame folks though, for turning out to see and hear Rod Brassfield, Minnie Pearl, Bald Shops, Old Hickory Singers, Wally Fowler and his Oak Ridge Quartet, and the entire game. While you're at it, Red, tell the folks who tonight's guest is going to be. Well, one of the biggest stars on the folk music horizon, and certainly one of the best. Like personally, my old buddy from out Van Nuys, California way, Hex Renner. Golly, Red. Well, I look like that waiting to come on here. We'd best be getting started. So who's first? Well, that fellow who drove a spanic with his transatlantic attics, Rod Brashfield.

[Minnie Pearl]

Thank you, Mr. Foley.

[Rod Brassfield]

My, Ned, I don't think I ever will get over flying over to our ocean in that airplane to entertain the Air Force boys. Well, I didn't get much chance to discuss it with you, Rod, with Uncle Siph business and all. But what you think of the trip as a whole? As a whole? Yeah. Well, now that you mention it, I'm about 48 bucks in the hole. I'll tell you one thing, them Air Force fellers can make a paradise through ground loose. Especially Major Gabler. Yeah. Well, was everybody in HO Wall glad to see you when you came back, Rob. They sure was, red. They was very glad to see me. In fact, they had a big sign stretched out across the street there and it made me so mad I could add a banana. Yeah? Yeah. It said, welcome home. Welcome home? Yep. Why should a sign like that make you mad? Well, they spelled home H. A. That just kills me to pull us good in like that. Hi, dear friend. It ain't so hot tonight, is it? I'm telling you the truth. That was some trip we had over there. No fooling. I won't say going across the ocean was rough, but I remember when the sergeant yelled back to me and said, rodney, do you want. I yell back at him and I says, no, you'll save me and you both time if you'll just throw it out the window from up there. One thing I noticed when we got over to Europe was the mosquitoes over in Europe. The mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are in Europe. I'm telling you the truth, friends. There's one big old mosquito over there that's got so much of my blood in him, I'll bet you he sends me a card next Father's Day. Of course, now them Air Force fellers. Them Air Force fellers, they didn't notice the mosquitoes the way us folks did. Them boys is tough. Them Air Force boys is tough. I'm telling you what they. They don't even bother with little sissy things like toothbrushes. When an Air Force fella wants to brush his teeth, he uses a live porcupine. That's there. That's mighty fine. Mighty, mighty fine, that's what we always fry up an extra big batch of chicken and cook up a mess of greens and black eyed peas when we know that tonight's guest is on his way to pay us a visit. Golly, I'll tell you one thing. I can't think of anybody we'd rather have with us here than the genial gentleman from out west radio motion picture and stage star, our good friend, Tex Rener. Where you at, Tex? I'll tell you what you do. You take over now and let's hear that version of Some Sweet Day, huh? Someday, darling when the dark cloud roll away Someday darling When you return to stay we start over and make our dreams come true Build a heaven for us too There'll be flowers bloomin all around our door we'll find happiness just as we did before Someday, darling True love we'll find a way yes, my darling Some sweet day Someday, darlin We'll find our rainbow Then down life's highway Somewhere beyond the bend where our trails meet and blend right into one we'll rest and watch the setting sun well love of the moon lights up the sky above hills all vanish when you're with the one you love Someday, darling I'll kiss your tears away yes my darling some sweet days now here is Wally Dollar and his Oak Bridge Poor Pet to give us their version of Old Blind Barnabasy On Me way the multitude gather from to and fro to see who journeyed to do the cold blood from a mustache to kill this be his eyes were blind and he couldn't see well old blind Bonima stood on the way Blind Barnabas stood on the way Blind Bonimus stood on the way Cried oh Lord have mercy on me well my Lord stopped He looked around he saw a whole Barnabas there on the ground he touched his eyes.

[Minnie Pearl]

With the palm of his hand and.

[Rod Brassfield]

Barnabas sung like a natural van will Blind Barnabas stood on the way Blind Barnabas stood on the way Blind Barnaby stood on the way Crying O Lord, have mercy on me Find all the mercy on me Sometimes I get weary all alone along my pilgrim way Sorrows seem to press me every time I kneel to pray Troubles seem to gather around me Every moment of the day and I just can't keep from crying sometime well I just can't keep from crying all along my pilgrim way when my heart is bowed with sorrow by the things my friends all see well I know my Lord will share every load that's hard to bear But I just can't keep from trying sometime well I have a mother over on the other side I know that I shall meet her when I cross the great divide well I feel her presence near me and I know the storm I ride But I just can't keep from crying sometimes well I just can't keep from crying all along my silver way when my heart is filled with sorrow by the things My friends all say well, I know my Lord will share every loaf that's hard to bear But I just can't keep from crying Sometime few folks like to join in with us on an old community thing. And while we're waiting for Claude Shop, you and your Old Hickory Singers get around the piano there and sing us a verse in the chorus of Back Home Again in Indiana. And then on the second chorus, while we'll all join in, here we go now. Let's go. Back home again in Indiana. And it seems I can see love leaning and alighting still shining bright through the sicker most for me the new moon hates and all its fragrance from the field I used to roam When I dream about the moonlight on the woman Then I long for my Indian Old Hickory singing so now, folks, we got anybody here from Indiana tonight, I hope? Yes. Good. Let's all join in then and sing about the good state of Indiana once more. Here we go. Ram.

[Minnie Pearl]

J.

[Rod Brassfield]

How about the folks way on Vertex Ritter comes from? Could have heard that even without a microphone. Well, there's somebody else waiting outside there who doesn't exactly whisper either, Red. I sure know who that is, grad. It's the gossip of Grindy Switch.

[Minnie Pearl]

I'm just glad to be here. Well, sir, I'm sure glad to be back over here once again with my feller Hezzy. All the time I was over there in Europe, I never even looked at another man. Well, I didn't. Well, what these fellers up here don't know is that when I kiss a feller, I close my eyes. I reckon y' all think all I think about is just kissing. That's right. But everybody in Grindr Switch knows there's only one feller in the world for me. It sure is fun going around the world to find out which one it is. Course, all I done over there in Europe was to give some of the younger Air Force fellers a motherly peck on the cheek. Handing out them pecks can be bushels of fun, though. Ralphie, though I sure was surprised and happy to find that Far from Nabob has been improving his mind since I've been away. You know what Uncle Nabob can do now? He can sign his name with a capital X.

[Rod Brassfield]

He can.

[Minnie Pearl]

Another thing happened while I was gone. Pap Winkle, he got married. He's about 95. And his bride, she's about 90. And Pap told me upstairs that they're living with her mother, but they're looking for a place to set up housekeeping. He says it. He says it's got to be near a schoolhouse.

[Rod Brassfield]

Hi, dear Minnie.

[Minnie Pearl]

Hi there.

[Rod Brassfield]

New York School. Hey, Billy. It sure is good to be back home. Feel so good I ever saw.

[Minnie Pearl]

Yes, sir. Rodney, tell me, how did you find your girl Susie?

[Rod Brassfield]

Well, Minnie, when a gal gets to weighing over 250, it ain't no trouble to find her.

[Minnie Pearl]

I know, Riley, but you ought to pretend not to notice she's taking on weight. Don't let on you know she's getting bigger. Keep it to yourself. Yeah, yeah.

[Rod Brassfield]

Well, I've tried that Mini Pearl, but I've got a weakness that gives me away.

[Minnie Pearl]

What's that, Rodney?

[Rod Brassfield]

Every time Susie sits on my lap, she can hear my bones cracking.

[Minnie Pearl]

Rodney, you got a problem there. Listen like this. The doctor that looked after young Ickeybod. Smeed.

[Rod Brassfield]

Little Icky?

[Minnie Pearl]

Yes. Nobody knows what was the matter when little Ickeybod got to feeling puny and they figured he'd swallowed something. But they didn't know what. They didn't know that it was a big glass eye from an oversized teddy bear.

[Rod Brassfield]

Oh, Mini Pearl, it was on a Thursday. That's when it was.

[Minnie Pearl]

I know it was a Thursday.

[Rod Brassfield]

Yes. You mean Little Icky swallowed a glass eye?

[Minnie Pearl]

Yes, Sir.

[Rod Brassfield]

I'd give $5 if I could talk more than that.

[Minnie Pearl]

He swallowed a glass eye socket ball and winker. So the doctor put. So the doctor put down one of them long cubes with a light on it so as to look in Nikki Fox stomach. And when he looked in the eyepiece, he nearly had a fit. He said, I've looked at lots of stomachs in my life, but this is the first time I ever had to look back at me.

[Rod Brassfield]

That just kills me.

[Minnie Pearl]

It nearly killed Icky.

[Rod Brassfield]

Poor little old Icky. Hey, I want to know what happened to you when you offered this thing over there in Vienna. Over in Austria. Over in Vienna, Vina. Vienna, over where we got them sausage. You know what I'm talking about.

[Minnie Pearl]

I never will forget that, Riley. They was giving a concert for charity and I offered to sing a song with the orchestra.

[Rod Brassfield]

Yeah, I know.

[Minnie Pearl]

Sooner got started when one of them Air Force fellows come running up on the stage and he grabbed that dairy. So stick that baton out of the orchestra leader's hand. And he says to the leader, what's the big idea of beating that gal with that stick?

[Rod Brassfield]

Well, he is twirling it, I guess. What did the orchestra leader say?

[Minnie Pearl]

He said, are you crazy? I ain't beating her. And the feller says, no. Well, then why is she bellering for that?

[Rod Brassfield]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. How about. How about you singing that one? That. That big hit that you had and I'm sure the folks will remember a few years back Called you two time me one time too often Everyone knows you're untrue honey, you and me, Arthur, you too. You time me one time too often I'm so proud of you. You two time me one time too often Nothing you can say I do will make me change my mind I found out the hard way that a man in love is always blind I woke up, now I see you've been playing games with me? You two time me one time too often there's no use to stand around and say you're sorry now I'm no good at playing that old second fiddle anyhow it's too late to make amend this is where I cordon in you two time me one time to all. Well, sir, after that stuffy number about text, I guess I'd better sort of slow things down here a little bit. There's a little tune called Blues in my heart. Losing my heart oh, how it is Nobody knows the sorrow it takes I should have known right from the start you'd leave me with the blues in my heart Gone is the love I couldn't hold Feel like the lamb that spit from the fool? What can I say, what can I do? Losing my heart has got me this way? Rain's falling down down from the sky Even the sun's beginning to cry Everything's wrong since we're apart Wish I could lose these blues in my heart. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.

[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 podcast trwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707986, 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.