Red Foley  The Blue Sky Boys | Grand Ole Opry (12-00-48)

Summary

Episode Summary: Red Foley and The Blue Sky Boys | Grand Ole Opry (12-00-48)
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: May 1, 2025

---

Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to December 1948 with a digitally restored broadcast from the iconic Grand Ole Opry. The episode features the legendary country star Red Foley alongside his special guests, The Blue Sky Boys, delivering a blend of heartfelt performances, humorous interludes, and engaging storytelling that epitomizes the golden age of radio.

---

Red Foley Kicks Off the Show

At the onset (01:31), Red Foley sets the tone with a warm welcome:
“It's Grand Ole Opry time.”

He elaborates on the evening's lineup, highlighting the anticipation and enthusiasm of the audience:
“They've had to turn them away again tonight as thousands journey from all over the country to listen to Red Foley and all the gang and greet Red special guest, the Blue Sky Boys.” (02:06)

---

Opening Performance: "I'm So Easy to Please"

Red Foley launches into his upbeat number, “I'm So Easy to Please,” showcasing his smooth vocals and charismatic presence. The song’s lively tempo and relatable lyrics resonate with the audience, emphasizing themes of love and contentment:
“Cause I'm so easy to please / Give me a girl on my knees and I'm so easy to please.” (02:32)

---

Introduction of The Blue Sky Boys

Following his performance, Foley introduces his esteemed guests, The Blue Sky Boys:
“We got the Blue Sky Boys here with us tonight, and this is their first visit, so let's welcome them...” (05:50)

Bill and Earl Bullock, along with Curly Parker, take the stage, adding their distinctive harmonies and instrumental prowess to the evening’s lineup.

---

First Blue Sky Boys Performance: "Kentucky"

The Blue Sky Boys perform “Kentucky,” a heartfelt ballad written by Foley’s friend Carl Davis, which had become a significant hit at the time:
“Kentucky, you are the dearest land now outside of heaven to me...” (07:06)
The song’s evocative lyrics and harmonious arrangement highlight the Boys' exceptional talent, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

---

Minnie Pearl's Humorous Interlude

Adding a touch of humor to the night, Minnie Pearl delivers a delightful monologue filled with her trademark wit and charm:
“I'm just about to be here. Y'all thought I was aiming to sing, didn't you? I ain't gonna sing yet...” (09:50)

Her anecdote about her adventures with Rod and the antics of her hound dog provides a light-hearted break, reflecting the camaraderie and playful spirit of the Grand Ole Opry.

---

Red Foley Introduces "Trip Time"

Returning to the stage, Foley introduces a reflective and soulful number titled “Trip Time”:
“Lay down your soul as you're traveling the highway. Simple brother, go slow, there's a dangerous curve ahead...” (13:19)
The song’s poignant lyrics and Foley’s emotive delivery offer a moment of introspection amidst the evening’s festivities.

---

Second Blue Sky Boys Performance: "Soul Down the River"

The Blue Sky Boys enchant the audience once more with “Soul Down the River,” a song imbued with emotional depth and intricate harmonies:
“Sold down the river to the port of broken hearts. Drifting in sorrow down the stream...” (15:28)
Their performance underscores the musical versatility and enduring appeal of the group.

---

Rod’s Humorous Storytelling

Adding to the evening's entertainment, Rod shares a humorous and relatable story about his interactions with Susie and her dog:
“I went home and got Mommy to patch my britches. And the next morning I went uptown and I was talking, telling Mr. Raspberry there about it...” (17:19)
Rod’s storytelling, filled with lively dialogue and comedic timing, engages listeners with its everyday charm and humor.

---

Grandpa Jones Performs "Good Old Mountain Dew"

The episode features Grandpa Jones, another Grand Ole Opry favorite, who sings his signature tune “Good Old Mountain Dew”:
“There's a big pot of trees down the road here from me Swaggity down a dollar or two...” (21:07)
Jones’ spirited performance adds a vibrant, foot-tapping energy to the night, captivating the audience with his unique style.

---

Religious Segment: Saints Parade for Heaven's Holy King

A heartfelt religious number follows, inviting listeners to join in a spiritual celebration:
“That Jesus can redeem your soul. A happy new song you ever did the same to Jesus way...” (22:43)
This segment highlights the blend of entertainment and moral storytelling that characterized the Grand Ole Opry’s diverse programming.

---

Red Foley’s Closing Song: "We Live in Two Different Worlds"

In a touching finale, Red Foley performs “We Live in Two Different Worlds,” a song that delves into themes of love and longing:
“Dear, my world is honest and true. Sweetheart, remember when your world gets lonely I'll still be waiting for you...” (24:09)
Foley’s heartfelt rendition provides an emotional closure to the evening, leaving listeners with a sense of connection and nostalgia.

---

Conclusion

Andrew Rines wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to engage with the Old Time Radio Westerns community:
“Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application...” (27:34)
This episode not only preserves a cherished moment in radio history but also showcases the timeless appeal of classic performances and the enduring legacy of the Grand Ole Opry.

---

Notable Quotes

• Red Foley (02:05):
  “They've had to turn them away again tonight as thousands journey from all over the country to listen to Red Foley and all the gang and greet Red special guest, the Blue Sky Boys.”

• Minnie Pearl (09:50):
  “I'm just about to be here. Y'all thought I was aiming to sing, didn't you? I ain't gonna sing yet...”

• Red Foley (15:28):
  “Sold down the river to the port of broken hearts. Drifting in sorrow down the stream...”

• Grandpa Jones (21:07):
  “There's a big pot of trees down the road here from me Swaggity down a dollar or two...”

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully blends musical performances with engaging personalities, offering listeners a rich and immersive experience of the Grand Ole Opry’s storied past. From Red Foley’s welcoming presence to the Blue Sky Boys’ harmonious melodies and Minnie Pearl’s comedic flair, the episode serves as a nostalgic homage to a bygone era of radio entertainment.

Transcript

[TSA Announcer]

Plan on flying, it's time to upgrade to a real ID because in order to board domestic flights, your driver's license or state issued ID must be a real ID or you'll need another acceptable form of identification. So don't wait. Find out how to get your Real [e-mail] RealID that's tsa.gov RealID or visit your local DMV and then you'll be cleared for takeoff.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And before we get into this episode, I wanted to remind you to check out our other Western podcasts released daily by going to otrwesterns.com or searching OTR Westerns in your podcast app of choice. I also wanted to invite you to check out our other podcast channel releasing non Western shows by going to otnetcast.com or by searching otnetcast in your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Grand Old Opera Original Air Date. We don't know exact date, but we do know it comes from sometime in December of 1948. The title is going to be Red Foley and the Blue Sky Boys. Let's get into it and I hope you enjoy.

[Red Foley]

It's Grand Ole Opry time.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Little has some fun at the Grand Old with the.

[Red Foley]

Buoy Buck speaking to.

[TSA Announcer]

You from the stage of Nashville's Ryman.

[Red Foley]

Auditorium, the folk music center of the world. They've had to turn them away again tonight as thousands journey from all over the country to listen to Red Foley and all the gang and greet Red special guest, the Blue Sky Boys.

[TSA Announcer]

Now time to bring on the Chief himself.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

I believe it. Breathe.

[Red Foley]

Home. Feeling kind of crazy Feeling kind of wild Gonna see my baby, she's my honey child Skinny as a bean Cold and ugly as can be when it comes to loving she's enough for me. Cause I'm so easy to please Cause I'm so easy to please Give me a G on my knees and I'm so easy to please. Let's play it now. Every time I kiss her my full heart will jump Let me tell you Misty she can get bumped her hair is kind of brindled her nose is out of place she's not so bad to look at if you can't see his face. Cause I'm so easy to please Cause I'm so easy to please Give me a girl on my knees and I'm so easy to please And I'm so easy to please. Thank you very much well, thanks a lot and a great big howdy to all my good friends and neighbors at Grand Old Opal. We got the Blue Sky Boys here with us tonight, and this is their first visit, so let's welcome them with Claude Sharp and the old Hickor Singers doing the Little Red Schoolhouse.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Sometime. I think the ones of little Little Back in the days when I used to go to school When I used to go to school when I was a kid Yeehaw. I hated a little place where I was educated Although I didn't know it.

[Red Foley]

I was lucky then I wish that.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

I was back again.

[Red Foley]

In the middle.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Red schoolhouse with my book and sleigh in the middle red School I was always late I long to be back there where I was a scholar in the days of yore How I'd stand.

[Red Foley]

Right up there and holler two and.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Two or four when they should have been learning about the Golden Rule In.

[Red Foley]

Walk the Golden Rule Our little hearts.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Were yearning for the swim in the.

[Red Foley]

Pool and when I was eight the.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Teacher said bring your father right away I brought my dad and after that he came most every day O G G I want to be I want to be in the Little Red school house.

[Red Foley]

Ah, that's mighty fine colors. You folks that follow the popular folk music recordings from day to day will know right away what we mean when we just say the title. Kentucky, written by my good friend Carl Davis. That's one of the biggest hits ever right now, and it looks like it's going to be even bigger. So, folks, I want you to meet the boys that help make this song what it is today. Bill and Earl Bullock with Curly Parker, the Blue Sky Boys. Boys, come out here. Boys. Congratulations on your bestseller Kentucky. And now that you're here with us tonight, what are you going to sing? Huh?

[TSA Announcer]

Kentucky.

[Red Foley]

Well, sir, that makes good set so far away. Here we go.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

You are the dearest land now outside of heaven to me Kentucky, you are all and you're at the dream.

[TSA Announcer]

When.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

I die I want to rest upon a graceful mountain so high for that is where God will upon me in Turkey. I miss the voices singing in the silvery moonlight I miss the hound of chasing through I know that my mother, dad and sweetheart are awaiting for me Kentucky, I will be coming soon When I die I want to rest upon the graceful mountain so high for that is where God will afford me.

[Red Foley]

Right now, your weekly version of Red Hot News from Grander switch as dished out by cousin Minnie Pearl.

[Minnie Pearl]

I'm just about to be here. Y'all thought I Was aiming to sang, didn't you? I ain't gonna sing yet. But I want to tell you when I do that I. When I sang out there and about being jealous. I don't want you girls to take it too much to heart because I'm not really jealous when a pretty girl looks at my feller. Has he after all, you know, some girls has beauty and other girls has brains. I wonder where I come in. Well, I ain't gonna worry myself too much though, because I went back and I looked at a bunch of facts and figures for 1900 and I found out something that made me feel better. It said that of all the people that was married last year, half of them was women. I ain't losing hope. Well, to every big newspaper looks like in the country that is newspapers any size at all is making predictions of what's going to happen in the new year. And I'm going to tell you. We're a little late with our designer switch in the Grinding Switch Gazette, but here goes anyhow. We predict that women will wear long skirts and have the new look till summer. And then the girls will put on bathing suits and the fellows will have a better look. Oh, we also predict that the girls will squeeze themselves into tighter clothes, but the fellers will squeeze them in anything. I ain't losing hope on that neither. We predict that Miss America for 1948 will be that raven beauty from Grinder Switch, Miss Minnie Pearl. I'll say I ain't a raving kitty, but I can sure rave, I'll tell you that. Well, Sigo, don't think I ain't had my moments with the fellers. I'll tell you, I know what it's like to throw my arms around fellers. Only trouble is they keep throwing them back. Before I sang though, and asked these fellers to give me a chord. I'd like to report that Snodgrass Tinkle mcgrimed his wit was over to see old Opsane about his wife. Not Doc's wife, Tinkum's wife. Well, he says she's got the coldest feet in Tennessee. And Doc says, does your wife suffer much from a cold feet? And Tinkum says, no, but I do. I like to swing out there and call Devil a hearted me feller. You can have my coffee, have my tea. But if you let my fellow be umbella jealous hard at me. I'm just a shut up letter can be.

[Red Foley]

Well trip time now we'd like you to join with us. As we recall a fine old Sacred number. Lay down your soul as you're traveling the highway. Simple brother, go slow, there's a dangerous curve ahead. Take the straight and the narrow road. Don't turn from the way. At his be. Give up your sins, lay down your soul. Lay down your soul before your maker. Lay down your worldly goods and gold. Let Jesus know you need his mercy at his feet. Give up your sins. Lay down your soul. On your journey to Beulah land. Don't fall by the way. There'll be sins on every hand. Don't be led by temptation. You will hear the angels say. At his feet. Give up your sins. Lay down your soul.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Lay down your soul before you'll make good. Lay down your worldly goodness. Know that Jesus know you need his mercy at his feet. Give up your sins. Lay down your soul.

[Red Foley]

Just like we promised. Here are my guests, the Blue Sky Boys. When once again Bill and Earl. With a fine little song they'd like to acquaint you with. And it's called Soul down the River. Boy, the Mahi.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Where is the love that you promised me? The pine gone like the loudest in the fall. You crossed your heart now your double cross was mine. You've been free thinking after all I was sold down the river to the port of broken hearts. Drifting in sorrow down the stream. Sold down the river on a chip that borried. When it anchors in the sea all broken green. I never dreamed that your heart would grow so full. Hiding behind the Rainbow's inn. You must be blind from the glitter all the. I was so down the river to the port of broken heart. Drifting and sorrow down the stream. So down the river on a ship that won't return. When it anchors in the sea of broken breeze. Hey.

[Red Foley]

Come back again soon boys. We'll be looking for you. Now then, it looks like the noon bus from Hoin Wall brought its weekly cargo of fun. And it's none other than Rod.

[TSA Announcer]

Well, thank you, man. Thank you, Mr. Pulley. Thank you, sir. Hi. Dear friends, before I go another step further, I want to answer a letter that I got today through the post office. It a letter from a young mother that wants to know if it's alright to feed a baby milk before it goes to sleep. Well now, by that it seems to me like anybody ought to know that it's bad to feed a baby milk before it goes to sleep. Cause when it's sleeping, it's rolling from side to side. And that there turns the milk to butter. And the butter turns to fat, the fat turns to sugar. The sugar turns to alcohol and the baby wakes up the next morning with a terrible hangover. Friends, if I look like and act like I ain't right bright tonight, it's because I'm sorta excited. I'm running a little late, but I'm on my way over to my gal Susie's house to take her her Christmas present. Yeah, this year's the first Christmas that I've had to give Susie a Christmas present. Now, in three or four Christmases. You see, just before Christmas every year, me and her get in a big argument. But you know, this year I couldn't make that woman mad at me at all. Sure could. I love to make her mad. It's so much fun making up. Ain't much fun getting mad. But it sure is fun making up love to kiss and make up. I get the kiss and she gets the makeup. You know, I went over there to see Susie the other. I can't hear good tonight. I went over to spark Susie the other day and me and her was sitting there. She asked me in the house, met me at the door and asked me in the house just as nice and polite and everything. And. And I went in and sat down on the sofa there to spark a little while there on the sofa. And all of a sudden she got up and turned the lights out and I got up and went home. Shucks, I know she wanted to go to bed. I ain't no idiot. I can take a hint. All right, I had no more and got out the front door. They've got an old hound dog that never did like me no hound. And he took out after me and run me around that house three or four times. I'm telling you, my hip pockets was dipping sand boy. Finally he got me. Finally he grabbed me and bit me right in the back of my lap. Susie. Susie hear all this commotion. And she come to the door and called the old dog off and says, don't worry about it, Rod. He won't bite you. He just barks. I said, well, Susie, honey, if he don't bite, he sure has bark the seat out of my britches. Well, I went home and I got Mommy to patch my britches. And the next morning I went uptown and I was talking, telling Mr. Raspberry there about it. He's one of our storekeepers there in Hornwell. Mr. Raspberry's got the dry goods store. And I was just standing there telling him about what happened. And he got after me, trying to sell me a new pair of pants. And I says, no, sir. Mr. Raspberry, these hair pants have stuck to me through thick and thin and I ain't gonna let them down now.

[Red Foley]

Yep, you're right. The music being played is Grandpa Jones own theme song. And tonight he's gonna pick and sing the words to Good Old Mountain Dew. Grandpa singer. Pretty buddy.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

There's a big pot of trees down the road here from me Swaggity down a dollar or two. You go around the fence and you come back again. There's a jug full of good old Mountain Dew. Oh, they call it that Old Mountain Dew. I see a letter and you. I'll shut up my mo if you fill up my joke with some good old mountain.

[TSA Announcer]

Well, my Uncle Nor he's so dope and short he measures about 4 foot.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

2 but he thinks he is a giant Will you give him a pint of that good old Mountain Dew? Well, my brother Bill he's got a still on the hill that runs over Gallander too the buzzards in the sky gets a gunk they can't fly from smelling that good old mountain De holy mountain view and the good old mountain.

[Red Foley]

If you want to keep in a happy mood, Wally follows your boy. And Wally and his Oak Ridge Quartet invite you to join now in their heavenly parade.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Our traveling days will soon be over here and reach across the rolling tide.

[Red Foley]

For we were down here for just a little while Our home is on.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

The other side Ambassadors too far Jesus our redeemer and he did love Crusade far right against Rome that's who we're going to throne into heaven where the saints parade for heaven's holy king for heaven's holy king so let the people shout and sing Triple as a doe story Singing for the glory Old little.

[Red Foley]

Devil new it's total and fair if.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

The younger in the air it's an eternal happy bound we're all eternal so.

[Red Foley]

Happy are we in telling your friend.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

That Jesus can redeem your soul.

[Red Foley]

A happy new song you ever did the.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Same to Jesus way have made to Gloria lamp and prayer and join us in the saints parade for heaven's holy king for heaven's holy King of him shouting Singing the blessed holy Singing for the glory Holy the devil appear in glory.

[Red Foley]

Well, my ballad for tonight is one I've sung here before but like an old friend it's always welcome and it's called we live in two different worlds we live in two different worlds dear My world is honest and true Sweetheart remember when your world gets lonely I'll still be waiting for you Everyone here tried to warn me. You were just playing a game. I told them all we were meant for each other. I thought our worlds were the same. Let's play it. Jerry. We live in two different worlds. Dear Grand Ole Opry came to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service. Voice of Information Education Made your world out of boughs that are broken? I build the world in my heart Bird fly out of the crow hoppins.

[TSA Announcer]

When your partner's gone again Chase the.

[Red Foley]

Rabbit and chase the squirrel Chase that fruit girl around the world Chase the cow and catch the calf Catch your.

[TSA Announcer]

Partner'S lady Once in a half a lady around the lady and the gentle.

[Red Foley]

Girl cheetah and the lady and do she go Face your partner back to the wall Meet your partner and how you all do she do now you're gone? Swing that girl with a red dress on?

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Hurry up, boys and don't delay Swing.

[TSA Announcer]

That girl like a hedge on a.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Gig oh, Join hands and dance to.

[TSA Announcer]

The middle Swing your partner keep time with a fiddle A big foot up and a little and down Swing your.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Honey go round and around Bird fly.

[Red Foley]

Out to throw hoppins when your partner.

[TSA Announcer]

Gone again Chase the rabbit and chase.

[Red Foley]

The squirrel Chase that little girl right in the.

[Grand Ole Opry Performer]

Foreign.

[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 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.