Rock On Down the Line (Red Foley) | Grand Ole Opry (07-24-48)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Rock On Down the Line (Red Foley) | Grand Ole Opry (07-24-48)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: April 24, 2025

---

Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to July 24, 1948, with a special focus on the iconic Grand Ole Opry performance featuring Red Foley. Through meticulous digital restoration, the episode offers enhanced audio clarity, immersing the audience in the vibrant atmosphere of the late 1940s Nashville music scene.

---

Opening Performances

"Rock on Down the Line" by Red Foley
Timestamp: 04:07

The episode kicks off with Red Foley's energetic rendition of “Rock on Down the Line,” setting a lively tone for the evening. Foley's performance is complemented by the rich sounds of the Grand Ole Opry, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of radio.

Notable Quote:
Red Foley enthusiastically introduces his performance:
“I got rock and jam money But I got the hard heart with Fought in every battle from the start to VJD and now I'll rock...”
(04:39)

---

Guest Appearances and Dialogue

Conversation with Ernest Tubb
Timestamp: 09:25

A highlight of the episode is the engaging dialogue between Red Foley and his special guest, Ernest Tubb. Their camaraderie shines through as they discuss recent appearances and share humorous anecdotes.

Notable Quotes:
Red Foley praises Tubb's popularity:
“Every time he's left his listeners crying for more...”
(05:55)

Ernest Tubb shares a humorous take on handling busy schedules:
“Relax for a little while and put your mind to rights. Fill up your pipe and have yourself a smoke...”
(08:14)

Performance of "You Nearly Lose Your Mind" by Ernest Tubb
Timestamp: 10:25

Tubb delivers his heartfelt song, "You Nearly Lose Your Mind," showcasing his signature Texas honky-tonk style. The lyrics poignantly explore the strains of familial relationships and personal turmoil.

---

Comedy Interlude

Minnie Pearl’s Humorous Storytelling
Timestamp: 13:22

Minnie Pearl, affectionately known as Cousin Minnie Pearl, brings laughter with her whimsical tale about participating in the Grinder Bathing Beauty Contest. Her humorous narrative about judged qualifications and family antics adds a lighthearted break to the evening.

Notable Quote:
Minnie Pearl shares her frustrations with the contest:
“They judged me out 'cause they said I had too many buttons all the way down the back of my bathing suit. Buttons? Them wasn't buttons. Them was my backbone.”
(13:38)

---

Hymns and Spirituals

"Lay Down Your Soul" Hymn Performance
Timestamp: 16:01

The program transitions to a reflective mood with the singing of the hymn "Lay Down Your Soul." This spiritual piece encourages listeners to seek solace and redemption, resonating deeply with the audience of the era.

Notable Quote:
Ernest Tubb emphasizes the hymn's message:
“Lay down your soul before your maker.”
(17:34)

Wally Fowler and the Oak Ridge Quartet’s "Ride on King Jesus"
Timestamp: 25:56

Adding to the spiritual segment, Wally Fowler and his Oak Ridge Quartet perform "Ride on King Jesus," a stirring spiritual that uplifts and inspires, highlighting the diverse musical talents featured on the Grand Ole Opry.

---

Final Performances and Closing Remarks

"Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" by Red Foley
Timestamp: 26:56

Red Foley returns with the emotive ballad "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain." His soulful delivery captures the heartache of lost love, leaving a lasting impression on the night's proceedings.

Notable Quote:
Foley reflects on enduring love and memories:
“Blue eyes crying in the rain, yesterday, in the firelight glow I see her...”
(27:48)

Encore with Ernest Tubb – "Forever Is Ending Today"
Timestamp: 19:50

In a poignant encore, Ernest Tubb performs "Forever Is Ending Today," a song that delves into the finality of love and the inevitability of parting ways. Tubb's heartfelt performance underscores the emotional depth of the evening.

---

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Red Foley extending heartfelt thanks to listeners and teasing next week's special guest, Guy Willis and the Oklahoma Wranglers. The seamless blend of music, humor, and heartfelt dialogue encapsulates the enduring charm of the Grand Ole Opry and its legendary performers.

Notable Quote:
Red Foley signs off warmly:
“I'll be seeing you next Saturday night, same time and Prince Albert's Brand O Opry.”
(31:19)

---

Key Takeaways

• Rich Performances: The episode features memorable performances by Red Foley and Ernest Tubb, showcasing classic country and honky-tonk music.

• Engaging Dialogue: The interactions between hosts and guests provide a glimpse into the personalities behind the music, adding depth to the listening experience.

• Humorous Interludes: Minnie Pearl's comedic storytelling offers a delightful contrast to the musical segments, enhancing the overall entertainment value.

• Spiritual Resonance: Hymn performances add a layer of spiritual reflection, highlighting the diverse programming of the Grand Ole Opry.

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns is a testament to the timeless appeal of classic Western radio dramas and the legendary talents that defined an era.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts. Just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you.

[Announcer]

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 Diaper Original Air date is July 24, 1948. First song is called Rock on Down the Line and we've got Red Foley singing let's Get into it and I hope you enjoy.

[Ernest Tubb]

Get Warren's deal with Rice Thinner for that next painting job and save yourself the discomfort of sickening paint fumes. Warren Paint Time Starring Ernest Tubb and Luke Hillary Brought to you by the Warren Paint and Color Company of Nashville, Tennessee and their associated dealers throughout the Southland.

[Announcer]

And make it look like you.

[Ernest Tubb]

WSM, Nashville, Tennessee have you tried Tide T I D E? Tide Washes clothes cleaner than any soap Leaves clothes dirt free, Removes film Tide is Procter and Gamble's amazing new Wash Day Wonder the National Broadcasting Company delays this program to bring you a special bulletin. We take you now to NBC in Philadelphia. This is Shy park in Philadelphia, Robert Trout speaking from the baseball diamond where Henry Wallace will this evening accept the presidential nomination of the New Progressive Party. The night is fine, the crowd is large and full of enthusiasm and the program is running far behind schedule. So NBC will begin its broadcast of the outdoor ceremony at 10:30 Eastern Daylight Saving Time. We're opening our microphones for the acceptance speeches 1/2 hour from now. And until then, I return you to New York. Keep tuned to your NBC station for the latest news. It's Grand Ole Opry time.

[Announcer]

Up the fiddle and your roll Back the rock on the floor Light up your own crow Everyone will have some fun at the Grand Old Op Queen Al.

[Ernest Tubb]

Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

[Louie Buck]

This is Louie Buck.

[Ernest Tubb]

Tonight, another big Saturday night Prince Albert show with thousands of people making their weekly pilgrimage to the Folk Music center of America Rahman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. See? Yes, it's Red Foley and the entire PA gang, plus Red's very special guest, Ernest Tub. And it's all yours to remind you that whether you roll your own or smoke a pipe, you get more smoking enjoyment from Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco. Now, that mountain minstrel and star of our show, Red Foley.

[Red Foley]

I got rock and jam money But I got the hard heart with Fought in every battle from the start to VJD and now I'll rock Come on and rock Rock on down, Rock on down the line. I'll soon get my big check, honey Then we'll have some fun. This rocking chair money, honey Is better than toting a gun. Cause I like to rock Come on and rock Rock on down, Rock on down the line. I rocked way out on the ocean Rode the waves and such I'll spend my money, honey just the way I think I must. Cause I like to rock on and rock Rock on down, rock on down the line I Some begin jealous some don't seem to care I lose been my money, honey the way I seem to care Rock to rock Come on and rock Rock on down, Rock on down the line.

[Announcer]

Rock on down the line.

[Red Foley]

Oh, my, my. We sure got a fine audit here tonight. Thanks a lot. And a great big hearty to all my good friends and neighbors of Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco's Grand Ole Opry. Yes, sir, that Texas troubadour. And my old friend Ernest Tubb is here tonight, just like Cousin Louis said. And it's up to us to give him a great big howdy when he comes on. Suppose we begin our welcome to Ernest with one of his favorite quartet tunes with Claude Sharp and the Old Hickory Singers singing Tuck Me to sleep in my old Tucky home.

[Announcer]

Old Kentucky cradled me when I was born Old Kentucky How I miss the field of corn Nighttime when I get to bed How I weep and toss my head I weep no more I'm going back instead. Talk me to sleep in my old turkey hole Cover me with Dixie skies and leave me there alone. Just let the sun kiss my cheeks every morning like the kissing I've been missing from a mammy since I'm gone I ain't had a bit of rest since I left my mammy's nest I can always rest the blessed in her loving arms Taught me to sleep in my old. Let me lay there, stay there Never no more to roar I ain't had a bit of rest since I left my mammy's nest I can always rest the best in her Loving arms t me to sleep in my old happy home Let me lay there, stay there. Never no more.

[Red Foley]

Boys, I would say you done mighty good on that. And as a reward, we're going to let you have front seats for cousin Louis Buck's important little talk.

[Ernest Tubb]

Have you ever had so much to do all at once that you just didn't know where to begin? Well, I'll tell you what to do when you get in a jam like that. Relax for a little while and put your mind to rights. Fill up your pipe and have yourself a smoke. And be sure that pipe is filled with Prince Albert's smoking tobacco. Prince Albert has such a rich, full flavor. And if you like cool mildness in your pipe, Prince Albert is for you. Prince Albert is specially made for smoking pleasure. You know why Prince Albert is the largest selling tobacco in America? Yep. Pa's Choice tobacco is specially treated to ensure against tongue bite. And Prince Albert is crimp cut so it burns nice and slow. Smokes cool. So before you start a job while you're working, and certainly when you're through, enjoy a pipe full of Pa the national joy smoke.

[Announcer]

So fill your pipe up with Pa and take a puff R2. You'll get that extra smoke and joy Prince Albert offers you.

[Red Foley]

Well, sir, our popular guest has been with us on our Prince Albert Opry several times before. And each time he's left his listeners crying for more. Folks, there ain't much more to say, except here is Ernest Tubbs. Ernest, we're mighty, mighty proud to have you back with us, buddy.

[Ernest Tubb]

I'm glad to be here too, Red, on the PA Show. Especially since you folks are so famous with your pictures in the new issue of Radio Mirror magazine.

[Red Foley]

Well, see, you know, you could have knocked us over with a feather, Ernest. When we turned to page 54 there in the August Radio Mirror and saw that big color picture of the whole game. But we didn't ask you here to talk about us. It's you that gets the spotlight, Ernest. And which one of your big hit songs you going to sing for us first, huh, Red?

[Ernest Tubb]

I'd like to do this one called you Nearly Lose youe Mind.

[Red Foley]

You nearly lose your mind. Just like he recorded it. Ernest Tubb. Boys, let's hear it.

[Ernest Tubb]

Now, if you love your mama and you treat her right but she keeps on fussing at you Every day and night that she's gonna try full on you they'll do it every time and when your baby starts stepping Lord, you nearly lose your mind. Now if your mama's mean Take a tip from me. Lock her up at home, Lord. But hang on to that key. Cause she's gonna try. For they'll do it every time. And when your baby starts to step and loud. You nearly lose your mind. Rave on, brother, rave on. But if your mama's good, I'll tell you what to do. Give her lots of love and law. But watch her closely too. Cause she's gonna try pull on you. They'll do it every time. And when your baby starts stepping loud. You nearly lose, lose your mind. All come in, butterball. We call him Nature Boy. Now you come home to your mama and find your clothes ain't clean you. You can bet you're slipping. If you get just what I mean. Cause she's been trifling on you. They'll do it every time. And when your baby starts to step and loud. You nearly lose your mind. Now you may have a mama who says that she is true. But wait till you get down and out and really need her too. Then she's gonna try to load you. They'll do it every time. And when your baby starts to step and loud. You nearly lose your mind. Now I've been a lot of places, not much I ain't done. But when it comes to women, Lord, I just don't trust a one. Because they trifle on you. They'll do it every time. And when your baby starts to step and loud. You nearly lose your mind. Nearly drives you crazy.

[Red Foley]

Ah, well, just hold your horses, everybody, because we're going to have another song by Ernest Tubb just a little later on. Right now, though, we aim to get caught up with what's been happening down in Grinder Switch. And here's the gal to tell us all about it. Prince Albert's princess of the press, Cousin Minnie Pearl.

[Louie Buck]

I'm just proud to be here. Well, sir, before I start anything else tonight, I want to announce to you all that I entered the Grindest Bathing Beauty Contest and I ended up with a photo finish.

[Ernest Tubb]

I did.

[Louie Buck]

They looked at my photo and that was my finish. I sure thought I'd be selected Miss Grinder Switch. But they ruled me out. Cause they said I had too many buttons all the way down the back of my bathing suit. Buttons? Them wasn't buttons. Them was my backbone. Well, it's your Uncle Nabob, though. He's one of the judges. They picked him because Uncle Nabob knows all about women of the opposite sex. I asked Uncle Nabob what is wrong with the girl of today? And he said, the Trouble with girls now is that they scream at the sight of a mouse, but they'll grin at a wolf. That sort of put me in the mind with the trouble we've been having with Sister. We took a notion we'd send Sister over to town to school. She's done got old enough now, and before she went into town to school, I took her to one side and I told her how to keep men at the proper distance. But from what she told me since she's been home, Sister ain't much of a judge of distance. Course, with the weather being like it is, well, Sister and me and the whole family, we've been a going a swimming a lot down in the old swimming hole down there. Mammy says she thinks brother must be a wonderful swimmer by this time. She says he spends so much time in the pool room, Brother knows all the dives. I been reading an awful romantical love story. And the other night when Hezzy come over to set his spell with me and keep me company, I says, hezzy, would you be willing to go to the ends of the earth for me? And Hezzy said, I sure would. And the sooner I start, the better. I don't know. Sometimes I wished I was a oyster. Around this time of the year, nobody expects an oyster to be good. Bye now. See you next week.

[Red Foley]

Ah, Betty Pearl. I guess you're as popular with the men folks as a pipe full of Prince Albert smoking tobacco. Yes, it's hymn time here at the Prince Albert Opry. And Uncle Eggie McEwen's calling us to get ready to sing that beautiful old hymn called lay down your soul. As you're traveling the highway, sinful brother, go slow, there's a dangerous curve ahead. Take the straight and the narrow road. Don't turn from the way. At his feet, 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 temptations. You will hear the angels say. At his feet. Give up your sins, lay down your soul.

[Ernest Tubb]

Lay down your soul before your maker.

[Announcer]

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.

[Ernest Tubb]

Say, I ran into the wisest man in our town the other day. He was looking more than usually wise. What do you know I asked him. I know everything, he said. Well, I told him quickly, don't tell me everything, just tell me what you know that's new. The wisest man in our town pulled on his long white beard. I know the fastest, easiest way to roll a firm, smooth makin cigarette, he began, but I interrupted him. Why, that's not new, I said. Practically every man who rolls his own knows that the fastest, easiest way to roll a first rate making cigarette is to use Prince Albert smoking tobacco. You see, men ba rolls easily into a firm, smooth making cigarette because Prince Albert's choice tobacco is crimp cut. It doesn't blow around or dribble at the ends. It clings to the paper because of its crimp cut. And cigarettes made with Prince Albert taste better. Pennsmokers say Prince Albert is so rich, so mild, so cool. So fellas, roll your own with PA the National Joy smoke. Ask for Prince Albert and buy those high quality OCB cigarette papers too for the maximum in smoking enjoyment.

[Announcer]

So roll your own with good PA and take a bluff or two. You'll get that extra smoke and joy Prince Albert offers you.

[Red Foley]

Well, I'm going to ask my guest Ernest Tubb to give us an encore. And I kind of took the liberty of making a request here myself tonight. Ernest, I'd like for you to sing that new one of yours called Forever Is Ending Today.

[Ernest Tubb]

Mighty glad to Ren.

[Red Foley]

Here we go.

[Ernest Tubb]

You said that you would be Mindy forever When you promised to love and obey now you say that you're leaving tomorrow and forever is ending today Remember my darling, I love you is all now that I have to say I dreamed of love that would linger forever but forever is ending today I'll do it pretty soon. I might have known that a dream soon is ended like the sunshine at close of the day so the dream in my heart now has faded and forever is ending today Remember my darling, I want you if you ever pass by my way I'll try to think of you darling forever but my forever is ending today the time has come now to say our goodbye, dear and you soon will be well on your way Some other love will be waiting to greet you Some other heart that you soon will betray if you want to love from another remember and meet him halfway I hope that you will be happy forever but my forever has ended today.

[Red Foley]

Ah yes, that is mighty, mighty pretty. That's good music to be smoking. A pipe full of rich flavored Prince Albert too. We'll be expecting you again before long, so be back. Won't You, Ernest. Well, we don't know about spoiling the child, but we sure don't intend to spare the rod. And here he is, direct from Hoynwald, Tennessee, Rod Brashfield.

[Rod Brashfield]

Thank you, miss. Thank you, Mr. Foley. Hi, dear friends. Well, it's a little cooler tonight, ain't it? Well, sir, I've got a letter here from my cousin, Buford Brassfield. He lives down there in Mississippi. He says, Dear Rod, I thought I would drop you a line. We ain't heard your radio program in a long time. Cause our radio has got so much sciatica lately we can't hear nobody. They struck oil on Uncle Bud's place. He ain't very happy about it though. He said when he was a small boy he run away from home cause his mom wanted to give him oil. Do you remember Mr. And Mrs. Bartol Fritter? Well, they are getting a divorce. We don't blame her for wanting a divorce though cause her husband makes her hats. He made her a hat out of brown cloth and oak leaves. Right on top was a hickory limb and it also had two live squirrels and some walnuts on it. She said she didn't mind the squirrels running around on the hickory limb, but when they started storing them walnuts in her ears for the winter, she got mad. Grandpa Brashfield is doing pretty well. Grandma has finally cured him of his bad habit of biting his fingernails. She hid his teeth. Bob Booker got mad and throwed his mother in law out of the third story window of the Roach Haven Hotel. Last Tuesday Judge McKinney fined him $50 and said it was dangerous. Somebody might have been passing there and got hurt. Your old buddy Curtis Knight has got him a job working in a corset factory. Jobs are pretty hard to get there. So I asked Curtis how he got the job and he said he played a little politics and pulled a few strings. How'd you like that, Curtis? Remember that fine dog I had named Ben? Well, she had a litter of pups the other day so I had to change the name to Ben Hur.

[Red Foley]

Right now we're going to hear some music that's as smooth as Prince Albert smoking tobacco itself. It's Wally Fowler and his famous Oak Ridge Quartet in one of their best known spirituals. Ride on King Jesus.

[Announcer]

Right on, I'm on Right on King Jesus. Right on King Jesus, Right on your conquering king. I'm on. Well, I want to go to heaven I want to go to right. I want to go to heaven all dressed in white. Now when I get to Heaven going to sit right down Going to ask my Lord for a star to crown Right on King Jesus Right on, King Jesus Right on Conquering King Jesus Ride on your conquering king I want to go to heaven in a morning well.

[Ernest Tubb]

One of these mornings bright and fair.

[Announcer]

Going to put on wings and take you there I'm going up to heaven to sing and shout Won't be nobody.

[Ernest Tubb]

There to turn me out Right on.

[Announcer]

King Jesus Right on, King Jesus Right.

[Ernest Tubb]

On the conquering king I want to.

[Announcer]

Go to heaven Right on King Jesus well one of these moanings won't be be long Going to look for me but I'll be gone Gon look up for David in the heat of the day Tune up my heart and begin.

[Red Foley]

To plead well see, you know there's something about big blue eyes that'll melt any man's heart Especially if they're sad and filled with tears. And that's what my song's about tonight. Blue eyes crying in the rain in the firelight glow I see her.

[Announcer]

Blue.

[Red Foley]

Eyes crying in the rain as we kissed goodbye and parted I knew we'd never meet again Love is like a dying remember Only memories remain.

[Announcer]

Through the.

[Red Foley]

Ages I remember blue eyes crying in the rain now my hair has turned to silver all my life I've lived in vain I can see her star in heaven Blue eyes crying in the rain Someday when we meet up yonder we'll stroll hand in hand again.

[Ernest Tubb]

In.

[Red Foley]

A land that knows no parting.

[Announcer]

Blue.

[Red Foley]

Eyes crying in the rain well, sir, I sure wish somebody'd slip a halter on that old clock over there. Because it's done gone and almost run out on us yet. But there's time enough left for one final square dance. So fly Lloyd Etheridge don't stop that fiddling, man Milton Estes, you come up here and call the turns while everybody dances to leather britches.

[Ernest Tubb]

Everybody dance Everybody grab your girl Swing her tight and give her a whirl Swing to the left and then to the right Swing them boys with all your might Sister Lou and sister Kate Swing em all don't be late Four hands across, two hands back Old John hands ball with you dance to the center and back to the wall Meet your partner now how you all don't see though and now you're gone Swing that girl with a red dress on Bird fly on the crew hop in Swing your partner gone again now the possum, now the coon Chase that pretty girl around the moon I told you I pretend you'd fly Swing that pretty girl ain't you not Everybody dance. Swing your partner round the middle, watch the finish.

[Red Foley]

Well, next week our special guest will be Guy Willis and the Oklahoma Wranglers. I want everybody to be ready when we call Foley in the buckboard. Minnie and Rod and the whole PA gang will be along, of course. Don't forget if you can't come right, won't you? Meanwhile, this is Red Foley saying thanks a lot for everything. I'll be seeing you next Saturday night, same time and Prince Albert's Brand O Opre.

[Ernest Tubb]

Prince Albert's Rand Ole Opry came.

To you from WSM in Nashville, Tennessee. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

WSM Nashville. New Shasta shampoo made for girls who do their own hair home permanents take better pin curls comb out softer. Try Shasta the Beauty Cream Shampoo. In accordance with its usual custom of affording its listeners an opportunity of hearing all sides of public questions and in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Communications Act, WSM cancels the following portion of the Grand Ole Opry and joins with the National Broadcasting Company to bring you a broadcast from the Wallace Convention in Philadelphia. Broadcasting Company delays this program to bring you a special broadcast.

[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.