
Original Air Date: November 01, 1949Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Grand Ole OpryPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Exit music from: Roundup on the Prairie by Aaron Kenny https://bit.ly/3kTj0kK
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Red Foley
Foreign.
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 do a little PSA and remind you that I put out multiple shows a week of Old Time Radio Westerns. You can check them out by going to otrwesterns.com or looking up OTR Westerns on your podcast application of choice. We're releasing over 10 episodes a week so far, about a hundred a month. So definitely want you to check that out again otrwesterns.com and check it out. I also wanted to invite you to check out my sister podcast site otnetcast. And that's N E T C A s t. So ot n e t c a s t netcast otnetcast.com we're currently releasing mystery genre shows and this is shows like the Shadow Escape, Suspense and the Whistler. And we have plans on bringing other shows to the network for you guys to listen to. So it's my non western old Time radio channel that I can kind of do other genres that not only I like, but hopefully you would like too. You can check us out by going to otnetcast.com or searching on your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode's going to be the Grand Ole Opry. Original air date is November 1, 1949 we've got Roy Acuff and Red Foley in the lead roles.
Red Foley
It's Grand Ole Opry time again tonight from Germany, and this time it's Berlin. Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco brings you transcribed the Grand Ole Opry starring Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Rob Brassfield, Hank Williams, Jimmy Riddle, Helen Harris, Roy Cuffin, the Smoky Mountain Boys.
Hank Williams
And here is Red Foley.
Red Foley
I think Jones was a tiny man but now he's the rest of the promised land Time Music he could understand was a six eight wheeler under his command he made Fred train boogie all the time he made Fred train boogie as rolled down the line now when that farm started ringing the bell Everybody along the line could tell Kissy Jonesy was coming to town on a 68 wheeler that was burning the ground he made the Fred Fred boogie all the time he made Fred train boogie ass.
Hank Williams
Roll down the line.
Red Foley
He met Fred train boogie all the time he made Fred train boogie ass roll down.
Hank Williams
Thank you, boys.
Red Foley
Thank you. Thanks a lot, fellas. Thank you very much. And a great big V gate. In other words. Howdy From Grand Old Opry to Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco's friends all over the world. Yes sir, Red, we're Playing tonight at Berlin's largest concert hall filled with American boys from your own on another stop on Grand Ole Opry's globe trotting tour of the United States Air Force and army occupation bases here in Europe. Yes, and they're hanging from the rafters tonight to hear and see in person our Prince Albert troupe direct from Nashville. So make way for our lean and lanky singing friend, the lovesick blues boy, Hank Williams.
Hank Williams
I came home last night about a half past ten and that baby of.
Red Foley
Mine she wouldn't let me in so move it on over move it on over Move it on over move over short no. Cause my tall dog's moving in L.
Hank Williams
She changed the lock on our front.
Red Foley
Door and my door key it don't fit no more so scoot it on.
Hank Williams
Over.
Red Foley
Shove it on over move over little dog cause the big dog's moving in. All right Billy.
Hank Williams
This old house here it's mighty small but it's better than old house at.
Red Foley
All so push it on over sliding.
Hank Williams
On over move over old dog cause.
Red Foley
A new dog's movin in she'll crawl.
Hank Williams
Back to me on her knees but.
Red Foley
I'll be busy scratching fleas so scratch it on over, shove it on over move over good dog cause the mean dog's moving in.
Hank Williams
Now remember pup, before you whine that.
Red Foley
Side yours and this side mine. So shove it on over.
Hank Williams
Drag it.
Red Foley
On over move over cold dog cause the hot dog's moving in. Thank you boys.
Hank Williams
Thank you. Why hello Red.
Red Foley
Happy Thanksgiving. For granted, they isn't Thanksgiving. Oh, I know that, but so many people were wishing you Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday, I decided that I could wait. Grant, you can't wish someone a happy Thanksgiving when it isn't thanks. Oh, now why can't I? Don't folks have just as much to be thankful for today, say as they did two days ago? Well, see you got something there, Grant. The year round men are thankful for many things such as Prince Albert. Thankful that Prince Albert is specially made for smoking enjoyment. Prince Albert is the largest selling smoking tobacco in America. And I'm one of the men, Grant, that's thankful for Paul. Because Prince Albert is so rich and full flavored and because Prince Albert's choice tobacco is specially treated to ensure against tongue bite and crimp. Cut to burn slow and even and smoke cool. So fellas, for extra smoking enjoyment, ask for Prince Albert the national joy smoke. Buy it for convenience in the handy pocket tin with the humidor top. For economy buy Prince Albert in the big pound. Well sir, that is Our boy Jimmy Riddle with that hard harmonica from the sound boys. Let's hear it.
Hank Williams
Sam.
Red Foley
You fellas certainly are wonderful to us. Well, boys, here is the lad who brought a C54 load of laughs all the way from Hoyn Wall, Tennessee to Berlin. And of course, could be none other than Rod brass.
Hank Williams
Thank you, Mr. Foley. You're welcome, Rod. Hi, dear friend.
Red Foley
I just flew in from Wishbottom up in the old airlift corridor. You know all about that. All right. Yeah, you go that away. Hey, Rod, listen, tell me this. Are you homesick yet? Not for Wishbottom.
Hank Williams
No, sir. Buying that old variety and Wishbone Bottom.
Red Foley
Waste Bathing wish over there where we was at.
Hank Williams
Couldn't even get me.
Red Foley
Couldn't even get me a glass of buttermilk.
Hank Williams
No, I couldn't. They brought me out some stuff in.
Red Foley
One of my steins. When I wanted buttermilk. I wished I was closer to the Snip Snap and Bite restaurant down home back there in the station. Owenwald. I wished I was there so I could get me a grilled goat burger and a Sodi Pop. My Uncle Sip that runs a Snip Snap and Bite was a telling me about him and his wife Ain't SAP. They've been a fighting and a feuding and a fussing again. And he was telling me about it. And just about that time, Dan Dudley come running up all out of breath and says, uncle S, there's a burglar just broke into your house and ain't nobody home but your wife. Uncle Cyp says, well, it's too late to warn him now. I still wish Uncle Sipe and Aunt SAP wouldn't fight so much like that. I sure wish they wouldn't fight so much like that. They could get along real nice if they just try. The other day, Uncle Sipe, he bought ASAP a fur coat and brung it home to her and she just. Pertner had a fit over it. Just Pertiner had a fit over it. And she looked at it and she says, I don't see.
Hank Williams
I don't see how a pretty coat.
Red Foley
Like that can come from such a smelly old skunk. And Uncle Sipe says, well, I knowed you wouldn't thank me for it, but.
Hank Williams
You don't have to call me names.
Red Foley
Of course, now, it could be that Uncle Sipes operation he just had had something to do with it because he's been out of sorts ever since. I'll never forget him coming out from under the ether after they had cut out his appendix there. They operated on Uncle Cybo and took out his. Removed his appendix. Uncle Cyp heard the doctor say something about gangrene setting in. And he told Ain't Seth to have the nurse bring in another chair into the room there. He said if old gangrene was coming, he sure didn't want him to have to stand up. Poor old feller, he sure put up an awful puss when they wanted to operate on him. He says, why in the thunder do you want to cut me open when all I've got is just a little itch in my appendix. The doctor says, well, you darn fool, we got to take it out so you can scratch it. They took a blood test on Uncle Sipe and I asked a doctor how it come out. And he said, extraordinary. His blood tested 90 proof.
Hank Williams
Goodbye. Thanks a lot, fellas.
Red Foley
Thank you. We knew you'd like old Rod Brassfield. Well, sir, both in the hills of Tennessee and in the alpine country, we have a little girl who is right at home here. Little gal that does some mighty, mighty fancy yodeling and tricks with her voice. Let's give a nice hand to Ms. Helen Harris, huh? Right here.
Hank Williams
They tried to learn to yodel with the yodel I climbed a big high mountain On a clear and sunny day I fell in love with the yodeler and couldn't get away oh, he taught me the yodel Odler. He taught me the OD and now I'm going to teach you all the Yoda, just like me. It's easy while you're singing to go Yoda. First, you take a deep breath and you exhale. 1, 2, 3. You hear a yoga. Lip, you listen close to me. Oh, this is how the yoga. This is how do you. Thank you. Thank you.
Red Foley
Thank you, fellas. Thanks so much. See you. Well, sir, there's a little fella here that was so little he needed only a half a seat on the plane coming over here. Of course, that is Ma Dickens, loud little boy from Tater Patch, West Virginia. Little Jimmy Dickens.
Hank Williams
Come on, everybody. Now I'm just a simple guy there's one thing sure to shoot. I hate those folks who think that they're so dead. Burn high, pollute. I'd be the same in Hollywood or right in my own kitchen. I believe in fussing when you're mad and scratching when you're itching.
Red Foley
I'm a.
Hank Williams
Plain old country boy A cornbread loving country boy I raise cane on Saturday but I go to church on Sunday I'm a plain old country boy A tater eating country boy I be looking over my old gray mule when the sun comes up on Monday Bet y' all think I'm too little to look over a mule, don't you? Maybe I am. But I'll bet you I've looked under my share of myself Where I come from Opportunities, they never were too good we never had much money but we done the best we could Ma doctored me from youngin hood On Epsom sauce and iodine Made my diapers out of old feed sacks My spinders out of flour lines I'm a plain old country boy A cornbread loving country boy I raised cana on Saturday But I go to church on Sunday I'm a plain old country boy A tater eating country boy I be looking over that old when the sun comes up on Monday well, every time that preacher came I always fixed a chicken if I'd reach for a drumstick I was sure to get a licking she always saved two parts for me But I had to shut my mouth Twas a gizzard down the north end of a chicken flying south I'm a plain old country A cornbread loving country boy I raise cane on Saturday but I go to church on Sunday I'm a plain old country boy A tater eating country boy I be looking over my old gray mule when the sun comes up on Monday.
Red Foley
Thank you, fellas. Thank you a lot. Boy. Well, golly, Red, that's glad. Globetrotting sure earns you a rest. Why don't you just roll a cigarette and smoke for a while? Well, do I have time, Graham? Of course you do. You know, it takes almost no time at all to roll a firm, smooth making cigarette with Prince Albert. Because Prince Albert's choice tobacco is crimp cut so it clings to the paper. It doesn't blow around, doesn't dribble out the ends. So now go on and enjoy yourself. Right now is always a good time, I think, to smoke a making cigarette made with Prince Albert. Come to what we call hymn time on this evening's Prince Albert Opry. Just to add a touch of home. I think maybe that you might enjoy a sort of a little sacred song here. The kind that we sing back home on Sunday night. This world is not my home I'm just passing through My treasures and my hope are all beyond the blue where many friends and loved ones have gone on before and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.
Hank Williams
O Lord.
Red Foley
You know I have no friend like you if heaven's not my home oh, Lord, what will I do. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore Heaven's expecting me that's one thing that I know I fixed it up with Jesus a long, long time ago. He will carry me through Although I'm weak and. And I can't feel at home in this world anymore O Lord, you know I have no friend like you if heaven's not my home, O Lord, what will I do? The angels dagger me from heavens open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore well, sir Red, the Titania palace is just brim full of folks tonight here in Berlin. Did you ever see such a fine bunch of fellows in one meeting? Well, I never did, Grant. But speaking of meeting, I see a gal waiting in the wings there that's mighty anxious to keep her weekly Saturday meeting with her millions of friends. Of course, I mean cousin Minnie Pearl.
Hank Williams
Howdy. Howdy. I'm just proud to be here. Well, sir, I'll tell you right now. We sure been having a big time since we've been over here in Germany. Boy, we had an awful hard time last night in Heidelberg. Just for a while there, though. The girls dressing room caught on fire. Took two hours to put out the fire. Took three hours to put out the firemen. And that puts me in the mind of Brother. I got a letter from home today and they said that Brother had been elected head of the bucket brigade in the fire department. Now he's got a big sign he wears on his overhauls. Buckethead. Well, Rodney Rodley, what in the world. I'm a cowboy, Minnie. Are you? You done went western, John gone give plum taxi, have you? Well, I'll declare. What you doing now since you went west? I'm. I'm. I'm with a rodeo. What you got on your rodeo? Got any Indian? Got one Indian. Minnie, what does he do on the show?
Red Foley
Well, he's always running around.
Hank Williams
He's a crazy Indian.
Red Foley
Yeah, always just running around, building a fire in his toupee.
Hank Williams
Oh, yeah, Rodney, not a toupee. You see, it's a tp. A toupee is a wig.
Red Foley
Well, that's why he does it. He wants to keep his wig warm.
Hank Williams
Minnie Pearl, I seen your brother at.
Red Foley
The moving picture show the other night.
Hank Williams
He was sitting right behind me and.
Red Foley
My gal, Susie, she had him, a new gal. I. I didn't know who she were. I didn't hardly know who she were. I figured she must have been a movie censor, though, because she kept saying, cut it out.
Hank Williams
Well, sir, I tell you, talking about brothers, that puts me in the mind. One time last year we was laying off to take brother to town. We was gonna buy him one of them there a store bought suit. Got him one, had two pair of pants to it. That was nice for the winter, but that got awful hot for brother come summer. And we had gone down to the depot to get on and we. We got on that old train and we was just sitting there, me and brother, both big as life and twice as natural. And all of a sudden a fellow come down the isle. He was hollering apples, oranges and nanners. A brother had never ate one of them nanners before. And he's careless with his money. He don't care for nothing. He'll spend a nickel just like that all in the same place. Think nothing of it. Well, he got that nanner and he didn't know how to eat it. And this feller right across the isle got one too. And brother just kept his eyes on that feller. And that fella peeled down the nanner in his hand. Brother peeled down the nanner in his hand. Fellow took a bite out of the natter and his hand just brought. Took a bite out of the nana in his hand. Went through a tunnel. Everything just black. Couldn't see a thing. Come through on the other side. Brother just sitting there holding that nana. Wasn't saying a word. I said, brother, ain't you gonna eat the rest of the nanas? He said, no, I ain't gonna eat no more. I took one bite and I went stone blind.
Red Foley
Love Mini Pearl over here. And we don't blame it. Yes, well, see, everywhere we go, there's a great reception for a singer of American folk songs who really needs no introduction. Roy Cuff. And he Smokey Mountain boy.
Hank Williams
Thank you. Head for me. Thank you. Fell I saw the light I saw the light no more darkness, no more night Now I'm so happy no sorrow inside Praise the Lord I saw the.
Red Foley
Light I wandered so aimless Life filled.
Hank Williams
With sin I wouldn't let my dear.
Red Foley
Savior in Then Jesus came Like a.
Hank Williams
Shadow angel in the night Praise the Lord I saw the light I saw the light I saw the light no more darkness, no more night Now I'm so happy no sorrow inside Praise the Lord I saw the light Just like.
Red Foley
The blind man I wandered along we.
Hank Williams
And fears I claim for my own and like the blind man that God gave back his sight Praise the Lord I saw the light I saw the light I saw the Light no more darkness no more night Now I'm so happy no sorrow inside Praise the Lord I saw the light I was a.
Red Foley
Fool to wander and stray for straight.
Hank Williams
Is the gate and narrows the way Now I have traded the wrong for the right Pray the Lord I saw the line I saw the line I saw the line oh, Lord, I just know More color Night Now I'm so happy no sorrow inside Praise the Lord I saw the light.
Red Foley
Well, sir, here's a song I'd like to dedicate to Prince Albert. The best tobacco, I think, in the whole wide world. This is a brand new ballad and one of our very latest recordings called Every Step of the Way. Every step of the way, my darling we'll walk along side by side Every step of the way, my darling we'll let true love be our guide we'll make our own sunshine and spring or enough away to hold us over for a rainy day Two hearts beating is one, my darling with every step of the way.
Hank Williams
Sam.
Red Foley
Every step of the way, my darling we'll share our laughter and tears.
Hank Williams
Oh.
Red Foley
How dear is the day, my darling we pledged our love through the years we may pick some roses that have too many thorns but we'll go on together Come with me not for just a few miles, my darling but every step of the way.
Hank Williams
Sam.
Red Foley
Thanks a lot, boys. Thank you very much. Now, one of the our mainstays on the Grand Old Opry is that versatile young fella. Of course, I think maybe you boys know who I'm talking about. The little man with the grit, big voice, the old cold tater boy, little Jimmy Dickens, boys.
Hank Williams
Thank you, fellas. Thank you. Thank you kindly. That's mighty, mighty nice. No, you fellers didn't mean that, but I love it anyhow. When I was a little boy around the table at home, I remember I would have. Have to be right still until the whole crowd ate. My mama always said to me, jim, take a tater and wait. Now, taters never did taste good with chicken on the plate, But I had to eat them just the same. And that is why I look so bad and have to eat puny ways. Because I always had to take an old cold herring away. And then the preachers, they would come to stay a while with us. I would have to slip around and raise a little fuss in fear that I would fill the beans or break a China plane. My mama always said to me, jim, take a tater and play. Well, I thought that I'd starve to death before my time would come. All that chicken that they would eat and just leave me the bun, the feet and neck are all they left upon the china plate. It makes you pretty darn weak to take an old cold tatering way. Now taters never did taste good with chicken on the plate But I had to eat them just the same. And that is why I look so bad and have these puny ways. Because I always had to take an old cold tater and play.
Red Foley
Okay, boys, thank you a lot. You know it'll tickle us to death if we could just bring every one of you men up to the microphone here and let you say hello to the folks back home in America. Of course, that would take too long. We can sing a little song to the folks back home. So we want all you men to join in and good and loud so the folks back home can hear you. And let's put that best barbershop foot forward and sing a little song. I want a girl just like the girl that married dear old dad Boys, let's go, huh? I want a girl just like the girl that married.
Hank Williams
She was a girl and the only girl that he ever had.
Red Foley
A girl.
Hank Williams
Just like the girl at.
Red Foley
Mary.
Hank Williams
Mary.
Red Foley
Hey, come. Come here. Grant, will you watch now watch carefully there. So once you just. Just pulled out a cigarette, didn't you? You're right. But a making cigarette while you were watching too roll it so fast and so firm and smooth that you thought it was already made. Now that's what you can do with Prince Albert. Because Prince Albert starts the back the of it's crimp cut so that it clings to the paper and it doesn't blow around, it doesn't dribble out the end. And I tell you, for my money, there's no tobacco in the world like Prince Albert. And now the number one folk song in America right now is a little, little tune called the Love Sick Blues. Of course, we have the boy here with us today, boys, who is responsible for all the commotion the tattoo has caused. Let's give a nice big welcome to the old boy from Alabama. That big, long, tall, lanky, lean Hank Williams. What do you say, horse?
Hank Williams
I got a feeling called the blue baby Said goodbye Lord, I don't know what I do All I. Oh Lord that last long day she said well Lord, I thought I would cry she'll do me, she'll do you she's got that kind of love in her, Lord I love to hear her when she calls me sweet daddy Such a beautiful lady I hate to think it's all.
Red Foley
Over I've lost my heart in it.
Hank Williams
Seem.
Red Foley
I've grown so used to you.
Hank Williams
Somehow Lord, I know Bloody sugar daddy now I'm so I got to love.
Red Foley
Sick blue.
Hank Williams
Well, I'm in love I'm in love with a beautiful gal that's what's the matter with me well, I'm in love I'm in love Love with a beautiful gal but she don't care about me Daughter tried and I tried to keep her satisfied but she just wouldn't stay so now that she is leaving this is all I can say I got a feeling called the blues.
Red Foley
Oh, since my baby said goodbye Lord.
Hank Williams
I don't know what I do All I do is sit inside oh, Lord, that last long well, Lord, I thought I would cry she'll do me, she'll do you she's got that kind of loving Lord, I love to hear her when she calls me sweetie Such a.
Red Foley
Beautiful.
Hank Williams
I hate to think it's all over I lost my heart it seems I've grown so used to you somehow Thought I'm nobody sugar daddy now so I got the love sick blue.
Red Foley
Well said, boys. Here is a treat that you've all been waiting for. We have that beautiful international traveler, Ms. Grinder switch of 19 and 30, cousin Minnie Pearl.
Hank Williams
I'm just as proud to be here. Well, I am. I'm proud to get to come over here and see you all. I'll tell you, though, it ain't safe for a pretty girl to come over here where y' all are. I heard what two of them said just now when I come in here. Well, you know, I was coming in out there, and two of them was standing there, and they was just kind of throwing their eyes over my way, kind of of casting sheep's eyes in my direction. And one of them said to the other, and he said, ain't that the ugliest girl you ever. Ireland said, yeah, she's ugly, but she may be a pretty good old girl. You know, beauty's only skin deep. Ian said, well, let's skin her now. I tell you, I had an awful hard time getting to get away over here now. My feller didn't want me to come over here. He liked to have a fit when he found out I was coming over here. Just last week, my feller come by to see me. And we setting there on the double settee. It is late. It must have been 8:30. And he says to me, he says, minnie Pearl, I wish you wouldn't go. Var, Germany, where all them handsome fellers is at he says, what would you do if you was to get over and run up on a bunch of them fellers? That it? Just kiss you at the drop of a hat? What would you do? I said, I reckon I'd be all the time of dropping my hat. I ain't had no trouble yet. So I'm still hoping, Lord. We had a party the other night and played a kissing game at Grindr Switch. And I'm telling you the truth, there was some old girl there and she kept hollering, let's play kissing games. Let's play kissing games. My throat was so sore. The next day they played a kissing game where they'd draw a circle in the middle of the floor and a girl would stand in the middle of the circle and a fellow would either have to kiss her or pay a fine. I made $11.85. Well, Esther, seeing all you handsome fellows over here puts me in the mind of my cousin Elmer. He's been down the South Pacific and he was a. He's telling me about them girls dancing them hula dances. And I says, how do them girls dance them hooler dances? And he says, well, that ain't hard to do. All you do to dance a hula dances, you tie a bunch of hay around your waist and a bunch of oats around your neck and then just rotate the crops.
Red Foley
All right, thanks a lot, fellas. Here's another little song, boys, that I'd like to sort of dedicate to Prince Albert the best tobacco, I think, in the world. Little song here that is called I'm Throwing Rice at the Girl I Love. I'm throwing rice at the girl that I love after she just said I do. I'm throwing rice with a smile on my lips but my heart is breaking in two she was my gal and he was my pal but she loves, loved him better Somehow.
Hank Williams
I stepped aside.
Red Foley
After I kissed the bride and I'm throwing rice at her now.
Hank Williams
Thanks a lot. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Okay, thanks a lot, fellas.
Red Foley
Thank you.
Hank Williams
Thank you. What? Boy, that there was wonderful. I'm telling you, that there was wonderful. That, sir, was wonderful.
Red Foley
You're talking about Prince Albert, I guess, huh?
Hank Williams
Well, I meant your singing, Red. But Prince Albert is wonderful, too, in a making cigarette. No kidding, buddy. It's rich, full flavored and mild and cool.
Red Foley
Yeah, clear.
Hank Williams
I'm just going to go and roll me one. Right. All right.
Red Foley
And while you're rolling one ride, we're going to call Roy A up back up here to do us a little calling for a square dance boys, if you feel like dancing, well let it roll, huh?
Hank Williams
All join in, circle around, grab your gallon, head for town. Swing her high, swing her low, turn her loose and all you go. Hurry up boys and don't be slow. You ain't as bragg as you was a while ago. Chasing rabbit, chasing, chase that pretty girl around the loose. Can I join in with you?
Red Foley
We hate to bust in here with everybody having such a good time, but men, we've used up just about all the time that Bill allows. We could get all of the Grand Ole Opry gang who are here in Germany this weekend to this 30 minute show tonight. But next Saturday night our program will be coming to you from Berlin. That's Berlin in Germany. At that time we'll have more grand old Opry Globe Trotters, as we call them, Jimmy Dickens and Hank Williams and Jimmy Riddle and several others. This is Red Foley saying good night for Minnie Pearl, Rod Brielle, Roy A.
Hank Williams
Cup and Judy Martin and all of.
Red Foley
The grand old opera.
Hank Williams
Chad.
Red Foley
Came to event five from Wymane Air Base near Frankfurt, Germany.
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.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast – Episode Summary
Title: Roy Acuff and Red Foley | Grand Ole Opry (11-01-49)
Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Step back in time with the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast as it presents a meticulously digitally restored episode of the Grand Ole Opry originally broadcast on November 1, 1949. This episode features legendary country music stars such as Roy Acuff, Red Foley, Hank Williams, Minnie Pearl, Helen Harris, and Jimmy Dickens, delivering a vibrant mix of musical performances, comedic sketches, and heartfelt conversations. Broadcasted live from Berlin's largest concert hall, this edition catered to American servicemen stationed in post-war Europe, providing a taste of home through beloved country tunes and familiar voices.
The episode opens with Red Foley enthusiastically announcing the commencement of the Grand Ole Opry broadcast from Berlin. At [01:45], Foley sets the stage by welcoming listeners and highlighting the roster of talented performers:
Red Foley [01:45]: "It's Grand Ole Opry time again tonight from Germany, and this time it's Berlin. Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco brings you transcribed the Grand Ole Opry starring Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Rob Brassfield, Hank Williams, Jimmy Riddle, Helen Harris, Roy Cuffin, the Smoky Mountain Boys."
This introduction underscores the Opry's reach, connecting American troops with the rich traditions of country music.
Kicking off the musical segment, Red Foley delivers a spirited rendition of his song "I Think Jones Was a Tiny Man." His performance, marked by lively instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, resonates with the audience:
Red Foley [02:13]: "I think Jones was a tiny man but now he's the rest of the promised land..."
Foley's engaging performance sets a joyful and nostalgic tone, celebrating the themes of home and camaraderie.
Following Foley, the legendary Hank Williams takes the stage with his dynamic performance of "Move It On Over" at [04:33]. Williams captivates the listeners with his distinctive voice and rhythmic guitar accompaniment:
Hank Williams [04:33]: "I came home last night about a half past ten and that baby of..."
The song's upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics about relationship woes instantly connect with the servicemen, offering both entertainment and solace.
Adding a touch of humor, Rod Brassfield delivers a comedic monologue filled with funny anecdotes and witty remarks. At [09:07], Brassfield shares humorous tales about family dynamics and daily life, eliciting laughter from the audience:
Rod Brassfield [09:07]: "I just flew in from Wishbottom up in the old airlift corridor. You know all about that. Are you homesick yet?"
His storytelling prowess provides a welcome break from the musical performances, showcasing the variety and entertainment value of the Opry.
Helen Harris enchants listeners with her yodeling skills, offering a delightful lesson on the art of yodeling at [12:16]. Her interactive approach encourages audience participation:
Hank Williams [12:53]: "They tried to learn to yodel with the yodel I climbed a big high mountain..."
Harris' performance not only entertains but also engages the audience in learning a unique musical technique, highlighting the educational aspects of radio shows of that era.
Bringing high energy to the stage, Jimmy Dickens performs the lively "Come on, Everybody" at [14:42]. His charismatic presence and catchy melody invite the audience to join in the fun:
Jimmy Dickens [14:42]: "Come on, everybody. Now I'm just a simple guy there's one thing sure to shoot..."
Dickens' performance exemplifies the inclusive and participatory spirit of the Grand Ole Opry, fostering a sense of community among listeners.
Returning to a more melodic tone, Red Foley introduces a new ballad titled "Every Step of the Way" at [24:29]. This heartfelt song, dedicated to Prince Albert—a recurring sponsor—emphasizes themes of love and companionship:
Red Foley [24:29]: "Every step of the way, my darling we'll walk along side by side..."
The song's gentle melody and sincere lyrics offer a poignant moment, resonating deeply with the audience.
At [35:00], Hank Williams delivers an emotionally charged performance of "Love Sick Blues". His soulful rendition captures the anguish of lost love, showcasing his exceptional vocal prowess and emotional depth:
Hank Williams [35:00]: "I got a feeling called the blue baby said goodbye Lord, I don't know what I do..."
Williams' performance is a standout moment, illustrating the profound impact of personal emotions conveyed through music.
Adding levity to the evening, Minnie Pearl engages the audience with her signature humor and charming anecdotes at [37:24]. She shares funny stories about her experiences in Germany and interactions with American soldiers:
Minnie Pearl [37:51]: "I'm just as proud to be here. Well, I am. I'm proud to get to come over here and see you all..."
Pearl's relatable humor and lively personality provide a delightful contrast to the musical performances, enhancing the overall entertainment value of the show.
As the evening progresses, Red Foley and Roy Acuff join forces for collaborative performances that embody the spirit of the Grand Ole Opry. Foley praises Acuff's contributions before kicking off a square dance segment:
Red Foley [42:05]: "And while you're rolling one ride, we're going to call Roy A up back up here to do us a little calling for a square dance boys..."
The ensuing square dance, accompanied by Acuff's guidance, encourages active participation and showcases the interactive nature of the broadcast.
Wrapping up the evening, Red Foley and Hank Williams offer heartfelt goodbyes, thanking the audience and reminiscing about the night's highlights. Foley acknowledges the support of the servicemen and the joy of bringing a piece of America to Berlin:
Red Foley [43:25]: "This is Red Foley saying good night for Minnie Pearl, Rod Brassfield, Roy A.,..."
Hank Williams echoes the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and the shared memories:
Hank Williams [43:27]: "Cup and Judy Martin and all of..."
The episode concludes with a sense of camaraderie and appreciation, leaving listeners with cherished memories of a bygone era.
Red Foley [01:45]: "It's Grand Ole Opry time again tonight from Germany..."
Hank Williams [04:33]: "I came home last night about a half past ten and that baby of..."
Rod Brassfield [09:07]: "I just flew in from Wishbottom up in the old airlift corridor..."
Minnie Pearl [37:51]: "I'm just as proud to be here. Well, I am. I'm proud to get to come over here and see you all..."
This episode of the Grand Ole Opry offers a rich tapestry of post-war American culture, blending heartfelt music with humor and storytelling. The presence of performers like Hank Williams and Roy Acuff underscores the golden age of country music, while comedic acts by Minnie Pearl and Rod Brassfield highlight the era's radio entertainment style. The integration of sponsor messages, such as those for Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco, reflects the commercial realities of radio broadcasting at the time.
Moreover, the live broadcast from Berlin serves as a poignant reminder of the role of entertainment in maintaining morale among American troops abroad. The Grand Ole Opry's ability to bring a sense of home and normalcy to servicemen is evident through the warm interactions and the diverse lineup of performances.
Conclusion
The Old Time Radio Westerns podcast has successfully preserved and revitalized a historic Grand Ole Opry episode, offering modern listeners an immersive experience into the world of 1940s country music and radio entertainment. Through high-quality digital restoration, the podcast ensures that the rich sounds and vibrant performances of legends like Red Foley and Hank Williams continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, this episode provides a captivating glimpse into the enduring legacy of American country music.