I recall as a young Marine, we enjoyed a small pass before continuing training and leaving for Vietnam. 3 of my partners decided to go to Hollywood to see the sights, all 3 coming from America's Midwest and deep South country towns. Upon their return I asked if they found any starlets. One replied, "no, Davis wanted to see Minnie Pearl." Apparently she was doing a show there and a young Marine wanted to see her live onstage. No starlets, no wild times at the Whiskey a go go, no stroll along the beach with a long haired surfer girl. Minnie Pearl was their reward. Now I'm envious of them. Ophelia was a beautiful woman with a gorgeous smile and clean vibrant humor. Hope they all got home safe. Long live the lovely memory of Ophelia as she kept 3 young Marines entertained at a poignant time in their lives.
I've always admired how well Ralph Edwards consistently did his job. He had such time constraints and needed to keep things moving along, and yet I never saw him get cross or tense with anyone. He just moved things along with a smile. Always kept his cool, even though there was a lot of pressure for him to bring the show in under 30 minute, including throwing in all the required plugs for the show's sponsors..
A few months after this show, I was born. Then, about 6 years later, my first grade deskmate and friend, Lee Bond, brought Minnie to Show and Tell. My family was treated to a night at the Opry. Still have Minnie's autograph on my late father's business card. We moved a lot...and were only in Nashville a year and a half, but this was a special memory.
I miss this accent. This is how my grandmother and her siblings spoke. No one cursed back then, either. Edit: Minnie was 8 years older than my maternal grandmother. My paternal grandmother is still alive in her 90’s in 2020! 😯
We all loved Minnie Pearl. I was in my teens before I got to see her on TV. Mom and Dad loved her very much. It was very nice to get to see her again. Thank you.
Whilst not a fan of country [referred to as 'country and western' back then] music, I always had a soft spot for Minnie Pearl whenever she appeared on TV. Happy to view this 1957 broadcast.
I’m an Oncology Clinical Research RN. We conduct clinical research trials with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Institute located in Nashville, TN. Minnie Pearl (Sarah Cannon), who died from breast cancer, willed money for cancer research after her death. SCI is internationally recognized for its contributions in the field of cancer research.
One of my favorite stories from my 22 yrs in Nashville. As part of Del Reeves band we were hired to come out at the end of Ms.Minnie's set and play "You are My Sunshine" with her. I play piano and she would look over at me and said "Kick it off, young'un!". I was 22-23 years old (1977-78). At dinner backstage, she told me her sister married a Shouse, and that was her sister Dixie, married to James Washington "Wash" Shouse, that she mentions here around
This woman was one of a kind a real sweet classy lady a real funny lady she was great on Hee Haw and the other shows plus she was on Match Game,Carol Burnett and The Love Boat
She lived a lot more life after this! It was always so sweet the way she said “I’m just so proud to be here” she was a wonderful character who seemed to have a great time.
