The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) Rafe Hollister Sings (1963) User Reviews

Good people have good friends

[corklock · 9/10 · 21 May 2006]

Rafe and his wonderful voice is admired as well as his down to earth attitude by those in the choir. Moonshinner and all, you can tell he is respected. Of course the High and Mighty Mayor looks down his nose on Rafe and even Makes a snide comment overheard by Rafe's wife -which hurts her- for you can tell she loves her husband. In the end Rafe and his true nature and voice wins the day.

The Mayor is typical of many elected officials who "apparently don't have any shame" lacking respect for others. It was heart warming to see Rafe accepted by the others for himself- Wearing overall's was truth- while a suit would have been false. Be yourself for you are who God made.

Any episode where Barney thinks he can sing is a favorite

[santos40 · 9/10 · 30 March 2011]

This episode is all about the strength of character that Andy has. Funny and heartfelt at the same time. Andy encourages Barney to take Rafe to the town singing tryouts for the Ladies League musical. Rafe wins which dismays Mayor Stoner and Ms Jeffries as he is just backwoods and his idea of dressing up is to add a tie to his ensemble of shirt and overalls and grease his shoes. The instruct Andy to tell Rafe it was all a mistake he didn't win. Andy finds himself unable to do so and instead decides to help Rafe fit in. After Rafe, his wife, & Andy overhear some unfortunate comments made by the Mayor, he decides to just let Rafe be himself. Afterall he has nothing to be ashamed of. A wonderful ending you will have to see to appreciate.

Barney thinks Rafe's voice is unpolished?

[vitoscotti · 9/10 · 20 April 2022]

Jack Prince (Rafe Hollister) is always a treat to hear sing. My highlight of the episode is Barney singing off key with Rafe, Barney's version of acapella, then Barney totally butchering "The Crawdad Song" in a very funny epilougue.

Endearing Young Charms

[clanhar · 10/10 · 20 October 2006]

I have to give this Andy Griffith episode a 10 merely for this song, Endearing Young Charms. The man playing Rafe Hollister performed the finest rendition of this song, and I must agree with the additional characters in the show -- his hilltop appearance added to the beauty of the performance. Lovely!

Of course, poor old Barney stumbles around once again, making the plot that much more hilarious. And, yet again, Andy must spare his feelings, whilst promoting Rafe's image to the mayor.

This is Appalachia at its best. You've got traditional Andy Griffith humor, mixed with the tender side of the hill-folk. Only in the hills can a person find a moonshiner who can sing like an angel. Lovely!

The Episode In Which Rafe Hollister Sings

[richard.fuller1 · 10/10 · 20 May 2006]

A very amusing episode, only over-shadowed by greater episodes of this show.

Anyone who has watched Andy Griffith remembers this one, and when Andy and Mrs. Hollister overhear the Mayor speak very demeaning about Rafe, Andy lets Rafe wear his much more comfortable overalls, to the mayor's dismay.

"Hey, everybody!" Rafe says to the applause. "Hey, Mayor, Mrs. Jeffries. Nice to see you could make it." But the funny bit? Barney, of course.

When Andy suggests Barney take Rafe to the music try-outs, Barney retorts, "what will he do if they ask him to sing a capella? He won't know what to do!" "What will you do if they ask you to sing a capella, Barn?" Andy asks.

"Well, I'll do it, of course! -- a ca-PEL-la, . . . a ca-PEL-la, . . . " Barney begins to sing.

The wonderful man. He never had a clue, did he?

Presented with Honesty

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 6 December 2019]

Rafe Hollister has the gift of song. He has a beautiful voice. He is a scruffy looking dirt farmer. While he lacks some social skills, he is hard working and sincere. These qualities are overlooked by the windbag mayor who wants him disqualified from the singing competition because of his looks. Once again, he sends Andy to do the dirty work. The concert at the end is beautiful and Andy does the right thing. The subplot of Barney thinking he can sing is, as usual, hilarious.

Such a wonderful singing voice from that rascal farmer/moonshiner character

[millerscontacts_tx · 10/10 · 3 April 2007]

Each of the three comments I've read at this site about that particular TAGS episode rings clear and accurate. I appreciate each person's point of view and individual take on what has to be one of the most pleasantly surprising episodes of the entire black & white TAGS series: that such a 'wonderful singing voice' could come from that warm-hearted rascal farmer/moonshiner, Rafe Hollister!!

Does anyone know if Rafe Hollister's great singing voice appeared in any other TAGS in later seasons? Or, does anyone know if Mr.Prince ever recorded any songs on 45's or LP's from the 1950's or 60's?? I just have to hear more of that honest and clear voice!

Jack Prince, what a voice

[pd-97193 · 10/10 · 14 June 2022]

I've always loved this episode. I've heard the late Jack Prince sing many times on this and other shows.

His character was great in the other episodes.

Be true to thyself

[PWNYCNY · 10/10 · 22 April 2019]

Great episode. Country bumpkin Rafe is a gifted singer. He has a chance to represent Mayberry in a state contest, but the mayor is interested in image, and in the mayor's opinion Rafe does not fit that image. What to do. What wins out: talent or image? No one doubts that Rafe can sing. it's just that he looks so scruffy that he could give Mayberry a bad name. Finally, it is Rafe who decides the matter. By being true to himself, he achieves a moment of greatness. Wonderful episode.

Rafe Hollister steals the show

[mloessel · 8/10 · 18 March 2022]

Good ole Deputy Fife can't sing and along comes Rafe Hollister who can. Then we have Mayberry's Mayor Mayor Stoner and the Head of the Ladies League who have decided that Rafe doesn't have the right look for the audience who will hear him sing at the annual Mayberry Singing Festival. Let's not forget that Mayberry is a rural community. However, you wouldn't know it by the well-dressed audience who show up to listen to the soloist. Rafe does his part and steals the show with his very melodic voice. Rafe sings his solo dressed in work clothes as the Mayor and Ladies League look on with disdain.