Top Musical Highlights from 'The Andy Griffith Show'

The Musical Moments of The Andy Griffith Show

The Andy Griffith Show is cherished for its rural Southern charm, homespun humor, and the unflappable patience and gentle wisdom of Sheriff Andy Taylor. However, many fans consider the most memorable episodes to be those where Andy picks up his guitar and serenades his love interest or resolves a crisis with a bit of music. These moments often feature Andy alone, with Barney Fife, or alongside talented townsfolk.

From the jug-band stylings of the Grammy-nominated Dillards as the Darling family to the melodious outbursts of town mechanic Gomer Pyle, the show has several unforgettable musical moments that continue to resonate with fans.

The Darling Family

The Darling family, played by the Grammy-nominated bluegrass pioneers The Dillards, never had much to say unless it was set to music. Helmed by the widowed, jug-puffing patriarch Briscoe Darling, the family first appeared in Season 3, Episode 25, titled “The Darlings are Coming.” In this episode, they come to Mayberry to collect Charlene’s soldier fiancé, only to have her fall for Sheriff Taylor, setting up a recurring theme for their future appearances.

One of the most iconic songs from the Darlings is their rollicking version of the folk chestnut “Boil Them Cabbage Down.” This number features the distinctive “bile” pronunciation of “boil,” a mini hoedown, and guest vocals by Bob Denver, who later became famous as Gilligan on The Gilligan’s Island.

Did You Know?: The reason the Darling boys rarely spoke and maintained a pokerface was because the Dillards members were initially supposed to appear in just one episode in non-speaking roles. Fans loved them so much that they remained silent throughout the half-dozen episodes they appeared in. Additionally, Griffith allowed them to retain ownership of the songs, which was rare and welcomed.

Charlene Darling

Charlene Darling, played by Maggie Peterson, was the man-crazy sister of the Darling boys. A pretty blond actress and singer, Peterson was touring Nevada hotspots when she was spotted by The Andy Griffith Show director Bob Sweeny and producer Aaron Ruben, who encouraged her to audition for the series.

Peterson initially tried out for the role of Ellie Walker, but she won over fans as the cheeky Charlene, who never really got over her crush on Andy. After marrying Dud Wash, Charlene and her family returned to Mayberry seeking an arranged marriage between their infant daughter and Opie. During this time, Charlene performed a lovely rendition of “There is a Time,” written by the Dillards.

Did You Know: Charlene is known for claiming that songs like “Never Hit Your Gramma with a Great Big Stick” and “Keep Your Money in Your Shoes and It Won’t Get Wet” make her cry. However, the genuinely moving “There is a Time” doesn’t move her at all. To honor Charlene, Peterson and the Dillards eventually released a CD called “Songs That Made Charlene Cry.”

Gomer Pyle

One of the most beloved episodes, “The Song Festers,” features a musical showdown between Deputy Barney Fife and mechanic Gomer Pyle. The church choir director finds salvation when he hears Gomer singing outside the window, leading to a harmonious resolution.

Nabors’ vocals were also used for comedic effect. In one episode, Andy takes Gomer in as a house guest after he loses his job. However, the sheriff soon discovers that Gomer’s habits don’t quite mesh with his own after being awakened by Gomer’s energetic bathroom-mirror performance of “A No-Count Mule.”

Did You Know: Jim Nabors became so popular that he earned a spin-off, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. Initially, some residents of Mayberry were skeptical, including Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee. However, Nabors eventually won her over, and the two became good friends.

Aunt Bee

Even Aunt Bee got in on the action, most notably in the episode “Aunt Bee’s Medicine Man.” In this episode, Frances Bavier plays Aunt Bee, who mourns the loss of her friend and searches for something to restore her zest for life. She ends up purchasing an “Indian elixir” that turns out to be mostly hooch.

In the same episode, a tipsy Aunt Bee and Opie team up for “Toot, Toot, Tootsie!” Later, in “A Singer in Town,” pop star Keevy Hazleton arrives in Mayberry, leading to a series of comedic events.

Did You Know: Bavier wasn’t Griffith’s first choice to play Aunt Bee due to her classical training. She felt the bias continued on set, even leading her to seek therapy. Despite this, she became an integral part of the show.

As Briscoe Darling once said, “If you got time to breathe, you got time for music.” These are just a few of the show’s most musical moments. Share your favorite in the comments below!