In the final episode of Series 1 of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine end their alphabetical adventure with a swing - quite literally - as they explore Glenn Miller's 1942 smash hit (I've Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo.

Written by Harry Warren and Mac Gordon, the song became a wartime favourite thanks to Miller's irresistible big band sound, Tex Beneke's smooth vocals and an unforgettable film appearance in Orchestra Wives featuring the dazzling Nicholas Brothers.

Lili and Tom unpack the song's irresistible energy, the history of its writers, and why Kalamazoo really is more than just a funny name (though it's also the "Celery City"). Along the way, they revisit highlights from across the series - from George Formby's auction and Florence Desmond's lipstick, to Cole Porter's Parisian parties and the mystery of "special ginger beer."

As the pair look back on the laughter, lyricism and legacy of the songs that kept spirits high through two world wars, they also look ahead - to a festive Christmas special and a live A to Z tour in 2026.

It's a joyful finale full of swing, nostalgia and gratitude for the music (and listeners!) who've joined them along the way.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

You can listen to ALL of the songs that Tom and Lili talk about in the episode on their Spotify playlist here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN?si=b777dc33a703408a

REFERENCES

Kitchen Cabaret - Wednesday 26th November - Doors 7.30pm / Show 8pm
West View, Pink Barn, Lenton Road, Folkingham, NG34 0FE
Tickets £15 - Email drusilla501@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1366518505000296&set=a.312306463754844

(I've Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo - Orchestra Wives (1942)
https://youtu.be/fFv_PoZ2iP0?si=yhBbFBrq3NW5zO9n

Orchestra Wives (1942) - Full Film (Colourised)
https://youtu.be/1Mpktlw3hu8?si=AZB35xncCbZMrHH5

Glenn Miller - At Last (B Side to Kalamazoo)
https://youtu.be/ajsptiTBPq4?si=pJcYx4y5Vv7DUwCr

Sheet Music Cover
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303257221212

Sheet Music Cover (Chappel's version)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314729356350

We found the answer to our own question - Arabian Riff
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_riff

Four King Sisters with the Rhythm Reys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs438XOeYXo&list=RDXs438XOeYXo&start_radio=1

Alice Babs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pwu-ZWvxG8&list=RD5pwu-ZWvxG8&start_radio=1

Ciro's Club Picture
https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw220678/Ciros-Nightclub-group-of-jazz-musicians-possibly-including-Jack-Newman-Syd-Lawrence-and-Ray-Noble

Lurland Dance Hall in Peacehaven (now a Mosque)
https://www.peacehavenmosque.co.uk/

Beryldene Auction
https://www.georgeformby.co.uk/auction.htm

Melody Maker Archives
https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Melody_Maker.htm

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro
00:51 Catch Up
01:49 K = (I've Got a Gal in) KalamaZOO!
04:33 Harry Warren
06:32 Mac Gordon
08:00 Glenn Miller's Band
09:49 Discussing the Sheet Music Cover
11:24 Discussing the Lyrics
13:05 Discussing the Music
16:37 Discussing Versions : Glenn Miller
16:50 Jimmy Dorsey
17:14 Paul Whiteman
17:27 Andrews Sisters
19:52 Four King Sisters and the Rhythm Reys
20:16 Alice Babs
21:08 What's Our Favourite?
22:21 Discussing Series 1
26:10 Recapping Series 1
30:48 Discussing Themes and Common Threads
35:20 Mentioned in Dispatches
36:22 Teaser for Next Episode
37:19 Outro

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

You can follow the podcast on social media:
http://instagram.com/warsongspod
https://www.facebook.com/warsongspod

Find more information about Lili Redman here:
https://liliredman.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lili__redman/
https://www.facebook.com/ScalaLil

Or Tom Carradine here:
https://www.tomcarradine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tomcarradine
https://www.facebook.com/mrtomcarradine

CONTACT THE PODCAST

If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at warsongspod@gmail.com  to be "Mentioned in Dispatches".

LISTENING LINKS

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ktQ4nyudmPRLcCNyNxEfv?si=ac9e1babe6834f2b

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-a-to-z-of-wartime-song/id1806037318

If you've enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you'd leave a review and make sure you've subscribed and turned on notifications so you'll never miss an episode.