(i've Got A Gal In) Kalamazoo
Kate Smith · Other Songs - Kate Smith
I got a gal in Kalamazoo
Don't want to boast but I know she's the toast of Kalamazoo
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo)
Years have gone by, my my how she grew
I liked her looks when I carried her books in Kalamazoo
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo)
I'm gonna send a wire, hoppin' on a flyer, leavin' today"
Am I dreamin' I can hear her screamin'
"Hiya, Mr. Jackson"
Everything's OK, A-L-A-M-A-Z-O
Oh, what a gal, a real pipperoo
I'll make my bid for that freckle-faced kid I'm hurryin' to
I'm goin' to Michigan to see the sweetest gal in Kalamazoo
(Zoo, zoo)
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, Kalamazoo)
K (K)
A (A)
L-A-M-A-Z-O
(Oh, oh, oh, oh what a gal, a real pipperoo)
(We're goin' to Michigan to see the sweetest gal in Kalamazoo)
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo)
(Kalamazoo!!)
About (i've Got A Gal In) Kalamazoo
Kate Smith's 1951 recording of "(I've Got A Gal In) Kalamazoo" stands as a defining moment in American pop history, marking her transition from a radio personality to a major recording artist. Released during the height of the "G.I. Jive" craze, the song leveraged Smith's distinctive contralto voice and charismatic stage presence to become a massive hit. The track captures the spirit of post-war optimism and the cultural phenomenon of returning soldiers, blending upbeat swing rhythms with a narrative of homecoming. Smith's interpretation is widely considered the definitive version, characterized by her powerful delivery and the song's infectious energy. It remains a staple of swing and big band repertoires, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through both vocal prowess and the era's popular musical style. The recording solidified her status as a leading figure in mid-century popular music, influencing countless subsequent artists who adopted her energetic approach to vocal performance.