During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Miller managed to earn a living working as a freelance trombonist in several bands. His first band was formed in 1937 but failed to distinguish itself and eventually broke up.
Following the break-up of his first band, Miller realized that he needed to develop a unique sound, and decided to make the clarinet play a melodic line with a tenor saxophone on the same note, while three other saxophones harmonized. With this sound combination, the Miller band that became the most popular was born in 1938. After a shaky start, it made his new band a nationwide hit.
In 1942, Miller joined the United States Army Air Forces where he continued his musical career with the Army Air Force Band.
On December 15, 1944, Miller was to fly from the United Kingdom to Paris, France, to play for the soldiers who had recently liberated Paris. His plane departed from RAF Twinwood Farm in Clapham, Bedfordshire and disappeared while flying over the English Channel. No trace of the aircrew, passengers or plane has ever been found. Miller's status is missing in action.
His music is still iconic of the time period in which he lived and continues to draw thousands of fans of all age groups.
Glenn Miller was a popular visitor to Bedford and its American Air force bases. He is still remembered to this day by the people of Bedford with a bronze bust displayed on the front of the towns Corn Exchange, and more recently, what remains of the Twinwoods Airfield being renovated as a Glenn Miller Museum and outdoor event site
2) Glenn Miller was a Jamaican reggae and soul artist of the 1960's.
Along with other legendary artists such as Bob Marley & the Wailers and Desmond Dekker he recorded for the Trojan record label.
Kalamazoo
Glenn Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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 O-K, 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
The Glenn Miller Orchestra's song "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo" is a story about a man who has a love interest in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He starts off by listing the letters of the alphabet but reaches H and jumps to the fact that he has a girl in Kalamazoo. He is proud of her and believes that she is very popular in the town. The song is set years after they first met, and he is amazed at how much she has grown.
The singer recalls carrying her books when they were in school together. He now wants to go see her, and he plans to hop on a plane and travel to Kalamazoo to see her. He is excited to hear her voice and imagines her screaming his name when she sees him. He repeats the name of the town several times, spelling it out letter by letter.
The lyrics of the song may seem lighthearted, but they capture the excitement and anticipation of meeting someone you care about after a long time. The song became a huge hit upon its release and is still beloved by fans of swing music. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a dance floor favorite to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a gal in Kalamazoo
I have a girlfriend in Kalamazoo
Don't want to boast but I know
I don't mean to brag, but she's amazing
She's the toast of Kalamazoo
She's incredibly popular in Kalamazoo
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo)
(Refrain: zoo sounds)
Years have gone by
We've been together for a while
My, my, how she grew
She's grown up so much
I liked her looks
I always thought she was attractive
When I carried her books in Kalamazoo
Back when we were in school there, I used to help her with her books
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo)
(Refrain: zoo sounds)
I'm gonna send a wire
I'm going to send a telegram
Hoppin' on a flyer, leavin' today
I'm taking a flight to go see her today
Am I dreamin'?
Is this really happening?
I can hear her screamin', "Hiya, Mr. Jackson"
I can imagine her excitedly greeting me by name
Everything's O-K, A-L-A-M-A-Z-O
Everything is okay in Kalamazoo (spelling it out)
Oh, what a gal, a real pipperoo
She's an amazing girl
I'll make my bid
I'll tell her how I feel
For that freckle faced kid I'm hurryin' to
I'm going to ask out the girl I remember from our school days
I'm goin' to Michigan
I'm heading to Michigan to visit her in Kalamazoo
To see the sweetest gal in Kalamazoo
To visit my very sweet girlfriend in Kalamazoo
(Zoo, zoo)
(Refrain: zoo sounds)
(Zoo, zoo, zoo, Kalamazoo)
(Refrain: more zoo sounds and mention of Kalamazoo)
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: HARRY WARREN, MACK GORDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Morgini
I'm 15 and love this music! My friends and family laugh but this is so much more impressive and harder too do that what most artists do!!
@Disques13Swing
GOOD FOR YOU, MORGIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@billolsen4360
You got taste
@john8787
We'll I'm an old(er) guy and you have good taste , this is a scene from a movie orchestra wives you should check it out it's loaded with good music oh and by the way that's Jackie Gleason on the upright bass ( not playing it ) Stick to what you like and soon enough everyone will respect you for it.
@Montecitodesign
You may like this. It’s the Tachibana Senior High School Marching Band in Japan. (About 95% of the members are female!): https://youtu.be/souj-xWs7xs
@tedcullen7480
Base should be BASS
@manalive45
I have tears rolling down my cheeks. The musician-ship, and the singing are utterly perfect. Out of it pours the emotions. Now that is real talent. Thank you everyone.
@rudolphguarnacci197
I had that happen to me lisyening to The Andrew Sisters with Bing Crosby 40 years ago. I can't believe it was so long ago. Brought tears to my eyes.
@davidrichards3314
I am so pleased that I have found this brilliant performance.I was 3 years old when this took place.
@lordnookes
I'm glad to learn it's not just me who has tears flooding out as I hear this fantastic score. It takes me back to the 60's, listening to the Glenn Miller Story LP with my dad and siblings ....