There are dozens of songs that are titled "Kalamazoo" and more still that mention the southwest Michigan city. It's been that way since the early days of music recording, and "Kalamazoo" continues to find its way into songs. Why, though? We dig into this question, with a multipronged answer that takes us through an American musical legacy.
Here's a brief playlist of songs that mention "Kalamazoo"
Here's a brief playlist of famous uses of Gibson guitars

GUEST: Paul Russell, musician (who wrote a song called "Kalamazoo")

GUEST: John Thomas, law professor, historian, and author of Kalamazoo Gals

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Have a story about Kalamazoo's musical legacy? Do it here:


Online Submission Form


Call us: 734-764-7840


Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

There are dozens of songs that are titled "Kalamazoo" and more still that mention the southwest Michigan city. It's been that way since the early days of music recording, and "Kalamazoo" continues to find its way into songs. Why, though? We dig into this question, with a multipronged answer that takes us through an American musical legacy.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ewEhp9zqBY8YYcwhk4gEH?si=1d05e403b9754227">Here's a brief playlist of songs that mention "Kalamazoo"</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4yMVbhSiWD2sXXQblyfdW7?si=bba8c5c59287469c">Here's a brief playlist of famous uses of Gibson guitars</a></li>
</ul>
GUEST: Paul Russell, musician (who wrote a song called "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4mqc-oAims">Kalamazoo</a>")
GUEST: John Thomas, law professor, historian, and author of <a href="https://kalamazoogals.com/">Kalamazoo Gals</a>
<hr>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Have a story about Kalamazoo's musical legacy? Do it here:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
</li>
<li>
Call us: 734-764-7840
</li>
<li>
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
</li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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