Your Hit Parade 42-11-07 (xxx) First Tune - I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo (#4)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Your Hit Parade 42-11-07 (xxx) First Tune - I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo (#4)"

Episode Information:

• Title: Your Hit Parade 42-11-07 (xxx) First Tune - I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo (#4)
• Release Date: August 12, 2025
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: A nostalgic journey back to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring classic radio shows before television, where families gathered to enjoy popular programs like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more.

---

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the signature chant:

Martin Block:
"Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. Lucky Strike Green has gone to war."
(00:00)

This chant not only serves as the show's theme but also underscores Lucky Strike's commitment to supporting the war effort. Martin Block introduces the centerpiece of the show, Your Hit Parade, highlighting the top 10 songs of the week determined by various metrics, including sheet music sales, phonograph records, radio play, and band leader requests.

Martin Block:
"An accurate, authentic compilation of America's taste in popular music. Your Hit Parade."
(00:59)

---

Top 10 Songs Overview

Opening Performance: #4 – "I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo"

Basil Risdale:
"Thank you, Basil Risdale and hello, friends... starting things off with the fourth ranking song on your hit parade. That leaves nine more of your current favorites..."
(01:16)

Barry Wood & Joan Edwards deliver a lively rendition of "I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo", capturing the playful essence of the song with harmonized vocals and spirited instrumentation.

Notable Quote:

Barry Wood:
"I’m going to Michigan to see the sweetest gal in Kalamazoo."
(03:08)

---

Lucky Strike Extras: Supporting the Armed Forces

The show features performances dedicated to the men serving in the armed forces, reinforcing Lucky Strike's wartime support.

Ethel Smith – "Gobs of Love" (#10)

Ethel Smith performs "Gobs of Love", a heartfelt song expressing devotion to the Navy, blending soulful vocals with an electric organ that adds a unique flair to the piece.

Notable Lyrics:

Ethel Smith:
"Cause I got gobs of love and kisses for the Navy."
(04:37)

---

Middle Rankings: #5 – "Serenade in Blue"

Basil Risdale:
"And the hip paraders sing the latest addition to the Songs about the Blues, your number five song, Serenade in Blue."
(06:38)

Barry Wood & Mark Warno present a smooth rendition of "Serenade in Blue", a romantic ballad that resonates with listeners through its melodic harmony and evocative lyrics.

Notable Quote:

Mark Warno:
"Should I go on whistling in the dark? Serenade in blue."
(08:24)

---

Lucky Strike Extras: South American Samba

Ethel Smith – "Os Continos Nosterero"

Ethel Smith showcases her versatility with a vibrant South American samba, offering a refreshing break from the ballads and adding cultural diversity to the program.

---

Highlight: Southern Tobacco Auction Reenactment

Basil Risdale:
"Now, friends, here's Basil Risdale, who's prepared to demonstrate by reenactment that a southern tobacco auction is really quite as exciting as any of those football games you've seen or heard today."
(11:48)

A lively reenactment illustrates the competitive nature of tobacco auctions, emphasizing Lucky Strike's dedication to sourcing fine tobacco. This segment not only entertains but also reinforces the brand's quality commitment.

Notable Quote:

Basil Risdale:
"Lucky Strike means fine tobacco. So round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw."
(12:31)

---

Subsequent Rankings and Performances

#7 – "Dearly Beloved"

Joan Edwards delivers a touching performance of "Dearly Beloved", a song that speaks to enduring love and cherished memories.

Notable Lyrics:

Joan Edwards:
"Dearly beloved, how clearly I see. Somewhere in heaven you were fashioned before me."
(13:41)

#8 – "Daybreak"

A fresh addition to the parade, "Daybreak" by Barry Wood and Mark Warno celebrates new beginnings and the beauty of a sunrise.

Notable Quote:

Barry Wood:
"Another new day from mist from the meadow is drifting away for its fade Break."
(16:05)

#9 – "Ballad of New York (Manhattan Serenade)"

Joan Edwards captivates the audience with "Ballad of New York (Manhattan Serenade)", evoking the romance and vibrancy of Manhattan.

Notable Lyrics:

Joan Edwards:
"The glow of moonlight in the park, the light that spelled your name."
(23:13)

#6 – "I Came Here to Talk for Joe"

Joan Edwards performs "I Came Here to Talk for Joe", a heartfelt plea expressing unspoken love and courage.

Notable Lyrics:

Joan Edwards:
"I came here to talk for Joe. He wants me to let you know he can't keep that date with you tonight."
(26:01)

---

Climactic Performances

#3 – "My Devotion"

Maintaining its strong presence, "My Devotion" by Barry Wood and Joan Edwards continues to enchant listeners with its deep emotional resonance.

Notable Quote:

Barry Wood:
"Ocean is endless and deep as the ocean and like a star shining from afar remains forever the same."
(33:06)

#2 – "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition"

A powerful patriotic anthem performed by Barry Wood and Joan Edwards, celebrating resilience and freedom.

Notable Lyrics:

Joan Edwards:
"Shout and praise the Lord. Pass the ammunition and we'll all stay free."
(35:10)

#1 – "White Christmas"

The episode culminates with the beloved classic "White Christmas", beautifully rendered by Joan Edwards. This rendition evokes nostalgia and warmth, perfectly capturing the spirit of the holiday season.

Notable Lyrics:

Ethel Smith:
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas just like the ones I used to know."
(38:54)

---

Basil Risdale’s Reflection and War Bond Appeal

Closing the musical journey, Basil Risdale shares a personal reflection that intertwines everyday life with loyalty to Lucky Strike.

Basil Risdale:
"The other night after dinner, I sort of relaxed and lit up a Lucky. Watched the smoke build up into air castles... Lucky Strike cigarette, so round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw."
(30:50)

He emphasizes the quality of Lucky Strike tobacco, reaffirming the brand's superior selection process and unwavering preference, regardless of personal wealth or power.

Final Appeal:

Basil Risdale:
"Friends, that's why I think you ought to try Lucky Strike this very night. Yes, siree, Lucky Strike means fine tobacco."
(31:58)

---

Conclusion and Call to Action

Martin Block and Basil Risdale conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to support the war effort through the purchase of war bonds and stamps, highlighting the importance of every contribution in saving American lives.

Basil Risdale:
"Buying war bonds and stamps... every time you buy a bond, you're helping to save American lives."
(41:25)

Martin Block:
"This is Martin Block, speaking for Lucky Strike, saying good night for Joan Edwards. Mark Warno, the Hit Paraders, Ethel Smith."
(41:58)

---

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Nostalgia: The episode beautifully captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, blending music, storytelling, and brand messaging seamlessly.

• Support for Armed Forces: Through dedicated performances by Ethel Smith and patriotic songs, the show underscores patriotic sentiments and support for the military.

• Brand-Endorsed Quality: Lucky Strike's consistent emphasis on quality tobacco serves as a recurring theme, reinforcing brand loyalty among listeners.

• Engaging Performances: The blend of vocal performances by Barry Wood and Joan Edwards, coupled with instrumental accompaniment by Mark Warno and the Hit Paraders, creates an immersive listening experience.

• Community and Patriotism: The call to action for war bonds and stamps fosters a sense of community responsibility and patriotism among the audience.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Martin Block:
  "Marginally, Lucky Strike Green has gone to war."
  (00:00)

• Basil Risdale:
  "Lucky Strike means fine tobacco. So round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw."
  (12:31)

• Ethel Smith:
  "Cause I got gobs of love and kisses for the Navy."
  (04:37)

• Basil Risdale:
  "Friends, that's why I think you ought to try Lucky Strike this very night. Yes, siree, Lucky Strike means fine tobacco."
  (31:58)

• Basil Risdale:
  "Every time you buy a bond, you're helping to save American lives."
  (41:25)

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio not only entertains with a curated selection of top songs but also weaves in themes of patriotism, quality branding, and community support, reflecting the era's cultural and social values.

Transcript

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. Let that chant remind you that Lucky Strike means fine tobacco. So round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw. No wonder that with men who know tobacco best it's Lucky's 2 to 1 Lucky Strike green has gone to war. Lucky Strike presents your hit parade. The 10 leading songs of the week determined by a carefully checked seven day survey of the best sellers in sheet music and phonograph records. The songs most played on the air and in the automatic coin machines. And the songs most requested of the nation's band leaders. An accurate, authentic compilation of America's taste in popular music. Your Hit Parade. Now here's Martin Block with this week's rankings.

[Basil Risdale]

Thank you, Basil Risdale and hello, friends. Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. Your hit parade starts off tonight with Barry woods singing the number four song in all America. I got a gal in Kalamazoo.

[Barry Wood]

A.

[Joan Edwards]

B, C D E F, G, H I got a gal in Kalamazoo I don't want to boast But I know she's the toast of Kalamazoo Zoo, zoo, zoo those years have gone by My my heart she grew I liked her looks when I g carried her books In Kalamazoo Zoo, zoo I'm going to send that wire hopping on a flyer Leaving today Am I dreaming? I can hear a screaming hi you Mr. Jackson everything's o K a L a M a Z oh, what a gal a real tiparoo I'll make my bid for that freckle faced kid I'm a hurrying too I'm going to Michigan to see the sweetest gal in Kalamazoo.

[Barry Wood]

I'm gonna send a wire Hopping on the flyer Le Am I dreaming? I can hear it screaming hi Mr. Jack everything go K A L a.

[Joan Edwards]

M a C O O what a.

[Barry Wood]

Gal A real piperoo A real pipparoo.

[Joan Edwards]

I'll make my bid for that freckle.

[Barry Wood]

Race kid I'm a hunt too I'm going to Michigan to see the sweetest.

[Joan Edwards]

Gal in Kalamazoo Zoo, zoo Sweetest cow.

[Barry Wood]

In Kalamazoo Kalamazoo.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to.

[Basil Risdale]

Friends, that was your singing star, Barry Wood starting things off with the fourth ranking song on your hit parade. That leaves nine more of your current favorites to be sung and played by Barry Wood, Joan Edwards, the Hit Paraders and Mark Warno on the Lucky Strike Orchestra. And we have lovely Ethel Smith to send out three Lucky Strike extras to the men of our armed forces. Right now. Here's Joan Edwards with the song that's making its first appearance on the parade. Gobs of love at number 10. And Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Ethel Smith]

Cause I've got gobs of love for the Navy. Gobs and gobs and gobs. Though my heart skips a beat when the soldier I meet. What it won't do when I see a man in blue. And I got loads of hugs and kisses. That's exactly what a sailor misses. Cause every time the fleet comes in I start burning up within with gobs and gobs of love. Cause I got gobs of love and kisses for the Navy. Just gobs and gobs and gobs. Though my heart skips a beat when the soldier bore me. What it won't do when I see a man in blue. And I got loads of hugs and kisses. That's exactly what I said I'm missing. Cause every time the flea comes in. I start burning up within with gobs and gobs of love.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

Number five, Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. And the hip paraders sing the latest addition to the Songs about the Blues, your number five song, Serenade in Blue.

[Barry Wood]

Sa the world alone with you.

[Mark Warno]

Sharing all the joys we used to.

[Barry Wood]

Know.

[Mark Warno]

Many moons.

[Barry Wood]

Of. Once again your face comes back to me. Just like the fame of some forgotten melody in the album of my memory. Serenade.

[Mark Warno]

It seems like only every day us Lord, have the credit blow.

[Barry Wood]

And as we dance the night away I hear you say forevermore. And then the song became a sigh. Forevermore became goodbye. But still you're here in my heart. So tell me, darling, is there still a spark? O On the ashes of the flame renew. Should I go on whistling in the dark? Serenade in blue.

[Mark Warno]

Sam.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

And now time out for a Lucky Strike extra by a pretty girl who has a knack for playing the electric organ, as it has never been played before. Of course. I'm talking about your new hit parade star charming Ethel Smith for her first Lucky Strike extra tonight. Ethel Smith salutes all the men in Uncle Sam's service with a brilliant South American samba. It's called Os Continos Nosterero.

[Mark Warno]

It's. It's.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

Now, friends, here's Basil Risdale, who's prepared to demonstrate by reenactment that a southern tobacco auction is really quite as exciting as any of those football games you've seen or heard today.

[Martin Block]

Enter a huge tobacco warehouse, ladies and gentlemen, crowded with people over a dozen Buyers competing for the lead. And the whole crowd tense with excitement as the bids go up.

[Barry Wood]

Up.

[Martin Block]

Good tobacco, boys. 41.

[Barry Wood]

$41.

[Martin Block]

£100. £100 is the warehouseman's opening bid on this next basket. Right away, a leaf company bids 42. Lucky Strike raised it to 43. That leaf company again. 44. Another cigarette company bid 45. The next port company. 46. 46. Lucky Strike raised it to 47. Yes, it's going, going.

[Basil Risdale]

Yes. Ladies and gentlemen, at auctions like that all over tobacco land, year after year, the makers of Lucky's consistently select and buy the riper lighter, milder tobacco. The real Lucky Strike tobacco. Friends, to put it in a nutshell, Lucky Strike means fine tobacco. So round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw. And from my own smoking experience, Barry Wood comes in for a chorus of Dearly Beloved. It's number seven. Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Mark Warno]

Sam.

[Joan Edwards]

Dearly beloved, how clearly I see. Somewhere in heaven you were fashioned before me. Angel eyes.

[Basil Risdale]

Knew you.

[Joan Edwards]

Angel voices led me to you. Nothing could save me. Fate gave me a sign I know that I'll be yours come shower or shine. So I say, Millie.

[Mark Warno]

Dearly beloved, be my Sam.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. The hit paraders introduced to the big time for the first time, the new eighth ranking song, Daybreak.

[Mark Warno]

Sam.

[Barry Wood]

Day. Break. Another new day from mist from the meadow is drifting away for its fade Break. The sun's in the sky now.

[Mark Warno]

Many flowers break through their blood Blanket of you sunrise how lovely it seems to see from my window A sky full.

[Barry Wood]

Of dreams Whereas the white cloud sail on the blue red Daybreak my day Dream of.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

Another Lucky Strike extra. And here's your hit parade star, Ethel Smith with her second selection for the men in our armed forces. And Ethel's ready and waiting to give out with a Jerome Kern showboat medley.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. Your hit parade moves on with the song that's number nine. Joan Edwards sings the Ballad of New York. That hits the survey in ninth spot this week. Manhattan Serenade.

[Mark Warno]

SAM.

[Ethel Smith]

That night in Manhattan was the start of it. We lived it and we loved every part of it. The glow of moonlight in the park, the light that spelled your name. The autumn breeze, that sand, the spark that set our hearts aflame. Our kiss was a skyride to the highest star. We made it without pressure touching the handlebar. And I gave you my love.

[Barry Wood]

To.

[Ethel Smith]

The melody of the music, the madness that made our Manhattan serenade.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

And, friends, in sixth place. Is the third newcomer to your hit parade this week. So it's Barry Wood with I Came Here to Talk for Joe. The song that's number six. Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Mark Warno]

Sam.

[Joan Edwards]

I came here to talk for Joe. He wants me to let you know he can't keep that date with you tonight. I came here to talk for Joe. Gee, that kid sure loves you so and when he gets the chance he set it right. That boy has so much courage. I've seen the things he can do. But he never had the courage to tell you how he feels about you. He's got a perfect alibi he can't be here and in the sky so I came here to talk for Jo.

[Mark Warno]

Sam.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Dream has gone to war Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. We pause for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Mark Warno]

It's.

[Barry Wood]

It.

[Martin Block]

Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

Friends, do you ever daydream? Ever relax and build castles in the air? It's fun. You ought to try it sometime. The other night after dinner, I sort of relaxed and lit up a Lucky. Watched the smoke build up into air castles. And imagine what it would be like if I had everything I wanted at my command. Boy, what a life that would be. It's amazing what you can do in your daydream. But you know something? As I sat there dreaming all these things, I looked at that Lucky Strike I held in my hand, and a thought struck me. That Lucky Strike cigarette, so round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw, was one thing that just couldn't be any better. You see, in a cigarette, it's the tobacco that counts. And since we all know for a fact that Lucky Strike means fine tobacco. And since our buyers select finer lighter, milder leaf for each and every lucky. Well, there isn't any doubt in my mind that if I were the richest, most powerful guy in the whole world, Lucky's would still be my smoking preference. Now, friends, that's why I think you ought to try Lucky Strike this very night. Yes, siree, Lucky Strike means fine tobacco.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

And that fanfare, friends, is the signal for the nation's three top songs. Now, here's a tune that keeps right on in popular favor and stays with the leaders. For the eighth consecutive week, the hit paraders sing the romantic ballad that's in third place, My Devotion.

[Mark Warno]

Sam.

[Barry Wood]

Ocean is endless and deep as the ocean and Like a star shining from afar Remains forever the same. Why devotion?

[Ethel Smith]

It's not just a sudden emotion.

[Barry Wood]

Oh, not so sudden. It will be constantly burning and your love will kindle the flame.

[Joan Edwards]

Oh, what a sleep be.

[Barry Wood]

Through the dream I plan All I own in your dome. Your wish is my command. And this sensation was never a mere fascination Here in my heart one sweet day it started then with time it.

[Mark Warno]

Ru my devotion to you.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

Number two. Last week this sensational tune written by Private Frank Lesser of the United States Army Air Corps jumped seven notches to land in second place. And tonight it's still up there. Barry Wood and the Hit Paraders are on with the tune that's knocking at the door for top honors in second position. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.

[Barry Wood]

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. Praise the Lord. Press the ammunition and we'll all stay free.

[Joan Edwards]

Down went the gunner a bullet was his fate. Down went the gunner and then the gunner's maid. Up jumped the sky Pilot gave the boys a look Manned the gun himself as he laid aside the book. Shout and praise the Lord. Pass the ammunition. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition and we'll all stay free. Praise the Lord and swing into position. Can't afford to sit around dewishin'. Praise the Lord. We're all between perdition and the deep blue sea.

[Barry Wood]

Yes, the sky pilot said it. You gotta give him credit for a son of a gun of a gun.

[Joan Edwards]

That was he shouting Praise the Lord. We're on the mighty mission.

[Barry Wood]

All aboard.

[Joan Edwards]

We're not a going fish.

[Barry Wood]

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition and we'll all stay free. Praise the Lord and fast the ammunition can't afford to sit around the way. Praise the Lord. Belong between perdition and the deep blue sea.

[Joan Edwards]

Yes, the sky pilot said it. You got to give him credit for a son of a gun of a gun there was he.

[Barry Wood]

Praise the Lord.

[Joan Edwards]

Shout and praise the Lord.

[Barry Wood]

We're on the mighty mission. All aboard. We're not going fishing. Praise the Lord. That's the ammunition and we'll all stay free.

[Joan Edwards]

Shouting Praise the Lord. We're on the mighty mission.

[Barry Wood]

All aboard.

[Joan Edwards]

We're not a go in vision. Praise the Lord. Pack the ammunition and we'll all be free.

[Martin Block]

Lucky Strike Dream has gone to war. Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

The big winner. There's not much more you can say about a song than that. It's number one on your hit parade. Except that Joan Edwards is going to sing it. So here's Joan with the song that's first in all America. White Christmas.

[Mark Warno]

Sam.

[Ethel Smith]

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know where the trees hop, glisten and children listen to dear sleigh bells in the.

[Barry Wood]

Snow.

[Ethel Smith]

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas with every Christmas card I write.

[Barry Wood]

May.

[Ethel Smith]

Your days be merry and bright.

[Barry Wood]

And.

[Ethel Smith]

May all your Christmases be wild.

[Basil Risdale]

Green.

[Martin Block]

Has gone to war.

[Joan Edwards]

So long For a while that's all a song for.

[Barry Wood]

A while.

[Basil Risdale]

Yes, friends, that's all for now. Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. But next Saturday, we'll be back with your Hit Parade. And each day between now and then, we can all be helping to bring victory closer by buying war bonds and stamps. Remember, every time you buy a bond, you're helping to save American lives. Think that over carefully the next time you decide you're buying all the bonds you want. And now, until next week. This is Martin Block, speaking for Lucky Strike, saying good night for Joan Edwards. Mark Warno, the Hit Paraders, Ethel Smith.

[Martin Block]

And this is Barry Wood saying Lucky Strike Green has gone to war. The famous tobacco auctioneer heard on Tonight's program is Mr. LA Speed Riggs of Goldsboro, North Carolina. Buzzer Rasdale speaking. Lucky Strike Green has gone to war.

[Basil Risdale]

The violin solo is in. Ethel, Right after the violin solo, when you come back to melody, could you play out just a little bit? You're holding down a little. Yeah.

[Martin Block]

When she comes.

[Basil Risdale]

When she comes out.

[Mark Warno]

It'S.

[Barry Wood]

Ra.