John Thomas: The Kalamazoo Gals’ Almost Forgotten Story
This is an historic episode of Herizon Music. For the first time since launching in 2019, I am interviewing a MAN on the podcast. And I cannot think of any other man I would rather have than today’s guest.
We met at an “off” SXSW event hosted by Texchromosome in 2022. He held a World War II era acoustic Gibson guitar and was talking about his new book Kalamazoo Gals. Come to find out, he has unearthed an incredible almost-forgotten history about the women who stepped in and crafted Gibson guitars while the men in their lives were at war. These guitars are considered some of the finest ever made by Gibson.
It was a five-year journey of research, conversations, and travel. The story is so remarkable, it’s become a documentary that won Best Short Documentary awards at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and Red Dirt Film Festival. And there are more festivals screening the film in 2025.
He’s an author, a musician, an attorney, a law professor, an avid cyclist, and a champion of women in music.
Meet John Thomas! (Documentary trailer below)
In This Episode
How John Thomas stumbled upon the photo that revealed Gibson’s female workforce during WWII.
The scientific proof that these “Banner” wartime guitars were the finest craftsmanship that Gibson has produced and why.
The stories of three surviving Gibson workers whom John interviewed for the book and new documentary.
How Gibson’s reaction to the book has evolved over the years (a rollercoaster ride).
Plus, John’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!
This episode was recorded in April 2025.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Guest Links
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Buy John Thomas’s Kalamazoo Gals here on Amazon.
Kalamazoo Gals Website & Social Links
Documentary Trailer
Credits
Guest: John Thomas
Host: Thea Wood
Production: Thea Wood
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