Kate Smith
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Biography
Commonly known as The Songbird of the South, Kathryn Elizabeth Smith (born on May 1st, 1907) was an American singer, actress, and radio personality whose rendition of Irving Berlinâs âGod Bless Americaâ remains forever etched in the US popular consciousness. Despite never having taken singing lessons, Smith gained notoriety in amateur nights at vaudeville theaters before landing her big first role on the Broadway revue Honeymoon Lane in 1926. Following a participation in Vincent Youmansâ Hit The Deck, the singer was discovered by Columbia A&R executive Ted Collins, who decided to sign her to the label. Among Smithâs biggest hits are âWhen the Moon Comes Over the Mountainâ (1931), âRiver Stay Away from My Doorâ (1943), and âGod Bless Americaâ (1939), which went on to become her trademark song after being featured in the 1943 wartime film This Is The Army. During those years, the singer also enjoyed massive popularity with her radio show The Kate Smith Hour, which featured legendary comedians Abbott & Costello and ran for a total of eight consecutive years. Smith took the format to the small screen during the TV boom of the 50s, featuring guest appearances by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Hank Williams on the show. The singer then made a return to the charts with âAnyone Can Move A Mountainâ (1967) and âSmile, Smile, Smileâ (1974), which reached Number 30 and 42 on Billboardâs Easy Listening Hits, respectively. Following a series of renowned performances of âGod Bless Americaâ in professional sports matches during the mid and late 70s, Smith died on June 17, 1986 due to diabetes-related complications.
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Albums
Top Tracks
- Track Popularity
- God Bless America
- I've Got a Gal In Kalamazoo
- On The Atchison, Topeka And Santa Fe
- The Last Time I Saw Paris
- Imagination
- Say it Over Again (Para Que Sufras)
- Moon Song, That Wasn't Meant For Me
- Somebody Loves Me
- Don't Worry About Me
- Yellow Rose Of Texas / Deep In The Heart Of Texas
- Time Was
- Cool Water
- Wreck of the Old '97
- Side By Side
- I Surrender Dear
- It Was so Beautiful
- Johnny One Note
- Wait For Me, Mary
- Fresh As A Daisy
- When The Moon Comes Over The Mountain
- Taking A Chance On Love
- Maybe, Who Knows
- Small Fry
- Blues In The Night
