Kate Smith

Kate Smith was an American singer best known for her powerful contralto voice and her enduring association with the song "God Bless America." Born on May 1, 1907, in Greenville, Virginia, she rose to prominence during the 1930s and 1940s as one of the most popular female vocalists of her era. Her rendition of "God Bless America," written by Irving Berlin, became iconic during World War II and helped cement her status as a patriotic symbol.

In addition to her music career, Kate Smith had a strong presence in broadcasting. She hosted several radio and television shows over the years. One of her earliest successes was "The Kate Smith Hour," a popular radio variety show that aired from 1937 to 1945.

As television grew in popularity, she transitioned to the new medium and launched "The Kate Smith Evening Hour" on NBC in 1951, which later became "The Kate Smith Hour." These programs combined music, comedy, and guest appearances, and they helped maintain her prominence in American entertainment during the early days of TV. She also hosted "The Kate Smith Show" on CBS, which ran from 1950 to 1954.

Kate Smith passed away on June 17, 1986, but her legacy lives on through her recordings and her symbolic connection to American patriotism.