I was at that game when Kate Smith sang God Bless America and the fans went crazy. If Ed Snider was alive her statue would still be there. Ed was a pallbearer at her funeral and a Flyers Jersey was in her casket. To the Organization, please bring back her statue and admit it was a mistake to take her down and show all us fans that even the Big Shots can be wrong but will make it RIGHT. That would be soooo Awesome. ❤️🥅🏒🇺🇸
Kate was a fine singer. See, when you are old enough to remember when she was living and singing you have a special place in your heart for her. The first time I heard her sing I was all of 6 years old and that was way back in the very early 50's. So, yes I'm old. I'll share a short story: My grandmother played the piano and I was also learning. We would do a duet on the piano of "God Bless America". See in the day we would gather around the piano and sing. This was one of my granddads favorite songs. Every year around the 4th of July and December 7, I do Kate Smith singing "God Bless America". I'm not sure when this will end but it gives me pause and more so when I see the destruction our country is in today. Please dear God bless us once again!
She lifted the entire country during this time , I'm sure no one was more surprised than her . I was a big hockey fan during the 70's and this was very inspiring even for me though I was a Bruins fan
This song was written just for her back in 39 I believe. Irvin Berlin knew she was the only one who could do this song justice. Kate had the very best voice of all time. This was her last time for a public appearance that I know before she passed away.
Chills........listening to Kate. What a presence to have in Phila. Phila Loved her and she loved Philadelphia......RIP Kate.......Inspiration at it's best :)
This is the song that should be our American national anthem! When I was a young boy, living in Oakland, California, in the late 1930s, I had the privilege of attending Kate Smith's singing performance. It is still in my memory as to how great of a singer she was. God bless America, and God bless Kate Smith.
On January 1, 1976, Kate Smith was the Grand Marshal of the Pasadena Rose Parade. That afternoon, she sang this song at the Rose Bowl game. There were very few dry eyes in the Rose Bowl. I was there.
Dont ya just love how Kate clasped her hands together above her head in a "Go flyers!" motion and shook em with passion for the fans. Quite an icon and quite a singer
I remember going to the games all the time in the 70's & 80's. We always had a great time at the spectrum & Flyers games. Kate Smith is an American treasure. Her singing this song still gives me chills today. Philadelphia will NEVER forget Ms. Kate Smith! This kids today don't know what they are missing growing up now instead of back then.
I love Kate Smith.And I have to say God Bless America sung by her, still gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. And I'm Canadian. The New Zealand National Anthem does it to me as well. Beautiful soul touching words. Love America.
From Canada wishing my American Family, Relatives and Friends a Healthy, Safe and Blessed Memorial Day Weekend. Kate Smith - God Bless America (Live 1976) 1976 NHL Stanley Cup Championship Final at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States in May 1976. Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers. Brings back memories watching it live on TV in the Spring 1976
They didn't come to watch hockey, they came to watch Kate Smith! Thanks for this, what a treat! I'm in the Philly Metro area and she is legendary. I was born in '76 so missed this era completely.
That's not true...we Flyers Fans came to see the Flyers WIN the Hockey game and Kate Smith singing "God Bless America" was the Ultimate Motivator for Flyers and Fans back then...
The guy in the Flyers' management who thought of using Ms. Smith's song, and then getting her in person was a genius. The crowd loved it, she loved it, and it is a memory hockey fans will never forget. In today's America we don't have originals like Kate Smith, and professional sports are not as much fun.
All Americans should treasure this woman and this song, not just those on the right. This song and "This land is your land" are two of the best songs written about the U.S. ever.
Gives me chills to watch this. THIS is what our country used to be and will never be again if people don't wake up. Wonderful memory. God bless Kate Smith
When my Habs played against those great Flyers in 76, Both Roger Doucet in Montreal and Kate Smith in Philly were part of the games. Ghosts in the Forum waked up when Doucet began to sing and there's not a single fan in the Spectrum who wasnt in the game after signing God bless America with Smith. Good memories.
My Dad's Mother (My Grandmother) who would be over a 100 years old now, LOVED....Kate Smith. I grew up to really appreciate decent and traditional music and salutes to our country.
Kate Smith singing God Bless America just sends chills through my body. What a great lady. My parents told me so often how much this lady inspired Americans in the dark days of WW2. RIP Ms Smith!
I remember watching on CBC Windsor when the Flyers would bring Kate Smith out to sing 'God Bless America' it was special! My parents from the depression era loved it.
It is truly amazing to think that somebody could loathe such a positive, patriotic song, or such a wholesome All-American singer But the Philadelphia Flyers have managed to do just that with "God Bless America" and Kate Smith. Anytime she happens to turn up on an old TV show, I change the channel. When I'm at a ballgame on Sundays, I won't even stand for the 7th inning stretch until the song is over. Just think, when the Flyers last won the Cup, Kate Smith was still alive, and Gerald Ford was President. EAT....SLEEP....NO CUP.....REPEAT.
32 years ago, as a teenager, I sat on the living room floor and was mesmerized by Kate Smith singing God Bless America from the Spectrum in Philadelphia... Seeing this again for the first time since 1976, brings back so vividly, the memories of that evening! Thanks so much for posting it after all these years!
Bobby Clarke was a GOD...and whoever said that Philadelphia fans have no hearts. Throwing snow at Santa notwithstanding...the ovation that they gave Kate! You could see it on her face! Astounded, amazed, thrilled and so proud to just bust a lung belting that wonderful song for all those fans at the Spectrum. One of the forgotten moments in sports that needs to be remembered.
Check out the Spectum crowd as she's leaving the rink. They're going wild! 03:00. Kate Smith alone was worth the price of admission. At one point, the Flyers were 36-3-1 when "God Bless America" was played before their games.
I remember watching a Flyers-Oilers NHL Stanley Cup Playoff match (a little research shows that it probably was the 65th Game of the 1987 Cup playoff series) about 18 years ago on TV when Edmonton had Gretzky, Fuhr, Messier, Anderson, and others. Kate had died the year before but that did not deter the Flyers and the Spectrum which used a video of her singing God Bless America before the start of the match. The place went nuts when she started singing and at the end of the song (I don't remember which network televised it) the network announcers did not say a thing for about five seconds or so, before the lead announcer just said "WOW" in an astonished and emphatic voice. One of the single, most memorable moments I have ever witnessed at any sporting event, as riveting or more then Whitney Houston's performance of the National Anthem on the eve of Desert Storm, and just a shade under the extraordinary performance of Secretariat winning the Belmont Stakes by 32 lengths, with a lead down the stretch that was so large the cameraman actually had to manually refocus the lens so that he could show both Secretariat and Swap in the same frame, another moment that is etched in my mind forever. Great Job, Kate !
@OldWoman1958 I'm sitting here on April 7, 2011 @ 1:30AM and it brought back memories as well as tears to my eyes. Yes, Kate Smith was wonderful and a tradition that is part of Philadelphia even today. Thank you for taking the time to post this. I will definitely add it to my favorites AND come back to view it many, many times!
I was a Islander fan and hated the Flyers but Kate Smith singing live at the Spectrum was always a moving and inspirational moment. 3 Cheers to Kate Smith
Right back at you! I loved the Islanders vs Flyers competition, back in the day...Loved Hextall's goal...I am embarrassed.to still root for Flyers...I am in Saint Louis now, so I love the Blues...
A fierce supporter of the US military through WW2 and Vietnam including ALL the black and white women who served. Got the Nation through it all with dignity and grace. A consummate performer. Ask any Vietnam vet what Kate Smith meant to them. A surrogate mother in whose ample bosom they longed to rest their head. No one other than Bob Hope did more for our men and women, regardless of their race or creed, than did this woman. Worked with and respected all the performers of her time from Ethel Waters to Donny and Marie. Evolved and adapted flawlessly over time through radio, film and television. As mentioned in another comment employed Black artists in her fifties TV show when work may have been hard for them to find in other places where true prejudice existed. No racist she. And now to sully her reputation and family over a couple of songs from the thirties she probably regretted performing later in life? Absurd. Erect the statue somewhere else. Play her songs everywhere. It was not just all about God Bless America folks. She could swing with the best of them and did.
Kate Smith was an extraordinary patriot. This moment is special because of the bi-centennial. I am a New York Rangers fan and can certainly show respect. This special moment only out done by Wayne Mesmer at the Old Chicago Stadium before A Blackhawks playoff game. The whole building literally shook. The Spectrum was a great, old building as well whose decibel levels were deafening.
Absolutely awe inspiring. Kate Smith owns this song. Everyone who sings it is just a stand-in for her. They should only replay Kate's version at various events...it is THAT good.
Thanks for sharing! Irving Berlin wrote " God Bless America " in 1918 for his soldier show Yip Yip , Yiphank . However , it was withdrawn and lay unused until Kate Smith asked Berlin for a new patriotic song to sing on the radio for Armistice Day , 1938. It became an instant hit . The poem " America the Beautiful " by Katherine Lee Bates , a professor of English at Wellesley College , was inspired by a 1893 visit to Pike's Peak . It is unknown who joined it with Samuel Augustus Ward's hymn Materna , composed in 1882. Both songs have been suggested as alternatives to " The Star Spangled Banner " as our national anthem , for they celebrate America's great assets -- its natural beauty and its people . Thought you might enjoy some musical history ;)
CAPITALS ARE THEY ONLY WAY I CAN EXPRESS MY EOMTIONS - Kate Smith is an amazing young lady who makes me proud to not only be an American but also a Veteran - she is so precise when she sings this beautiful song that represents our country, i think she has passed away although i'm not sure, however i can say this , Ms Smith was for sure a class act. God bless her soul.She was a special human being. :)
thanks for blessing people in canada, mexico, guatemala, costa rica, panama, nicaragua, colombia, honduras, el salvador, bolivia, venezuela, peru, brazil, argentina, chile and all the islands you counted. Thanks for blessing america. Fefenta 5 stars for your comment
Her song to this day gives me goosebumps and makes me cry too. I just think it was a crime to let Kate Smith die penniless and forgotten. The Flyers organization could have charged us all an extra $1.00 to send to her for the rest of her life. No one sings this song as great as Kate Smith. I hope she is never forgotten. All the people who were around back then still love you Kate!
I love Canada. I am American born but I love this country. I had the honor of living there for a bit and my daughter was born there. I will always treasure my time there
He actually wrote it in 1917 when Kate was only 10. She requested a song from him to help reignite the spirit of Americans during the War. She would not take the song for nothing so they agreed all proceeds would go to the Boy Scouts of America. Thaanks to that agreement the BSA have received millions of dollars in royalties!
I was at that game when Kate Smith sang God Bless America and the fans went crazy. If Ed Snider was alive her statue would still be there. Ed was a pallbearer at her funeral and a Flyers Jersey was in her casket. To the Organization, please bring back her statue and admit it was a mistake to take her down and show all us fans that even
the Big Shots can be wrong but will make it RIGHT. That would be soooo Awesome. ❤️🥅🏒🇺🇸
A magnificent Lady. Every Country needs a Kate Smith.God Bless This Fine Lady.
I'm from Philadelphia and I remember as a kid, being so excited to hear her sing this, because she was the Flyers' good luck charm!!!!!!
Kate was a fine singer. See, when you are old enough to remember when she was living and singing you have a special place in your heart for her. The first time I heard her sing I was all of 6 years old and that was way back in the very early 50's. So, yes I'm old. I'll share a short story:
My grandmother played the piano and I was also learning. We would do a duet on the piano of "God Bless America". See in the day we would gather around the piano and sing. This was one of my granddads favorite songs.
Every year around the 4th of July and December 7, I do Kate Smith singing "God Bless America". I'm not sure when this will end but it gives me pause and more so when I see the destruction our country is in today. Please dear God bless us once again!
God Bless AMERICA and God Bless Kate Smith.
She lifted the entire country during this time , I'm sure no one was more surprised than her . I was a big hockey fan during the 70's and this was very inspiring even for me though I was a Bruins fan
Kate is an American icon had her own show and a beautiful voice. This is Kate's song and no one does it better. RIP dear lady.
Why do I love this so much...? Brings tears to my eyes.
I'm a Canadian and I have tremendous respect and admiration for the late Kate Smith and her singing here of God Bless America.
John W Landry :)
I have great respect for Canada.
John W Landry We stand on guard for Thee.
wow we have respect from someone from a country that means nothing
wow we have a comment from an ignorant piece of shat named Fred
You must be racist
Something about her singing puts chills on my arms and emotions. What a Great Singer!
This song was written just for her back in 39 I believe. Irvin Berlin knew she was the only one who could do this song justice. Kate had the very best voice of all time. This was her last time for a public appearance that I know before she passed away.
No one sings it like Kate Smith. She was the best and always will be. The whimps can kiss the ground she walked on
Chills........listening to Kate. What a presence to have in Phila. Phila Loved her and she loved Philadelphia......RIP Kate.......Inspiration at it's best :)
This is the song that should be our American national anthem!
When I was a young boy, living in Oakland, California, in the late 1930s,
I had the privilege of attending Kate Smith's singing performance.
It is still in my memory as to how great of a singer she was. God bless America, and God bless Kate Smith.
May first is Kate Smith’s Birthday. Share a post of her singing God Bless America on your social media.
On January 1, 1976, Kate Smith was the Grand Marshal of the Pasadena Rose Parade. That afternoon, she sang this song at the Rose Bowl game. There were very few dry eyes in the Rose Bowl. I was there.
wow! what an amazing experience I'm sure!
Dont ya just love how Kate clasped her hands together above her head in a "Go flyers!" motion and shook em with passion for the fans. Quite an icon and quite a singer
I remember going to the games all the time in the 70's & 80's. We always had a great time at the spectrum & Flyers games. Kate Smith is an American treasure. Her singing this song still gives me chills today. Philadelphia will NEVER forget Ms. Kate Smith! This kids today don't know what they are missing growing up now instead of back then.
God Bless Kate Smith!
Lol naw fuck that racist bitch
Chills and thrills for The Song and The Great Kate!
God Bless America, Kate Smith, Irving Berlin and the Philadelphia Flyers!
I love Kate Smith.And I have to say God Bless America sung by her, still gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. And I'm Canadian. The New Zealand National Anthem does it to me as well. Beautiful soul touching words. Love America.
th-cam.com/video/j6qmdqvItkM/w-d-xo.html First part is in Maori, but 5 or so verses follow. Best version on YT I think.
From Canada wishing my American Family, Relatives and Friends a Healthy, Safe and Blessed Memorial Day Weekend.
Kate Smith - God Bless America (Live 1976)
1976 NHL Stanley Cup Championship Final at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States in May 1976. Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers. Brings back memories watching it live on TV in the Spring 1976
THIS WAS A PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY, I HOPE PEOPLE WILL REALIZE THAT SOMEDAY. THIS IS AMERICA, THIS IS KATE SMITH !!
Kate Smith was truly one of a kind. God Bless you Kate - thank you very much from a grateful country!
Beautiful lady!! Love you Kate!!!
God Bless you Kate Smith, just as God has truly blessed America!!!
Outstanding !! Beautiful !!
Amazing, well-deserved applause! She was 69 years old here and nailed every note LIVE !!!
They didn't come to watch hockey, they came to watch Kate Smith! Thanks for this, what a treat! I'm in the Philly Metro area and she is legendary. I was born in '76 so missed this era completely.
check out the islanders clip where captain ed westphal presents her a flowers bouquet
That's not true...we Flyers Fans came to see the Flyers WIN the Hockey game and Kate Smith singing "God Bless America" was the Ultimate Motivator for Flyers and Fans back then...
The guy in the Flyers' management who thought of using Ms. Smith's song, and then getting her in person was a genius. The crowd loved it, she loved it, and it is a memory hockey fans will never forget. In today's America we don't have originals like Kate Smith, and professional sports are not as much fun.
All Americans should treasure this woman and this song, not just those on the right. This song and "This land is your land" are two of the best songs written about the U.S. ever.
Gives me chills to watch this. THIS is what our country used to be and will never be again if people don't wake up. Wonderful memory. God bless Kate Smith
"those were the days"
The biggest music stars of today wouldn't receive that thunderous applause and cheering!
When my Habs played against those great Flyers in 76, Both Roger Doucet in Montreal and Kate Smith in Philly were part of the games. Ghosts in the Forum waked up when Doucet began to sing and there's not a single fan in the Spectrum who wasnt in the game after signing God bless America with Smith. Good memories.
The gold standard of this song
My Dad's Mother (My Grandmother) who would be over a 100 years old now, LOVED....Kate Smith. I grew up to really appreciate decent and traditional music and salutes to our country.
Wonderful job by Kate Smith and Flyers fans - from a Bruins fan!
Kate Smith singing God Bless America just sends chills through my body. What a great lady. My parents told me so often how much this lady inspired Americans in the dark days of WW2. RIP Ms Smith!
I remember watching on CBC Windsor when the Flyers would bring Kate Smith out to sing 'God Bless America' it was special! My parents from the depression era loved it.
It is truly amazing to think that somebody could loathe such a positive, patriotic song, or such a wholesome All-American singer But the Philadelphia Flyers have managed to do just that with "God Bless America" and Kate Smith. Anytime she happens to turn up on an old TV show, I change the channel. When I'm at a ballgame on Sundays, I won't even stand for the 7th inning stretch until the song is over.
Just think, when the Flyers last won the Cup, Kate Smith was still alive, and Gerald Ford was President.
EAT....SLEEP....NO CUP.....REPEAT.
32 years ago, as a teenager, I sat on the living room floor and was mesmerized by Kate Smith singing God Bless America from the Spectrum in Philadelphia... Seeing this again for the first time since 1976, brings back so vividly, the memories of that evening! Thanks so much for posting it after all these years!
I don't know how you can watch this video and not get goose bumps and tears. Kate Smith...truly an American Patriot.
36-3-1 God bless America a 🏆winner here she comes 🙏 she lifted an entire country 41-45 ww2 and today God bless her
This lady was in a class by herself, beautiful on the inside and out
this is crazy! god bless whomever to this footage!
Ain this the same bitch who made that racist ass song. Bout sum "Someone's gotta pick the cotton"
This is moving as hell... tears me up, man!!!
Bobby Clarke was a GOD...and whoever said that Philadelphia fans have no hearts. Throwing snow at Santa notwithstanding...the ovation that they gave Kate! You could see it on her face! Astounded, amazed, thrilled and so proud to just bust a lung belting that wonderful song for all those fans at the Spectrum. One of the forgotten moments in sports that needs to be remembered.
Bobby Clarke was a punk and a dirty player who got away with what he did because he had a bunch of goons on the team.
Check out the Spectum crowd as she's leaving the rink. They're going wild! 03:00. Kate Smith alone was worth the price of admission. At one point, the Flyers were 36-3-1 when "God Bless America" was played before their games.
GOD BLESS AMERICA,GOD BLESS AND KATE SMITH, AND GOD BLESS OUR PHILADELPHIA FLYERS!!
That is so awesome.
Thank you for sharing this video.
I remember watching a Flyers-Oilers NHL Stanley Cup Playoff match (a little research shows that it probably was the 65th Game of the 1987 Cup playoff series) about 18 years ago on TV when Edmonton had Gretzky, Fuhr, Messier, Anderson, and others. Kate had died the year before but that did not deter the Flyers and the Spectrum which used a video of her singing God Bless America before the start of the match. The place went nuts when she started singing and at the end of the song (I don't remember which network televised it) the network announcers did not say a thing for about five seconds or so, before the lead announcer just said "WOW" in an astonished and emphatic voice. One of the single, most memorable moments I have ever witnessed at any sporting event, as riveting or more then Whitney Houston's performance of the National Anthem on the eve of Desert Storm, and just a shade under the extraordinary performance of Secretariat winning the Belmont Stakes by 32 lengths, with a lead down the stretch that was so large the cameraman actually had to manually refocus the lens so that he could show both Secretariat and Swap in the same frame, another moment that is etched in my mind forever. Great Job, Kate !
@OldWoman1958 I'm sitting here on April 7, 2011 @ 1:30AM and it brought back memories as well as tears to my eyes. Yes, Kate Smith was wonderful and a tradition that is part of Philadelphia even today. Thank you for taking the time to post this. I will definitely add it to my favorites AND come back to view it many, many times!
This is classic!... kate smith and her amazing voice!
I was a Islander fan and hated the Flyers but Kate Smith singing live at the Spectrum was always a moving and inspirational moment. 3 Cheers to Kate Smith
Right back at you! I loved the Islanders vs Flyers competition, back in the day...Loved Hextall's goal...I am embarrassed.to still root for Flyers...I am in Saint Louis now, so I love the Blues...
God bless Kate Smith. She sure belted it out - and she should be remembered today especialy
Wonderful! Thanks for posting.
No one...and I do mean NO ONE signs God Bless America like Kate Smith
A fierce supporter of the US military through WW2 and Vietnam including ALL the black and white women who served. Got the Nation through it all with dignity and grace. A consummate performer. Ask any Vietnam vet what Kate Smith meant to them. A surrogate mother in whose ample bosom they longed to rest their head. No one other than Bob Hope did more for our men and women, regardless of their race or creed, than did this woman. Worked with and respected all the performers of her time from Ethel Waters to Donny and Marie. Evolved and adapted flawlessly over time through radio, film and television. As mentioned in another comment employed Black artists in her fifties TV show when work may have been hard for them to find in other places where true prejudice existed. No racist she. And now to sully her reputation and family over a couple of songs from the thirties she probably regretted performing later in life? Absurd. Erect the statue somewhere else. Play her songs everywhere. It was not just all about God Bless America folks. She could swing with the best of them and did.
Not her song. Irving Berlin...a Russian Jew
Kate was 69 when she performed--Awesome pipes. Awesome song. Awesome singer.
Being Canadian, I love the Boston Bruins but even more so Kate Smith. I've always cherished this song, from those days.
God bless America indeed! Happy birthday, USA!
Kate Smith was an extraordinary patriot. This moment is special because of the bi-centennial. I am a New York Rangers fan and can certainly show respect. This special moment only out done by Wayne Mesmer at the Old Chicago Stadium before A Blackhawks playoff game. The whole building literally shook. The Spectrum was a great, old building as well whose decibel levels were deafening.
Awesome!! Brings back great memories. Thanks
she is the best there ever was!
God bless America!!
The flyers should start playing this again
This sent chills down my spine! *shiver* A great singer, a great song, and the Flyers. . . . this is legendary stuff. Thanks for posting!
Absolutely awe inspiring. Kate Smith owns this song. Everyone who sings it is just a stand-in for her. They should only replay Kate's version at various events...it is THAT good.
An American Treasure!! Love You Always Kate!
I'm not American, but Kate Smith's rendition of "God Bless America" gives me goosebumps. What a beautiful singer. God Bless her as well.
Kate smith had a wonderful singing voice and I really enjoyed listening to her.
Her voice inspired the American dream for every race, color, and creed. That’s why so many will do anything to get here 👍🏾🇺🇸
Thanks for sharing! Irving Berlin wrote " God Bless America " in 1918 for his soldier show Yip Yip , Yiphank . However , it was withdrawn and lay unused until Kate Smith asked Berlin for a new patriotic song to sing on the radio for Armistice Day , 1938. It became an instant hit . The poem " America the Beautiful " by Katherine Lee Bates , a professor of English at Wellesley College , was inspired by a 1893 visit to Pike's Peak . It is unknown who joined it with Samuel Augustus Ward's hymn Materna , composed in 1882. Both songs have been suggested as alternatives to " The Star Spangled Banner " as our national anthem , for they celebrate America's great assets -- its natural beauty and its people .
Thought you might enjoy some musical history ;)
Coming from a Bruins fan, this is great! I love when they sing this at your Flyers games! Kate Smith and Lauren Hart, true talent!!!!
Come on people where are ur thumbs up n replies back 2 me I love Kate Smith and God bless America
I wish there were more singers like her today.
I remember watching this game. Thanks for the memories.
I officially love you forever for posting this.
I love that they made sure nobody knew she was coming until the second her name was announced. The Flyers knew how to do show business.
A better time and a better place. #bringbackkate
I am Canadian and I love that song
Thank you for sharing this.
RIP Kate Smith🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
love this song brings tears to my eyes when Kate does her thing should b our national anthem
CAPITALS ARE THEY ONLY WAY I CAN EXPRESS MY EOMTIONS - Kate Smith is an amazing young lady who makes me proud to not only be an American but also a Veteran - she is so precise when she sings this beautiful song that represents our country, i think she has passed away although i'm not sure, however i can say this , Ms Smith was for sure a class act. God bless her soul.She was a special human being. :)
A very smart and savvy Lady. I have a long radio interview with her in Chicago and she is the real deal.
Ladies and gentlemen, the first person to sing this song, Kate Smith.
I am weeping! Kate Smith was a national treasure!
Disgraceful what the Flyers did to this woman.
Come join us at "God Bless Kate Smith ~ The Great Kate Smith Fan Group". We love Kate!
GO FLYERS GO PHILADELPHIA GO AMERICA
EVERYTIME ME AND MY FATHER LISTEN TO THIS WE CRY!!!!
thanks for blessing people in canada, mexico, guatemala, costa rica, panama, nicaragua, colombia, honduras, el salvador, bolivia, venezuela, peru, brazil, argentina, chile and all the islands you counted. Thanks for blessing america.
Fefenta 5 stars for your comment
Her song to this day gives me goosebumps and makes me cry too. I just think it was a crime to let Kate Smith die penniless and forgotten. The Flyers organization could have charged us all an extra $1.00 to send to her for the rest of her life. No one sings this song as great as Kate Smith. I hope she is never forgotten. All the people who were around back then still love you Kate!
Kate Smith is America!
She was a national treasure. She WILL always own this song!
This woman inspired me so much!
KATE SMITH!
AMAZING.
She is an American Master who deserves to have her statue and song restored to its proper place which is in Philadelphia and I mean it!!!!!!!
I love Canada. I am American born but I love this country. I had the honor of living there for a bit and my daughter was born there. I will always treasure my time there
He actually wrote it in 1917 when Kate was only 10. She requested a song from him to help reignite the spirit of Americans during the War. She would not take the song for nothing so they agreed all proceeds would go to the Boy Scouts of America. Thaanks to that agreement the BSA have received millions of dollars in royalties!
She 'owned' this song and rightly so. God love her..