Date of Birth: May 1, 1907
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: June 17, 1986
Biography
Kate Smith, born Kathryn Elizabeth Smith on May 1, 1907, in Greenville, Virginia, was an American singer renowned for her powerful voice and enduring contributions to music, particularly during the mid-20th century. She is best known for her rendition of Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” which became a patriotic anthem and a staple in American culture. Smith’s career spanned several decades, during which she became a beloved figure in radio, television, and live performances. Smith began her career in the 1920s, making her radio debut in 1931. She quickly gained popularity and soon had her own radio show, “The Kate Smith Hour,” which ran from 1931 to 1947. Her charismatic presence and vocal talents made her a household name. She also had a successful recording career, with hits including “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain” and “The White Cliffs of Dover.” During World War II, Smith’s performances and broadcasts served as morale boosters for American troops and citizens alike. Her unwavering support for the war effort and her patriotic songs earned her the nickname “The Songbird of the South.” After the war, Smith continued to perform and made numerous television appearances, cementing her legacy as one of America’s most cherished performers. Smith remained active in the entertainment industry until her health began to decline in the 1970s. She passed away on June 17, 1986, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
5 Interesting Facts about Kate Smith
1. Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America” was first performed on Armistice Day in 1938 and has since become an iconic patriotic song.
2. Smith was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in 1982, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.
3. She had a significant impact on the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, who adopted her rendition of “God Bless America” as a good luck charm before games.
4. Smith’s recording of “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain” was so popular that it became her theme song.
5. Throughout her career, Kate Smith sold over 19 million records.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kate Smith
1. “God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her through the night with the light from above.”
2. “I am proud to be an American, and I sing it every chance I get.”
3. “The only way to do it is to do it.”
4. “Singing is my life. It has been my way of giving to the world.”
5. “Music has the power to bring people together, and that’s been my mission.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of her career, Kate Smith’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Kate Smith did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Kate Smith Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/musician/kate-smith
2. [Kate Smith’s Rendition of “God Bless America”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnQDW-NMaRs
3. [Kate Smith on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0808273/
5. [Kate Smith’s Grave on Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/3661/kate-smith
