Kate Smith was an American singer born in 1907 in Virginia. She rose to fame during the 1930s and 1940s with her powerful and versatile voice, which spanned a wide range of musical genres, from classical to popular music. She was also known for her patriotic songs, particularly during World War II, when she became known as the “Songbird of the South.” Some of her most famous recordings include “God Bless America,” “The White Cliffs of Dover,” and “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain.”
Throughout her career, Smith made numerous appearances on radio, television, and film. She was known for her warm and engaging personality, as well as her impeccable musical talent. In 1982, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to American culture.
Despite her success and popularity, Smith’s legacy has been marred by her past association with racist content, including performing songs with racist lyrics and appearing in blackface. This has led to controversy and calls to remove her recordings from public airplay. However, her contributions to the music industry and her impact on American culture cannot be denied, and she remains an important figure in the history of American popular music.
1. “God Bless America”
“God Bless America” is a patriotic song that has become a beloved anthem in the United States. Written by Irving Berlin in 1918, it was first introduced by Kate Smith on her radio show in 1938. The song gained even greater popularity during World War II, as it became a symbol of hope and unity for Americans. With its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics, “God Bless America” has been performed by countless artists and is often played at major national events. Despite controversy surrounding Kate Smith’s past, her rendition of the song remains a powerful and enduring tribute to the American spirit.
2. “The White Cliffs of Dover”
“The White Cliffs of Dover” is a poignant song sung by Kate Smith during World War II. The song is a tribute to the people of England, who faced the German bombing raids with courage and resilience. It describes the beauty of the famous chalk cliffs, which have become a symbol of the country’s steadfastness in the face of adversity. Smith’s clear, powerful voice adds an emotional depth to the song’s lyrics, making it a touching tribute to the people who have suffered through the war. The song has become a beloved classic and continues to be played today as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom.
3. “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain”
“When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain” is a classic song that was first popularized by Kate Smith in 1931. The song has a gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics about the beauty of nature and the joy of experiencing it with someone special. Kate Smith’s rich and powerful voice brings the song to life, infusing it with a sense of wonder and nostalgia. The song became an instant hit and has since been covered by many artists, cementing its status as a beloved classic that captures the essence of a simpler time and the enduring power of love and nature.
4. “That’s Why Darkies Were Born”
“That’s Why Darkies Were Born” is a song that was popular in the early 20th century. While it was originally written with a satirical intent to mock racism, it has been criticized for its insensitive language and imagery. Kate Smith performed the song in the 1930s, and while she may not have intended to promote racism, her association with the song has become a source of controversy in recent years. It serves as a reminder of the hurtful stereotypes and racial attitudes that were once commonplace in American culture, and the importance of acknowledging and learning from that history.
5. “The Last Time I Saw Paris”
“The Last Time I Saw Paris” is a melancholic song performed by Kate Smith, originally written by Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern. The lyrics express the nostalgic longing of a person who had to leave Paris due to World War II. Kate Smith’s soulful voice and the touching lyrics create a sense of longing and sadness, making it a popular song for those who have experienced a significant loss or separation. The song’s simplicity and sincerity make it a timeless classic, evoking emotions of bittersweet memories and the beauty of Paris.
6. “It’s Been a Long, Long Time”
“It’s Been a Long, Long Time” is a popular song first recorded by Kate Smith in 1945. The song’s lyrics tell a story of two people who have been separated for a long time, and the joy they feel when they are finally reunited. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo perfectly capture the excitement of the moment, making it a popular choice for big band performances and dance parties. Kate Smith’s powerful vocals add a sense of nostalgia and longing to the song, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences to this day.
7. “When You Wish Upon a Star”
“When You Wish Upon a Star” is a song that was originally featured in the classic Disney film “Pinocchio.” Kate Smith recorded a popular version of the song in the 1930s, showcasing her rich and soothing vocal style. The song’s message of hope and dreaming big has made it a beloved classic for generations of listeners. Kate Smith’s rendition captures the magic and wonder of the original Disney song, with her smooth delivery adding a touch of warmth and sincerity. It remains a timeless example of the power of music to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages.
8. “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You”
“I Don’t Want to Walk Without You” is a romantic ballad popularized by Kate Smith in 1942 during World War II. The song, with lyrics by Frank Loesser and music by Jule Styne, is a heartfelt expression of longing for a loved one who is far away. Smith’s tender and emotive vocals add depth and emotion to the song, making it a touching tribute to the sacrifices and separations that were part of wartime life. The song became an instant hit and remains a classic example of the power of music to convey the deep emotions of the human experience.
9. “Born Free”
“Born Free” is a popular song recorded by Kate Smith in 1966. The song was written for the film of the same name, which tells the story of a lion cub named Elsa who is raised by humans and then released into the wild. The lyrics of the song celebrate the freedom and beauty of nature and encourage listeners to embrace the spirit of adventure and exploration. Smith’s powerful and emotive vocals give the song a soaring, uplifting quality, making it a beloved classic that continues to inspire and delight listeners today.
10. “The Sunshine of Your Smile”
“The Sunshine of Your Smile” is a popular love song that was written in 1913 by Leonard Cooke and Lilian Ray. Kate Smith recorded a memorable version of the song in the 1930s, showcasing her powerful and emotive voice. The song’s romantic lyrics express a deep affection and admiration for a loved one, making it a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions. Kate Smith’s heartfelt rendition of the song is filled with warmth and tenderness, conveying the sentiment of the lyrics with sincerity and grace. It remains a beloved classic of the romantic ballad genre, capturing the essence of true love and devotion.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
