S4701

Kate Smith

The First Lady of Radio 

Singer

Collins Cover Announcement 

KATE SMITH

This individually hand painted Collins cachet shows the famous singer in front of musical notes from Irving Berlin's patriotic classic – "God Bless America. " Kate was the performer chosen to introduce this stirring song, and she did so on Armistice Day, 1938. The colorful cachet also features an American eagle and shield plus a representation of the m ountains, prairie, and oceans so poignantly mentioned in the lyrics.

Kathryn Elizabeth "Kate" Smith was born on May 1, 1907. She had a radio, recording, and television career that spanned five decades, but the pinnacle of her popularity and fame was in the 1940s. She remains best known for her outstanding rendition of Berlin's "God Bless America. " Kate' s professional career began in 1930 when she was discovered by Columbia Record's vice president Ted Collins who became her long-time partner and manager. Included in her hit tunes were "Dream a Little Dream of Me, " "The White Cliffs of Dover, " "I Don't Want to Walk Without You, " and "Now is the Hour. " Her theme song was "When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain. " Smith greeted each audience with, "Hello, Everybody!" and signed off with, "Thanks for listening."

When the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team played her magnificent rendition of "God Bless America" before their game on December 11, 1969, one of the most unusual career segments for any entertainer began. Every once in a while, the team would play the song before an important game, and it seemed that on those occasions they were more successful. At the home opener against the Maple Leafs in 1973, Kate made a surprise personal appearance. She sang – the Flyers won. She again sang in person at game 6 of the 1974 Stanley Cup finals. The Flyers won the game and the cup. As of June 2,010, when the song was sung, the Flyers were a remarkable 87 wins, 23 losses, and 4 ties. In 1987 the team erected a permanent statue of Smith outside their arena. On May 19, 2010 at that site, the Postal Service held a ceremony regarding the imminent release of this new postage stamp.

From a personal standpoint, I remember her television show of the 1950s. She had a great voice and was a remarkable performer. As for my First Day Cover, this one's for you, Kate. God Bless America. Collins #S4701-– $14.00.