Kate Smith Born - On this day, 01 May 1909

On this day in 1909, American singer Kate Smith, who would become known as the "first lady of radio," was born. Smith rose to fame in the 1930s with her rendition of Irving Berlin's song "God Bless America," which she performed regularly on her radio show. In 1938, she sang the patriotic tune on the day of the Armistice Day Blizzard in New York City, bringing comfort and hope to listeners across the country during a time of crisis. Smith's career spanned five decades, during which she recorded numerous albums and appeared in several films. Her powerful voice and signature song continue to be recognized as symbols of American patriotism to this day.