"God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin of Belarusian origin during World War I in 1918 and revised by him in the run up to World War II in 1938. The later version was notably recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song.
Kate Smith, 1930s
Singing "God Bless America" at the Pentagon memorial dedication, September 11, 2008
Kathryn Elizabeth Smith was an American contralto. Referred to as The First Lady of Radio, Smith is well known for her renditions of "God Bless America" and "When the Moon Comes over the Mountain". She became known as The Songbird of the South because of her tremendous popularity during World War II.
Smith in 1943
Smith on 1934 cover of Radio Mirror
The Aldriches and Kate Smith as the characters premiered on her radio program in September 1938.
Ted Collins and Smith on her television show, 1953