Exploring the Golden Age of Old-Time Radio: Classic Shows and Their Impact

Kate Smith was a towering figure in the golden age of American radio, both literally and figuratively. Standing over six feet tall with a powerful contralto voice, she became known as the "Songbird of the South" and the "First Lady of Radio" for her tremendous popularity and influence during the 1930s and 1940s.

Smith's career spanned five decades, from her humble beginnings in vaudeville to her reign as one of the most recognizable voices on the airwaves. With her warm, inviting persona and patriotic anthems like "God Bless America," she became a beloved national icon, inspiring millions with her music and raising staggering sums for the war effort during World War II.

Yet Smith's path to stardom was not without its challenges. She overcame self-consciousness about her weight, endured cruel mockery from co-stars, and navigated the competitive world of show business. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her craft, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence.

This article will explore the remarkable life and career of Kate Smith, tracing her journey from a shy, musically gifted child in Washington, D.C. to one of the most celebrated entertainers of her era. From her early days in vaudeville to her reign as the "First Lady of Radio," we'll uncover the triumphs and trials that shaped this iconic figure and her lasting impact on American popular culture.

Early Life and Background

Kate Smith was born Kathryn Elizabeth Smith on May 1, 1907, in Greenville, Virginia, to Charlotte "Lottie" Yarnell and William Herman Smith. The youngest of three daughters, Smith grew up in Washington, D.C., where her father owned the Capitol News Company, a local newspaper and magazine distribution business.

Despite her family's relative prosperity, Smith's early life was marked by challenges. She failed to speak until the age of four, but a year later, she was already singing at church social events. By the time she was eight, Smith was performing for troops at Army camps in the Washington area during World War I, showcasing the powerful voice that would one day captivate the nation.

Smith's musical talents were nurtured by her parents, who served as her earliest influences. Her father sang in the choir at the local Catholic church, while her mother played piano at the Presbyterian church. This exposure to sacred music and performance would shape Smith's own style and repertoire in the years to come.

After attending Business High School in D.C. (now Theodore Roosevelt High School), Smith's father, alarmed by her growing interest in show business, sent her to the George Washington University School of Nursing in 1924. However, Smith's passion for the stage proved too strong, and she withdrew from the nursing program after just nine months to pursue a career in entertainment.

Entry Into Radio

Smith's first major break came in 1926 when she landed a spot on the bill at Keith's Theater in Boston. Heading the bill was actor and producer Eddie Dowling, who recruited the young singer for a revue he was preparing called "Honeymoon Lane." The show opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in August 1926 and later moved to Broadway.

Despite an indelicate review in The New York Times that mocked her weight, Smith continued to hone her craft, joining the road company of the musical "Hit the Deck" and winning acclaim for her rendition of "Hallelujah" as a mammy in blackface.

In 1930, Smith's musical career took a significant leap forward when she caught the attention of Columbia Records A&R executive Ted Collins. Collins became her longtime manager in a 50-50 partnership, helping Smith overcome her self-consciousness about her weight and establishing her as a rising star.

It was during this period that Smith began to make a name for herself on radio, starting with a twice-weekly NBC series called "Kate Smith Sings" in 1931. This was quickly expanded to six shows per week, and Smith went on to host a series of popular programs for CBS, including "Kate Smith and Her Swanee Music," "The Kate Smith Matinee," and "The Kate Smith A&P Bandwagon."

The Rise of the "First Lady of Radio"

By the mid-1930s, Kate Smith had firmly established herself as a radio superstar, known for her warm, inviting persona and her powerful renditions of patriotic anthems like "God Bless America." Her flagship program, "The Kate Smith Hour," became a leading radio variety show, offering a mix of music, comedy, and drama with appearances by top personalities from film and theater.

Smith's rise to fame coincided with the golden age of American radio, and she quickly became one of the medium's most recognizable and beloved figures. Her signature sign-on, "Hello, everybody!" became a familiar greeting to millions of listeners, and her ability to connect with her audience through the intimacy of radio helped cement her status as the "First Lady of Radio."

During this time, Smith also became known for her close working relationships with the era's top comedians, including Abbott and Costello and Henny Youngman. These collaborations not only showcased her versatility as a performer but also highlighted her skill in adapting to the demands of live radio, where quick thinking and impeccable timing were essential.

But Smith's impact extended far beyond the realm of entertainment. During World War II, she became a tireless advocate for the war effort, using her platform to sell over $600 million worth of war bonds – a staggering sum that cemented her status as a national icon.

Transition to Television and Beyond

As radio's dominance began to wane in the 1950s, Kate Smith made a successful transition to television, starring in two concurrent programs: "The Kate Smith Hour" on NBC and "The Kate Smith Evening Hour" on CBS. These shows featured a wide range of content, from music and comedy to drama, and introduced a new generation of viewers to Smith's talents.

Smith's television career also brought her into contact with some of the era's rising stars, including James Dean and Audrey Hepburn, who made early acting appearances on her programs. She also hosted a rare U.S. television appearance by the legendary Josephine Baker and captured the only major filmed footage of country music icon Hank Williams.

Despite her success on the small screen, Smith continued to maintain a presence in radio, presenting both music and talk shows on various networks until 1960. In 1966, she even made a special appearance on the British television show "The Ed Sullivan Show," further cementing her status as a global entertainment icon.

Throughout her career, Smith's face was a common sight in print advertisements, as she served as a commercial spokeswoman for a wide range of companies, including Pullman, Coca-Cola, and Wheaties. This ubiquity, combined with her status as a beloved national figure, ensured that Smith's influence extended far beyond the confines of the entertainment industry.

Legacy and Impact

Kate Smith's legacy as the "Songbird of the South" and the "First Lady of Radio" is a testament to her enduring impact on American popular culture. Her powerful voice, warm personality, and unwavering patriotism made her a beloved figure in households across the country, and her contributions to the war effort during World War II cemented her status as a true American icon.

Even after her retirement from show business in the 1970s, Smith's influence continued to be felt. In 1999, she was posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2009, she was honored by the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In 2010, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp featuring a photograph of Smith from the 1960s, further solidifying her place in the pantheon of American cultural legends.

Beyond her professional achievements, Smith's personal story is one of resilience and determination. She overcame self-consciousness about her weight and the cruel mockery of co-stars to become one of the most celebrated entertainers of her era, a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and an unwavering spirit.

In the end, Kate Smith's legacy extends far beyond her remarkable career in radio, television, and entertainment. She was a symbol of American strength and resilience, a unifying force in a time of great turmoil, and a true inspiration to generations of listeners and viewers. Her voice and her spirit continue to resonate with audiences today, cementing her status as one of the most iconic figures in the history of American broadcasting.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"Kate Smith Sings" (1931-1937, NBC)
"Kate Smith and Her Swanee Music" (1931-1933, CBS)
"The Kate Smith Matinee" (1934-1935, CBS)
"The Kate Smith New Star Revue" (1934-1935, CBS)
"Kate Smith's Coffee Time" (1935-1936, CBS)
"The Kate Smith A&P Bandwagon" (1936-1937, CBS)
"The Kate Smith Hour" (1937-1945, CBS)
Various music and talk shows on Mutual Broadcasting System, CBS, ABC, and NBC (1946-1960)

Television

"The Kate Smith Hour" (1950-1954, NBC)
"The Kate Smith Evening Hour" (early 1950s, CBS)
"The Kate Smith Show" (1960, CBS)
Guest appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" (1966, British television)

Film and Theater

"Honeymoon Lane" (1926, Broadway musical)
"Hit the Deck" (1930, road company)
"Flying High" (1930, Broadway musical)

Other Media

Numerous commercial spokeswoman roles for companies such as Pullman, Coca-Cola, and Wheaties
Commemorative U.S. Postal Service stamp (2010)

Kate Smith: The Songbird of the South and Radio's First Lady

Enjoys some shows