I was at that game when Kate Smith sang God Bless America and the fans went crazy. If Ed Snider was alive her statue would still be there. Ed was a pallbearer at her funeral and a Flyers Jersey was in her casket. To the Organization, please bring back her statue and admit it was a mistake to take her down and show all us fans that even the Big Shots can be wrong but will make it RIGHT. That would be soooo Awesome. ❤️🥅🏒🇺🇸
She lifted the entire country during this time , I'm sure no one was more surprised than her . I was a big hockey fan during the 70's and this was very inspiring even for me though I was a Bruins fan
On January 1, 1976, Kate Smith was the Grand Marshal of the Pasadena Rose Parade. That afternoon, she sang this song at the Rose Bowl game. There were very few dry eyes in the Rose Bowl. I was there.
Dont ya just love how Kate clasped her hands together above her head in a "Go flyers!" motion and shook em with passion for the fans. Quite an icon and quite a singer
This song was written just for her back in 39 I believe. Irvin Berlin knew she was the only one who could do this song justice. Kate had the very best voice of all time. This was her last time for a public appearance that I know before she passed away.
Chills........listening to Kate. What a presence to have in Phila. Phila Loved her and she loved Philadelphia......RIP Kate.......Inspiration at it's best :)
This is the song that should be our American national anthem! When I was a young boy, living in Oakland, California, in the late 1930s, I had the privilege of attending Kate Smith's singing performance. It is still in my memory as to how great of a singer she was. God bless America, and God bless Kate Smith.
I love Kate Smith.And I have to say God Bless America sung by her, still gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. And I'm Canadian. The New Zealand National Anthem does it to me as well. Beautiful soul touching words. Love America.
From Canada wishing my American Family, Relatives and Friends a Healthy, Safe and Blessed Memorial Day Weekend. Kate Smith - God Bless America (Live 1976) 1976 NHL Stanley Cup Championship Final at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States in May 1976. Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers. Brings back memories watching it live on TV in the Spring 1976
I remember going to the games all the time in the 70's & 80's. We always had a great time at the spectrum & Flyers games. Kate Smith is an American treasure. Her singing this song still gives me chills today. Philadelphia will NEVER forget Ms. Kate Smith! This kids today don't know what they are missing growing up now instead of back then.
I remember watching a Flyers-Oilers NHL Stanley Cup Playoff match (a little research shows that it probably was the 65th Game of the 1987 Cup playoff series) about 18 years ago on TV when Edmonton had Gretzky, Fuhr, Messier, Anderson, and others. Kate had died the year before but that did not deter the Flyers and the Spectrum which used a video of her singing God Bless America before the start of the match. The place went nuts when she started singing and at the end of the song (I don't remember which network televised it) the network announcers did not say a thing for about five seconds or so, before the lead announcer just said "WOW" in an astonished and emphatic voice. One of the single, most memorable moments I have ever witnessed at any sporting event, as riveting or more then Whitney Houston's performance of the National Anthem on the eve of Desert Storm, and just a shade under the extraordinary performance of Secretariat winning the Belmont Stakes by 32 lengths, with a lead down the stretch that was so large the cameraman actually had to manually refocus the lens so that he could show both Secretariat and Swap in the same frame, another moment that is etched in my mind forever. Great Job, Kate !
I remember watching on CBC Windsor when the Flyers would bring Kate Smith out to sing 'God Bless America' it was special! My parents from the depression era loved it.
32 years ago, as a teenager, I sat on the living room floor and was mesmerized by Kate Smith singing God Bless America from the Spectrum in Philadelphia... Seeing this again for the first time since 1976, brings back so vividly, the memories of that evening! Thanks so much for posting it after all these years!
They didn't come to watch hockey, they came to watch Kate Smith! Thanks for this, what a treat! I'm in the Philly Metro area and she is legendary. I was born in '76 so missed this era completely.
That's not true...we Flyers Fans came to see the Flyers WIN the Hockey game and Kate Smith singing "God Bless America" was the Ultimate Motivator for Flyers and Fans back then...
The guy in the Flyers' management who thought of using Ms. Smith's song, and then getting her in person was a genius. The crowd loved it, she loved it, and it is a memory hockey fans will never forget. In today's America we don't have originals like Kate Smith, and professional sports are not as much fun.
Kate was a fine singer. See, when you are old enough to remember when she was living and singing you have a special place in your heart for her. The first time I heard her sing I was all of 6 years old and that was way back in the very early 50's. So, yes I'm old. I'll share a short story: My grandmother played the piano and I was also learning. We would do a duet on the piano of "God Bless America". See in the day we would gather around the piano and sing. This was one of my granddads favorite songs. Every year around the 4th of July and December 7, I do Kate Smith singing "God Bless America". I'm not sure when this will end but it gives me pause and more so when I see the destruction our country is in today. Please dear God bless us once again!
Kate Smith singing God Bless America just sends chills through my body. What a great lady. My parents told me so often how much this lady inspired Americans in the dark days of WW2. RIP Ms Smith!
Kate Smith was an extraordinary patriot. This moment is special because of the bi-centennial. I am a New York Rangers fan and can certainly show respect. This special moment only out done by Wayne Mesmer at the Old Chicago Stadium before A Blackhawks playoff game. The whole building literally shook. The Spectrum was a great, old building as well whose decibel levels were deafening.
I was a Islander fan and hated the Flyers but Kate Smith singing live at the Spectrum was always a moving and inspirational moment. 3 Cheers to Kate Smith
Right back at you! I loved the Islanders vs Flyers competition, back in the day...Loved Hextall's goal...I am embarrassed.to still root for Flyers...I am in Saint Louis now, so I love the Blues...
Gives me chills to watch this. THIS is what our country used to be and will never be again if people don't wake up. Wonderful memory. God bless Kate Smith
Absolutely awe inspiring. Kate Smith owns this song. Everyone who sings it is just a stand-in for her. They should only replay Kate's version at various events...it is THAT good.
My Dad's Mother (My Grandmother) who would be over a 100 years old now, LOVED....Kate Smith. I grew up to really appreciate decent and traditional music and salutes to our country.
Bobby Clarke was a GOD...and whoever said that Philadelphia fans have no hearts. Throwing snow at Santa notwithstanding...the ovation that they gave Kate! You could see it on her face! Astounded, amazed, thrilled and so proud to just bust a lung belting that wonderful song for all those fans at the Spectrum. One of the forgotten moments in sports that needs to be remembered.
@OldWoman1958 I'm sitting here on April 7, 2011 @ 1:30AM and it brought back memories as well as tears to my eyes. Yes, Kate Smith was wonderful and a tradition that is part of Philadelphia even today. Thank you for taking the time to post this. I will definitely add it to my favorites AND come back to view it many, many times!
I love Canada. I am American born but I love this country. I had the honor of living there for a bit and my daughter was born there. I will always treasure my time there
I remember when Kate Smith would appear on television and this was her theme song. Surely she's looking down from Heaven and interceding now in prayer for the U.S.A. It's great to hear people singing this song again!
What is amazing is that until a very late age her vocal powers continued and performing vitality remained undiminished. She was touring and doing concerts way way late in her life to sold-out houses in the most prestigious venues.
When my Habs played against those great Flyers in 76, Both Roger Doucet in Montreal and Kate Smith in Philly were part of the games. Ghosts in the Forum waked up when Doucet began to sing and there's not a single fan in the Spectrum who wasnt in the game after signing God bless America with Smith. Good memories.
As a life long flyers fan I've never saw her outside of singing the anthem until a minute ago watching her on what's my line in 1965 with betty white, crazy.
I'm a Flyers fan too young to witness this at the time but I think she should be with the Flyers always. Her performance still gives me chills. Well done, Kate.
CAPITALS ARE THEY ONLY WAY I CAN EXPRESS MY EOMTIONS - Kate Smith is an amazing young lady who makes me proud to not only be an American but also a Veteran - she is so precise when she sings this beautiful song that represents our country, i think she has passed away although i'm not sure, however i can say this , Ms Smith was for sure a class act. God bless her soul.She was a special human being. :)
Thanks for sharing! Irving Berlin wrote " God Bless America " in 1918 for his soldier show Yip Yip , Yiphank . However , it was withdrawn and lay unused until Kate Smith asked Berlin for a new patriotic song to sing on the radio for Armistice Day , 1938. It became an instant hit . The poem " America the Beautiful " by Katherine Lee Bates , a professor of English at Wellesley College , was inspired by a 1893 visit to Pike's Peak . It is unknown who joined it with Samuel Augustus Ward's hymn Materna , composed in 1882. Both songs have been suggested as alternatives to " The Star Spangled Banner " as our national anthem , for they celebrate America's great assets -- its natural beauty and its people . Thought you might enjoy some musical history ;)
Her song to this day gives me goosebumps and makes me cry too. I just think it was a crime to let Kate Smith die penniless and forgotten. The Flyers organization could have charged us all an extra $1.00 to send to her for the rest of her life. No one sings this song as great as Kate Smith. I hope she is never forgotten. All the people who were around back then still love you Kate!
I was at that game when Kate Smith sang God Bless America and the fans went crazy. If Ed Snider was alive her statue would still be there. Ed was a pallbearer at her funeral and a Flyers Jersey was in her casket. To the Organization, please bring back her statue and admit it was a mistake to take her down and show all us fans that even
the Big Shots can be wrong but will make it RIGHT. That would be soooo Awesome. ❤️🥅🏒🇺🇸
Kate is an American icon had her own show and a beautiful voice. This is Kate's song and no one does it better. RIP dear lady.
She lifted the entire country during this time , I'm sure no one was more surprised than her . I was a big hockey fan during the 70's and this was very inspiring even for me though I was a Bruins fan
On January 1, 1976, Kate Smith was the Grand Marshal of the Pasadena Rose Parade. That afternoon, she sang this song at the Rose Bowl game. There were very few dry eyes in the Rose Bowl. I was there.
wow! what an amazing experience I'm sure!
God Bless AMERICA and God Bless Kate Smith.
Dont ya just love how Kate clasped her hands together above her head in a "Go flyers!" motion and shook em with passion for the fans. Quite an icon and quite a singer
Something about her singing puts chills on my arms and emotions. What a Great Singer!
This song was written just for her back in 39 I believe. Irvin Berlin knew she was the only one who could do this song justice. Kate had the very best voice of all time. This was her last time for a public appearance that I know before she passed away.
God Bless Kate Smith!
Lol naw fuck that racist bitch
I'm from Philadelphia and I remember as a kid, being so excited to hear her sing this, because she was the Flyers' good luck charm!!!!!!
Chills........listening to Kate. What a presence to have in Phila. Phila Loved her and she loved Philadelphia......RIP Kate.......Inspiration at it's best :)
Why do I love this so much...? Brings tears to my eyes.
May first is Kate Smith’s Birthday. Share a post of her singing God Bless America on your social media.
This is the song that should be our American national anthem!
When I was a young boy, living in Oakland, California, in the late 1930s,
I had the privilege of attending Kate Smith's singing performance.
It is still in my memory as to how great of a singer she was. God bless America, and God bless Kate Smith.
A magnificent Lady. Every Country needs a Kate Smith.God Bless This Fine Lady.
The gold standard of this song
I'm a Canadian and I have tremendous respect and admiration for the late Kate Smith and her singing here of God Bless America.
John W Landry :)
I have great respect for Canada.
John W Landry We stand on guard for Thee.
wow we have respect from someone from a country that means nothing
wow we have a comment from an ignorant piece of shat named Fred
You must be racist
I love Kate Smith.And I have to say God Bless America sung by her, still gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. And I'm Canadian. The New Zealand National Anthem does it to me as well. Beautiful soul touching words. Love America.
czcams.com/video/j6qmdqvItkM/video.html First part is in Maori, but 5 or so verses follow. Best version on YT I think.
From Canada wishing my American Family, Relatives and Friends a Healthy, Safe and Blessed Memorial Day Weekend.
Kate Smith - God Bless America (Live 1976)
1976 NHL Stanley Cup Championship Final at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States in May 1976. Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers. Brings back memories watching it live on TV in the Spring 1976
Beautiful lady!! Love you Kate!!!
This lady was in a class by herself, beautiful on the inside and out
God Bless you Kate Smith, just as God has truly blessed America!!!
I remember going to the games all the time in the 70's & 80's. We always had a great time at the spectrum & Flyers games. Kate Smith is an American treasure. Her singing this song still gives me chills today. Philadelphia will NEVER forget Ms. Kate Smith! This kids today don't know what they are missing growing up now instead of back then.
Wonderful job by Kate Smith and Flyers fans - from a Bruins fan!
Amazing, well-deserved applause! She was 69 years old here and nailed every note LIVE !!!
I remember watching a Flyers-Oilers NHL Stanley Cup Playoff match (a little research shows that it probably was the 65th Game of the 1987 Cup playoff series) about 18 years ago on TV when Edmonton had Gretzky, Fuhr, Messier, Anderson, and others. Kate had died the year before but that did not deter the Flyers and the Spectrum which used a video of her singing God Bless America before the start of the match. The place went nuts when she started singing and at the end of the song (I don't remember which network televised it) the network announcers did not say a thing for about five seconds or so, before the lead announcer just said "WOW" in an astonished and emphatic voice. One of the single, most memorable moments I have ever witnessed at any sporting event, as riveting or more then Whitney Houston's performance of the National Anthem on the eve of Desert Storm, and just a shade under the extraordinary performance of Secretariat winning the Belmont Stakes by 32 lengths, with a lead down the stretch that was so large the cameraman actually had to manually refocus the lens so that he could show both Secretariat and Swap in the same frame, another moment that is etched in my mind forever. Great Job, Kate !
Kate Smith was truly one of a kind. God Bless you Kate - thank you very much from a grateful country!
I remember watching on CBC Windsor when the Flyers would bring Kate Smith out to sing 'God Bless America' it was special! My parents from the depression era loved it.
GOD BLESS AMERICA,GOD BLESS AND KATE SMITH, AND GOD BLESS OUR PHILADELPHIA FLYERS!!
This is moving as hell... tears me up, man!!!
32 years ago, as a teenager, I sat on the living room floor and was mesmerized by Kate Smith singing God Bless America from the Spectrum in Philadelphia... Seeing this again for the first time since 1976, brings back so vividly, the memories of that evening! Thanks so much for posting it after all these years!
They didn't come to watch hockey, they came to watch Kate Smith! Thanks for this, what a treat! I'm in the Philly Metro area and she is legendary. I was born in '76 so missed this era completely.
check out the islanders clip where captain ed westphal presents her a flowers bouquet
That's not true...we Flyers Fans came to see the Flyers WIN the Hockey game and Kate Smith singing "God Bless America" was the Ultimate Motivator for Flyers and Fans back then...
The guy in the Flyers' management who thought of using Ms. Smith's song, and then getting her in person was a genius. The crowd loved it, she loved it, and it is a memory hockey fans will never forget. In today's America we don't have originals like Kate Smith, and professional sports are not as much fun.
Kate was a fine singer. See, when you are old enough to remember when she was living and singing you have a special place in your heart for her. The first time I heard her sing I was all of 6 years old and that was way back in the very early 50's. So, yes I'm old. I'll share a short story:
My grandmother played the piano and I was also learning. We would do a duet on the piano of "God Bless America". See in the day we would gather around the piano and sing. This was one of my granddads favorite songs.
Every year around the 4th of July and December 7, I do Kate Smith singing "God Bless America". I'm not sure when this will end but it gives me pause and more so when I see the destruction our country is in today. Please dear God bless us once again!
That is so awesome.
Thank you for sharing this video.
I don't know how you can watch this video and not get goose bumps and tears. Kate Smith...truly an American Patriot.
this is crazy! god bless whomever to this footage!
Ain this the same bitch who made that racist ass song. Bout sum "Someone's gotta pick the cotton"
Kate Smith singing God Bless America just sends chills through my body. What a great lady. My parents told me so often how much this lady inspired Americans in the dark days of WW2. RIP Ms Smith!
No one...and I do mean NO ONE signs God Bless America like Kate Smith
Kate Smith was an extraordinary patriot. This moment is special because of the bi-centennial. I am a New York Rangers fan and can certainly show respect. This special moment only out done by Wayne Mesmer at the Old Chicago Stadium before A Blackhawks playoff game. The whole building literally shook. The Spectrum was a great, old building as well whose decibel levels were deafening.
This is classic!... kate smith and her amazing voice!
Being Canadian, I love the Boston Bruins but even more so Kate Smith. I've always cherished this song, from those days.
I was a Islander fan and hated the Flyers but Kate Smith singing live at the Spectrum was always a moving and inspirational moment. 3 Cheers to Kate Smith
Right back at you! I loved the Islanders vs Flyers competition, back in the day...Loved Hextall's goal...I am embarrassed.to still root for Flyers...I am in Saint Louis now, so I love the Blues...
Awesome!! Brings back great memories. Thanks
God bless Kate Smith. She sure belted it out - and she should be remembered today especialy
Gives me chills to watch this. THIS is what our country used to be and will never be again if people don't wake up. Wonderful memory. God bless Kate Smith
"those were the days"
Kate was 69 when she performed--Awesome pipes. Awesome song. Awesome singer.
Absolutely awe inspiring. Kate Smith owns this song. Everyone who sings it is just a stand-in for her. They should only replay Kate's version at various events...it is THAT good.
THIS WAS A PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY, I HOPE PEOPLE WILL REALIZE THAT SOMEDAY. THIS IS AMERICA, THIS IS KATE SMITH !!
she is the best there ever was!
God bless America!!
Wonderful! Thanks for posting.
My Dad's Mother (My Grandmother) who would be over a 100 years old now, LOVED....Kate Smith. I grew up to really appreciate decent and traditional music and salutes to our country.
Chills and thrills for The Song and The Great Kate!
Bobby Clarke was a GOD...and whoever said that Philadelphia fans have no hearts. Throwing snow at Santa notwithstanding...the ovation that they gave Kate! You could see it on her face! Astounded, amazed, thrilled and so proud to just bust a lung belting that wonderful song for all those fans at the Spectrum. One of the forgotten moments in sports that needs to be remembered.
Bobby Clarke was a punk and a dirty player who got away with what he did because he had a bunch of goons on the team.
I wish there were more singers like her today.
Coming from a Bruins fan, this is great! I love when they sing this at your Flyers games! Kate Smith and Lauren Hart, true talent!!!!
Her voice inspired the American dream for every race, color, and creed. That’s why so many will do anything to get here 👍🏾🇺🇸
God Bless America, Kate Smith, Irving Berlin and the Philadelphia Flyers!
Ladies and gentlemen, the first person to sing this song, Kate Smith.
This sent chills down my spine! *shiver* A great singer, a great song, and the Flyers. . . . this is legendary stuff. Thanks for posting!
No one sings it like Kate Smith. She was the best and always will be. The whimps can kiss the ground she walked on
This woman inspired me so much!
Kate smith had a wonderful singing voice and I really enjoyed listening to her.
@OldWoman1958 I'm sitting here on April 7, 2011 @ 1:30AM and it brought back memories as well as tears to my eyes. Yes, Kate Smith was wonderful and a tradition that is part of Philadelphia even today. Thank you for taking the time to post this. I will definitely add it to my favorites AND come back to view it many, many times!
An American Treasure!! Love You Always Kate!
I remember watching this game. Thanks for the memories.
I'm not American, but Kate Smith's rendition of "God Bless America" gives me goosebumps. What a beautiful singer. God Bless her as well.
I am Canadian and I love that song
Outstanding !! Beautiful !!
love this song brings tears to my eyes when Kate does her thing should b our national anthem
RIP Kate Smith🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
She was a national treasure. She WILL always own this song!
36-3-1 God bless America a 🏆winner here she comes 🙏 she lifted an entire country 41-45 ww2 and today God bless her
The P.C. Stormtroopers strike, again. It's like the novel 1984.
Disgraceful what the Flyers did to this woman.
I am weeping! Kate Smith was a national treasure!
She was quoted as saying this was the greatest moment of her career. God Bless Kate ...
GO FLYERS GO PHILADELPHIA GO AMERICA
EVERYTIME ME AND MY FATHER LISTEN TO THIS WE CRY!!!!
I love Canada. I am American born but I love this country. I had the honor of living there for a bit and my daughter was born there. I will always treasure my time there
I remember when Kate Smith would appear on television and this was her theme song. Surely she's looking down from Heaven and interceding now in prayer for the U.S.A. It's great to hear people singing this song again!
we need our senators and representatives to learn the words to this song
When Kate Smith received standing ovations just for her song
God Bless Kate Smith...we need you more today than ever. Rest in Peace dear Kate.
What is amazing is that until a very late age her vocal powers continued and performing vitality remained undiminished. She was touring and doing concerts way way late in her life to sold-out houses in the most prestigious venues.
A very smart and savvy Lady. I have a long radio interview with her in Chicago and she is the real deal.
When my Habs played against those great Flyers in 76, Both Roger Doucet in Montreal and Kate Smith in Philly were part of the games. Ghosts in the Forum waked up when Doucet began to sing and there's not a single fan in the Spectrum who wasnt in the game after signing God bless America with Smith. Good memories.
I officially love you forever for posting this.
She 'owned' this song and rightly so. God love her..
I'm a 44 year old Ranger fan. Kate Smith singing GBA at the Spectrum is the most thrilling thing i've ever witnessed in sports
As a life long flyers fan I've never saw her outside of singing the anthem until a minute ago watching her on what's my line in 1965 with betty white, crazy.
I'm a Flyers fan too young to witness this at the time but I think she should be with the Flyers always. Her performance still gives me chills. Well done, Kate.
CAPITALS ARE THEY ONLY WAY I CAN EXPRESS MY EOMTIONS - Kate Smith is an amazing young lady who makes me proud to not only be an American but also a Veteran - she is so precise when she sings this beautiful song that represents our country, i think she has passed away although i'm not sure, however i can say this , Ms Smith was for sure a class act. God bless her soul.She was a special human being. :)
Come join us at "God Bless Kate Smith ~ The Great Kate Smith Fan Group". We love Kate!
Thanks for sharing! Irving Berlin wrote " God Bless America " in 1918 for his soldier show Yip Yip , Yiphank . However , it was withdrawn and lay unused until Kate Smith asked Berlin for a new patriotic song to sing on the radio for Armistice Day , 1938. It became an instant hit . The poem " America the Beautiful " by Katherine Lee Bates , a professor of English at Wellesley College , was inspired by a 1893 visit to Pike's Peak . It is unknown who joined it with Samuel Augustus Ward's hymn Materna , composed in 1882. Both songs have been suggested as alternatives to " The Star Spangled Banner " as our national anthem , for they celebrate America's great assets -- its natural beauty and its people .
Thought you might enjoy some musical history ;)
Shaking my damn head flyers. This is my god bless america!
Give me Chills..........Kate was a class act :)
Her song to this day gives me goosebumps and makes me cry too. I just think it was a crime to let Kate Smith die penniless and forgotten. The Flyers organization could have charged us all an extra $1.00 to send to her for the rest of her life. No one sings this song as great as Kate Smith. I hope she is never forgotten. All the people who were around back then still love you Kate!
I remember hearing Kate Smith on the radio in the early 50s. Even as a child, I appreciated her beautiful voice.
Thank you for sharing this.
the sound the crowd makes when her name is announced is incredible.
Kate Smith is America!