[.ca] The Best of Kate Smith

Kate Smith and Nelson Riddle are great together!:
All of the tracks on this CD, except for "God Bless America," were arranged by Nelson Riddle. It's unfortunate that they did not do more albums together, for their collaboration resulted in twelve wonderful tracks. His arrangements gave her the chance to explore her range from intimate to all-out exuberance. "Ridin' High" and "Who Cares" are two of my favorites on this CD.

Kate Smith Remembered:
I remember Kate Smith from my Mother's recollection of her in the 1930's... A vivacious dancer, even though she was on the 'heavy' side, always physically 'weight challenged'. But, Kate Smith had an awesome clear singing voice, and, despite her weight challenges in the 30's, had an incredible agility and ability for dancing............... Her best signature in her later years was 'honorable' guest singer for the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL. When She sang "God Bless America", The Flyers always were inspired and so were the fans.. My friends tell me that Kate was NOT the inspiration of the saying..."The game is not over until the FAT lady sings......... This was supposedly attributed to the operas... I think that "Kate" made the saying a "reality" in Philadelphia! We love you, Kate!

As Warm and Vital As Kate Herself:
I knew Kate Smith during the 50's when I was a small child. She was a warm and wonderful woman who loved children, and to cook for others in her "summer home" in Lake Placid, NY. And could that woman SING! She came to embody America during the 40's and and 50's ... to the point that when FDR introduced her to the then King and Queen of England (Elizabeth's parents) he said, "This is Kate Smith. This is America." This CD brings it all back for me ... brings Kate back as clearly as my memories. It captures the power of her voice, the warmth of her smile, the very essence of the irreplacable Kate Smith.

• God Bless America
• Ridin' High
• Very Thought of You
• Love Walked In
• Love Is Here to Stay
• You
• Who Cares?
• If I Had You
• But Not for Me
• 'S Wonderful
• They Can't Take That Away from Me
• Nearness of You
• It Could Happen to You