Memories of Kate Smith, U.S. First Lady of Song

The death of Kate Smith takes me back 44 years to Chicago where I first met her and her manager, the late Ted Collins. I was then in charge of public relations for Warner Bros.’ Midwest division and Miss Smith had just completed a motion picture (“This Is the Army”) for Warners. She was en route to New York from Hollywood and I was instructed by my studio to arrange a reception so that she could meet the Chicago press during a stopover.

The first thing I learned about Miss Smith was that she objected--in fact, prohibited--the serving of an intoxicating beverage at any party for her. Sobriety was a most important word in her life and she was one of our early crusaders against drinking when driving. God bless Kate Smith. God bless America.

MONROE RUBINGER

Beverly Hills