God Bless America
First recording and first release by Kate Smith (March 21, 1939 / April 5, 1939)
- Written by
- Irving Berlin
- Language
- English
- ISWC
-
T-070.064.503-9 ASCAP, ISWC, JASRAC
- Comments
-
American patriotic tune written by Berlin, who first wrote the words and music in 1918, but, unsatisfied with his work, put the song in a drawer for 20 years. In the late 1930s, with another global war looming on the horizon, Berlin returned to "God Bless America" and updated his lyrics to address the current state of the world.
Nationally famous singer and radio personality Kate Smith premiered the song on her radio show on Armistice Day, November 11, 1938. The song was an instant hit and sales of the sheet music and recordings of the performance soared, prompting Berlin to found the 'God Bless America Foundation'. Through that organization, all proceeds from "God Bless America" went to the 'Boy and Girl Scouts of America'. - Published by
-
IRVING BERLIN MUSIC CORP
GEMA
BERLIN IRVING MUSIC CORP ASCAP
- Licensing
- Request a synchronization license