Professor Jerry Miller was interviewed on two nationally-broadcast radio programs following the Yankee's suspension of Kate Smith's recording of "God Bless America".
Ed Randall, New York contributor to MLB Network and host of "Ed Randall's Talking Baseball" and "Remember When", recently spoke with Haverford's Dr. Jerry Miller. WCBS, also recorded in New York, added an interview with Dr. Miller to their podcast extras. How does the New York Yankee's controversial announcement that they will no longer use Kate Smith's rendition of "God Bless America" fit into America's current dialogue on racism?
Kate Smith was famous for the better part of the last century, and her recording of Irving Berlin's patriotic melody has been played during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium for over 15 years. Upon the discovery that Ms. Smith's body of work includes two songs with racist lyrics -- both recorded in the 1930's -- the iconic baseball team announced the tradition will come to an end. The Philadelphia Flyers also responded to the revelation, removing a statue of Smith which had graced their home-venue since 1987.
