Flyers cut ties with Kate Smith recordings after 'offensive lyrics' are exposed

Major change in Philadelphia!

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Flyers cut ties with Kate Smith recordings after 'offensive lyrics' are exposed
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The Philadelphia Flyers have gotten rid of their good luck charm. 

The Flyers have cut ties with recordings of Kate Smith, who famously sang “God Bless America” before the team's games as they went up on the scoreboard to wish them luck. 

Earlier this week, the New York Rangers decided to stopped using recordings of Smith singing “God Bless America,” after a report from the New York Daily News highlighted a racist song that was a top-20 hit in 1931. The Flyers followed in their footsteps this morning and made this statement. 

"We have recently become aware that several songs performed by Kate Smith contain offensive lyrics that do not reflect our values as an organization. As we continue to look into this serious matter, we are removing Kate Smith’s recording of 'God Bless America’ from our library and covering up the statue that stands outside of our arena.”

Controversy has emerged after it was revealed that Smith’s recording of a song entitled “That's Why Darkies Were Born,” included lyrics “Someone had to pick the cotton, someone had to pick the corn, someone had to slave and be able to sing.”

Smith became the Flyers' good luck charm back in 1974 when she first sang “God Bless America” live before the Flyers’ home opener of the 1973-74 season, their first Stanley Cup championship season. It has been reported, per flyershistory.net that Smith sang in person a handful of times. However, most fans could hear her voice in recordings and duets with Flyers anthem singer Lauren Hart performing alongside the recordings. 

The Flyers did play the recording of “God Bless America” this season, but will now have to find a new less controversial good luck charm. Maybe new head coach Alai Vigneault is the man for the job...?