KATE SMITH - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/13/1935 - HFSID 264914

KATE SMITH. TLS: "Kate Smith", 1p, 7x10. No place, 1935 December 13. On her personal pictorial letterhead to Mr. James R. Leech, Jr., Washington, D.C. In full: "Replying to your nice letter of December 5th, I am very sorry that it will be impossible for me to attend your annual Christmas assembly, because on December 20th I expect to be in Pittsburgh, filling engagements which were made for me some weeks ago. Regarding your postscript, if it were possible for me to be with you folks, I certainly would not consider any remuneration; and I'd be very glad to be with you all if other plans did not prevent. With best wishes to all of you at Western High School, and hoping you'll all have a very happy Christmas party, Most sincerely." Known as the "Songbird of the South," vocalist Kate Smith (1907-1986) was one of the most popular stars of the pre-WWII era. She is best remembered for her definitive version of the patriotic anthem "God Bless America", which became a hit on no less than three separate occasions, beginning in 1938. A radio, television and recording star for five decades, Smith is also known for the song she co-wrote, "When The Moon Comes Over The Mountain", which became her theme song when The Kate Smith Show debuted on radio in May 1931. In 1950, she became a pioneer in daytime television programming with The Kate Smith Hour, which ran for four years. Later, The Kate Smith Show (1960) ran only one season, and Smith slowed her pace after the death of her longtime manager, Ted Collins, in 1964, making only occasional appearances in nightclubs and on television shows. Folds, not at signature. Lightly soiled at blank margins. Fine condition.