Kate Smith racist songs controversy: Should singer's Yankees, Philly Flyers legacy be tarnished by past?

More than 30 years after the death of Kate Smith, who famously sang “God Bless America” before Flyers games, the team has cut ties with recordings of the singer they used to play on the scoreboard as a good-luck charm.

UPDATE:Kate Smith racist songs controversy: Wildwood vets, Somerset Patriots want Flyers statue

How did the Kate Smith song controversy start? 

The Flyers followed the footsteps of the New York Yankees, who have also 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.  

What were some of the lyrics in the Kate Smith recordings?

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.”

What are NJ leaders saying about Kate Smith? 

But local leaders including Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher have chimed in over the past week. Kelaher said he has always found Smith's rendition of "God Bless America" inspiring, and wondered why recordings the singer made nearly 90 years ago were being judged by today's standards.

Ernie Troiano, the mayor of Wildwood — where Smith's "God Bless America" is broadcast on the beach and boardwalk at 11 a.m. each day — said the town plans no change amid revelations that Smith sang songs with lyrics now considered racist.  

Now that you're all caught up, take our poll on the Kate Smith controversy

So, now we want to hear from you. What do you think? Should Smith's legacy be tarnished or is this a case of 'political correctness' run amok? Take our poll below.

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