Kate Smith is the iconic “God Bless America” singer who would appear at Philadelphia Flyers games to shower the audience with her very unique and beloved rendition. It also acted as a good luck charm for the team, who felt they played better and enjoyed more success during games that she sang.
The old saying “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings” was often used to describe this particular Flyers’ superstition.
Smith also became significant in Yankees stadium, as you could hear her rendition ringing through the famous stadium. Unfortunately for both franchises, some controversy has arisen to do with past lyrics from the singer.
As a result, the statue of her was removed from Wells Fargo Center:
This was the Flyers' statement on the matter:
Not everyone is happy with the news, believing that the song (sung in the 1930’s) is a dated thing to get mad about. Here is one account that is not too happy with the removal.
(H/T CNN)
