A few days ago, a friend of mine commented on Facebook she and her children took a tour of Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri, including the big light-show-and-music finale in the caverns’ Theatre Room.
She mentioned Celine Dion sang “God Bless America” during the finale.
Not Kate Smith’s version? It had been a mainstay of tours since she visited Meramec Caverns during the late 1940s.
She assured me it indeed was the Canadian superstar warbling Irving Berlin’s patriotic song (the irony of that was not lost on me). Kate Smith was mentioned by the tour guide, however.
She also linked to this video:
Apparently not many people know of this change. Many websites, including Roadside America, still refer to Kate Smith belting out the tune at the end of the tour.
It turns out the Meramec Caverns website mentions the change occurred about 2 1/2 years ago:
On September 11, 2014 Meramec Caverns unveiled a new state of the art light show. An all new computerized LED light show will replace an outdated manual incandescent light bulb show. This new light show, accompanied by the singing of the God Bless America, showcases vibrant lights along with images showcasing the beauty of America. This show is dedicated to the men and women who have served in our armed forces, police forces, and firefighters of the past, present, and future. In light of the unveiling being on the 13th anniversary of 9/11 we acknowledge the importance of remembering the brave sacrifices these men and women have made and continue to make in their lives. To those men and women we thank you.
Here’s what the new light show replaced:
You can’t hear it on the video, but that was when the tour guide furiously toggled a series of switches to create the desired lighting effects.
A frequent description of both light shows is “cheesy.” But this sort of thing shows the genius of caverns owner Les Turilli Jr. and his dad, Les Sr. A “cheesy” spectacle probably will appeal to old-fashioned folks. And the so-square-it’s-cool aspect likely will appeal to younger audiences.
(Screen capture from Meramec Caverns’ newer light show)
With the flippancy of wanting something au currant, a bit of ‘Route 66 History’ and a ‘Beloved Tradition’ was destroyed. No KATE SMITH! Even Irving Berlin, who composed the great American melody, recognized it was best delivered by Miss Smith, a marvelous talent.
The biggest insult is the fact Celine Dion is CANADIAN!
When the King & Queen of England visited the US, President Franklin Roosevelt introduced the woman by saying:
“YOUR MAJESTIES, THIS IS AMERICA – THIS IS KATE SMITH!!”
The Leader Of The Free World considered KATE SMITH the embodiment of his nation.
She ought not be erased on the whim of ‘Celine is today and Kate is yesterday’s voice.’
Even the Baltimore Ravens Hockey Team plays a recording of ONLY Miss Smith’s rendition of ‘GOD BLESS AMERICA’ before all their games. When she personally appeared to perform, they would win! So they have kept the recording in tribute as ‘she is their lucky charm’ and the public demands it – indeed, theysing along.
Although it has been awhile since I visited this famed location, I will mention this musical mistake by the owners to others. As for me and my household, I find this upsetting news and WE WON’T BE GOING TO THIS HOLE-IN-THE-GROUND AGAIN!
There is a time to update things. There are times to leave it original. This should have been left with Kate Smith, a true American icon. And Kate’s voice is superior to Celine Dion. I was going to stop there on my trip of rt 66 but I changed my mind. BTW Celine’s voice grates on my nerves.
That is a real shame. Kate Smith Singing that song was always the highlite of our visits to the caverns. Will be greatly missed. And to have it performed by a NON American!!! Such an insult to the American people!!!