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.

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.

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.”

The Flyers released the following statement Friday morning:

“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.”

Smith first sang “God Bless America” live before the Flyers’ home opener of the 1973-74 season, their first Stanley Cup championship season. According to flyershistory.net, Smith sang in person a handful of times but between live performances, recordings and duets with Flyers anthem singer Lauren Hart performing alongside the recordings, the Flyers had a record of 101-31-5 when Smith’s rendition was played.

The Flyers did play the recording of “God Bless America” this season.

Dave Isaac; @davegisaac; 856-486-2479; disaac@gannett.com