The organization plays Robert Merrill’s version of the song after switching from Kate Smith’s rendition when the spotlight focused on her past songs that featured racist lyrics in 2019.

It was while writing songs for that show that he wrote the first version of “God Bless America.” Perhaps sensing this song was meant for other purposes, and elected to not use it in the show.

His is considered the most powerful and dignified version of “God Bless America.” It remains the gold standard on 161st Street. “I love it,” Judge said, referring to Merrill’s voice.

It may feel like the anthem, especially when you hear recordings of the late Kate Smith belting it out — her version is a part of Americana. But "God Bless America" is not the anthem.

The recent discussion of whether the Irving Berlin song “God Bless America” [letters, June 5 and 8] is appropriate for singing today at Nationals baseball games has left out an important part ...

The correlation is that it’s the same franchise and city. And that in 1980 the NBA and America had, in the hearts and minds of many athletes and everyday persons of color, a national anthem ...

His is considered the most powerful and dignified version of “God Bless America.” It remains the gold standard on 161st Street. “I love it,” Judge said, referring to Merrill’s voice.