Nora Bayes, born Elanor Goldberg, became a superstar during World War I, thanks to her hit recordings of the patriotic songs “Over There” and “How Ya Gonna Keep ‘em Down on the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree?).” Her vaudeville vocal expertise can be heard on this recording from the Library of Congress’ National Jukebox. Baye’s sings “Young Americans,” a song the deals with diverse immigrant groups all feeling patriotism as Americans, through the use of ethnic characterization.
Baye’s became so popular that in 1918 she was able to open the Nora Baye’s Theatre.
(credit: American Theatre Architecture Archive, Theatre Historical Society of America)