This Day in History: 1947-08-30

Fans in the radio studio audience for this week’s “Kraft Music Hall” saw Nelson became very emotional while singing “Smilin’ Through” and to their shock and horror, he nearly broke down. “When it was over, he looked like he was going to burst into tears for almost a minute,” wrote one audience member. “He just didn’t seem to be able to regain his composure…” The fans were at a loss to understand why the song upset him so.