May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You
"May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" is a popular song by Meredith Willson, originally published in 1950.
The song is now considered a standard, recorded by many artists.
It was used as Tallulah Bankhead's theme song for her NBC radio program, "The Big Show." She recited the words in her ultra husky voice. The show featured many of the big stars of the day, and they would join Tallulah in reciting the words, one line per star, which made a memorable ending for the show.
However, it was most popular when it was regularly sung by Kate Smith on her early 1950s TV show as the closing song. (Kate Smith enjoyed her own personal renaissance in the 1970s when the Philadelphia Flyers (Pro Hockey Team) asked her to sing God Bless America at their most important games.)
A recording with Eddy Arnold, The Tennessee Plough Boys and his Guitar was made in New York City on December 13, 1950. It was released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-0425 (in USA) and by EMI on the His Master's Voice label as catalog number MH 148.
Many singers have recorded the song, including Jim Reeves and Tammy Wynette.