I am not quite sure why Linda Eder reminds me of Kate Smith. I should mention that Kate Smith is still relatively well known here in Philadelphia because she would occasionally sing "God Bless America" in person before Philadelphia Flyer Game.
Jack Paar had a prime-time show on NBC after he left "The Tonight Show."
Note: Perhaps it's as simple as Linda Eder, Jack Paar and Kate Smith are/were special people.