As soon as I began to earn what might be called fairly large sums, I bought a car and began to explore the country around New York.

Presidential Medal of Freedom
On October 26 1982 Smith received the Presidential Medal of Freedom America's highest civilian honor by U. On the other hand West's first starring film was a huge success.

She sang the controversial top twenty song of 1931 "That's Why Darkies Were Born". Paramount initially promoted Smith's film and it proved to be disappointing at the box office. Collins put her on radio in 1931.