In nearly all ballads, the words set the mood and meaning, while the music intensifies or enhances them..

This nation loves singing and loves acting..

I am exceedingly lucky that my voice, along with perfect pitch and perfect rhythm, was given me at birth..

My singing is part of me, like my stoutness, or my light hair, or my poor eyesight..

after several months of probation work, standing on my feet some ten to twelve hours a day, I decided that as a nurse I was a pretty good entertainer..

I have personally believed in every product I have ever advertised..

I shall always respect the composer. If I embellish, it is his idea I am embellishing..

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..

An entertainer should in his public performance keep himself out of any controversy, political or otherwise..

There's no second chance on stage, and I was trained to make the most of my first chance..

I am continually embarrassed by people who point me out as an example of what can be done without training..

Middle-aged women have greater stability, they are more loyal, and their capacity for steady work is greater than that of younger women..

I have been extremely lucky with reviewers and critics throughout my career..

I learn my songs by ear..

I could not separate myself off stage from myself on stage, as so many actors can..

Because of my voice, speaking words which had been carefully chosen, women had used money they had set aside for other purposes to buy war bonds..