-
During the presidential primaries of 1940, I received a request from the Democratic National Committee to sing God Bless America before the speeches.
-
If rock-and-roll is well done, there's nothing so terribly wrong with that kind of music. But the lyrics are another story.
-
I have never known stage-fright at any time.
-
I could not separate myself off stage from myself on stage, as so many actors can.
-
I have been extremely lucky with reviewers and critics throughout my career.
-
It became obvious in 1957 that I was endangering my health by carrying so much weight.
-
I could see myself in a white nurse's uniform, working unnoticed for many years and at last dying, unknown, unmarried and unsung.
-
Intelligent analysis of the composer's intention and strict adherence to it automatically ensures sincerity.
-
I sometimes get that wonderful sympathy between me and the audience, telling me I've reached their hearts. And when I do, the thrill is mine.
-
I just can't read music.
-
Ice cream was my undoing, and six chocolate milk shakes in a row were nothing to me at one time.
-
I learn my songs by ear.
-
I shall always respect the composer. If I embellish, it is his idea I am embellishing.
-
It is important that the audience should understand every syllable of every word, for only then can they grasp the meaning of the song.
-
I am continually embarrassed by people who point me out as an example of what can be done without training.
-
My singing is part of me, like my stoutness, or my light hair, or my poor eyesight.
-
I must work hard to make my singing above reproach; there must be no faults which hard work would take care of.
-
It's up to the audience. It always has been.
-
In 29 years, I had recorded over 2,200 songs. I was amazed.
-
There's no second chance on stage, and I was trained to make the most of my first chance.
-
This nation loves singing and loves acting.
-
Most of the people who act and sing do so for their own pleasure and that of their friends and family.
-
I have personally believed in every product I have ever advertised.
-
I am exceedingly lucky that my voice, along with perfect pitch and perfect rhythm, was given me at birth.