What we don't need in country music is divisiveness, public criticism of each other, and some arbitrary judgement of what belongs and what doesn't.

Early in my career I began receiving letters from a woman in the Midwest who claimed to be my mother.

My brothers and sisters all sang, too, and they all have good voices.

I was sometimes jeered by black soldiers who wanted me to sing something besides country music.

What we don't need in country music is divisiveness, public criticism of each other, and some arbitrary judgement of what belongs and what doesn't.

Even now, when I'm asked how I'm doing, I like to reply, 'Pretty good. I've got all my fingers and both eyes.

Flying was as necessary to my business as fiddles and footlights.