There have been people who have tried to take advantage of me. They want to be linked to me just because I'm Ethel Merman.

Mom claimed that I could carry a tune at 2 or 3 years of age. Maybe she was a little prejudiced.

Once I had the attention, all I had to do was deliver.

I have been ambitious to be a somebody from the time I was 5 years old

Any audience that gets a laugh out of me gets it while I'm facing them

When I'm asked how to succeed in show business, I always say I haven't the foggiest

I take a breath when I have to.