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

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.

I'll pat myself on the back and admit I have talent. Beyond that, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time

Broadway has been very good to me. But then, I've been very good to broadway.

I was lucky enough to have the songs in my first show written by George and Ira Gershwin. Then Cole Porter wrote five shows for me

I've never suffered stage fright. That fascinates people.

I mentioned that I was thinking of getting out of the business after Call Me Madam. I thought maybe I should become a homebody.