And so for a couple of years my life was divided between my music and my school books.

As I look back now I can see that I was a perfect little aristocrat.

And God stepped out on space, and He looked around and said: I'm lonely - I'll make me a world.

At a very early age I began to thump on the piano alone, and it was not long before I was able to pick out a few tunes? I also learned the names of the notes in both clefs, but I preferred not be hampered by notes.

I had enjoyed life in Paris, and, taking all things into consideration, enjoyed it wholesomely.

Any musical person who has never heard a Negro congregation under the spell of religious fervor sing these old songs has missed one of the most thrilling emotions which the human heart may experience.

Shortly after this I was made a member of the boys choir, it being found that I possessed a clear, strong soprano voice. I enjoyed the singing very much.