There has never been a time when I was not committed to, involved in, or caring of, the social and political issues of my world.

Swan, by Mary Oliver. Poems and prose. Reading from this book is as if visiting a very wise friend. There is wisdom and welcoming kindness on every page.

As for my voice, it cannot be categorized-and I like it that way, because I sing things that would be considered in the dramatic, mezzo or spinto range. I like so many different kinds of music that I've never allowed myself the limitations of one particular range.

One needs more than ambition and talent to make a success of anything, really. There must be love and a vocation.

A person has the right, and I think the responsibility, to develop all of their talents.

I am grateful that my horizons were not narrowed at the outset.

There has never been a time when I was not committed to, involved in, or caring of, the social and political issues of my world.