I worked there [on Pontiac] three weeks, got really sick of it, went back home and joined the Air Force.

We're all in this together if we're in it at all.

When I think about country music, I think about America.

Help me, Jesus. I know what I am.

Sam Phillips responded most to a song of mine called, "Hey Porter," which was on the first record.

My mother was determined that I was going to leave the farm and do well in life. And she thought with the gift, I might be able to do that. So she took in washing. She got a washing machine in 1942 as soon as we got electricity and she took in washing. She washed the schoolteacher's clothes and anybody she could and sent me for singing lessons for $3 per lesson.

Loneliness is emptiness, but happiness is you.