During the presidential primaries of 1940, I received a request from the Democratic National Committee to sing God Bless America before the speeches.

I sometimes get that wonderful sympathy between me and the audience, telling me I've reached their hearts. And when I do, the thrill is mine.

I am exceedingly lucky that my voice, along with perfect pitch and perfect rhythm, was given me at birth.

My singing is part of me, like my stoutness, or my light hair, or my poor eyesight.

I must work hard to make my singing above reproach; there must be no faults which hard work would take care of.

It has been said that genius is only the power of making continuous effort. The line between failure and success is so fine that we scarcely know when we pass it. We are told that there is no failure, except in no longer trying - no defeat, except from within, no really insurmountable barrier save our own weakness of purpose.

I learn my songs by ear.