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

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 love animals to the extent that my home is my dog's home! Which means that nothing is too good for my Freckles-chairs, couches, beds. But I do draw the line on chipmunks nibbling at my table linens, bedding, blankets, etc.

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

I have never known stage-fright at any time.

after several months of probation work, standing on my feet some ten to twelve hours a day, I decided that as a nurse I was a pretty good entertainer.

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