Middle-aged women have greater stability, they are more loyal, and their capacity for steady work is greater than that of younger women.

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 could see myself in a white nurse's uniform, working unnoticed for many years and at last dying, unknown, unmarried and unsung.

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.

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

And when all is said and done, there is no greater success in the world than just being happy.

I was always daydreaming about singing in big productions on Broadway.