There's no second chance on stage, and I was trained to make the most of my first chance.

Public and employer opinion often defeat society's best interests with a prejudice against middle-aged women.

I shall always respect the composer. If I embellish, it is his idea I am embellishing.

I know I'm fat and I know my hair is straight, but I can sing.

I am continually embarrassed by people who point me out as an example of what can be done without training.

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

As soon as I began to earn what might be called fairly large sums, I bought a car and began to explore the country around New York.