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 have been extremely lucky with reviewers and critics throughout my career.

Every small town has its dramatic group, its barber-shop quartet, every home has music in one form or another.

I could not separate myself off stage from myself on stage, as so many actors can.

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

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