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

Because of my voice, speaking words which had been carefully chosen, women had used money they had set aside for other purposes to buy war bonds.

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

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

I have never known stage-fright at any time.

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

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