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

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 was always daydreaming about singing in big productions on Broadway.

I have always examined closely the motives of any group for which I am asked to raise money.

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.