I expected to be a farmer like my father and brothers. Life seemed pleasant and orderly.

By 1969, when I celebrated 45 years in the music business, I also had 45 people in our musical family.

One thing all stage mothers share is an overpowering ambition for their daughters.

Dreams do come true, even for someone who couldn't speak English and never had a music lesson or much of an education.

It's curious how we act in moments of personal despair.

For a while we had trouble trying to get the sound of a champagne cork exploding out of the bottle. I solved the problem by sticking my finger in my mouth and popping it out.

My first appearance, the first time I try anything, invariably is not very successful. I tend to grow slowly, but solidly.