When you stop having dreams and ideals - well, you might as well stop altogether.

I suppose I might insist on making issues of things. But that is not my nature, and I always bear in mind that my mission is to leave behind me the kind of impression that will make it easier for those who follow.

Every one has a gift for something, even if it is the gift of being a good friend.

I had gone to Europe . . . to reach for a place as a serious artist, but I never doubted that I must return. I was - and am - an American.

The minute a person whose word means a great deal dares to take the open-hearted and courageous way, many others follow.

A singer starts by having his instrument as a gift from God... When you have been given something in a moment of grace, it is sacrilegious to be greedy.

I have a great belief in the future of my people and my country.