Kate Smith

“I am harder on myself than anyone else could be.”

“I was always daydreaming about singing in big productions on Broadway.”

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

“It became obvious in 1957 that I was endangering my health by carrying so much weight.”

“In 29 years, I had recorded over 2,200 songs. I was amazed.”

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

“I learn my songs by ear.”

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

“In nearly all ballads, the words set the mood and meaning, while the music intensifies or enhances them.”

“There's no second chance on stage, and I was trained to make the most of my first chance.”

“I am continually embarrassed by people who point me out as an example of what can be done without training.”

“I just can't read music.”

“I have never known stage-fright at any time.”

“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.”

“It is important that the audience should understand every syllable of every word, for only then can they grasp the meaning of the song.”

“As soon as I began to earn what might be called fairly large sums, I bought a car and began to explore the country around New York.”

“An entertainer should in his public performance keep himself out of any controversy, political or otherwise.”

“Since I have been singing for so many years, I don't always need to approach a song quite so laboriously and meticulously.”

“Public and employer opinion often defeat society's best interests with a prejudice against middle-aged women.”

“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.”