Ethel Merman

I take a breath when I have to.

I can hold a note as long as the Chase National Bank.

As far as dramas are concerned, it's considered passe for playwrights to turn out anything the average person can understand.

Cole Porter had a worldwide reputation as a sophisticate and hedonist.

Cole Porter wrote Anything Goes and four more hits for me.

Eisenhower was my war hero and the President I admire and respect most.

I am known to be able to take care of myself when I become angry. I don't mince words.

I attend surprisingly few shows. The type of theater that is popular today just doesn't appeal to me.

I Got Rhythm really put me on the map.

I have plenty of invitations to go places, lots to do. If I'm not working, I go to have my hair taken care of and work at needlepoint.

I was lucky enough to have the songs in my first show written by George and Ira Gershwin. Then Cole Porter wrote five shows for me.

I wasn't straining at the bit to become a movie star any more than I had plotted to get out of vaudeville and into Broadway musicals.

I work as often as I want and yet I'm free as a bird.

I wouldn't change one thing about my professional life, and I make it a point not to dwell on my mistakes.

I'll admit - I was honored to be on the cover of Time.

I'll pat myself on the back and admit I have talent. Beyond that, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Music, in the past few years... anything singable or understandable is square.

Once I had all the attention, all I had to do was deliver.

When I'm asked how to succeed in show business, I always say I haven't the foggiest.

You gotta have a gimmick.