Quotes from Kate Smith

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

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.

Middle-aged women have greater stability, they are more loyal, and their capacity for steady work is greater than that of younger women.

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.

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.

Many people submit to excessive appetites without realizing that they do not need to eat so much food.

I shall always respect the composer. If I embellish, it is his idea I am embellishing.

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.

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

I could see myself in a white nurse's uniform, working unnoticed for many years and at last dying, unknown, unmarried and unsung.

after several months of probation work, standing on my feet some ten to twelve hours a day, I decided that as a nurse I was a pretty good entertainer.

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

Middle-aged women have greater stability, they are more loyal, and their capacity for steady work is greater than that of younger women.

Intelligent analysis of the composer's intention and strict adherence to it automatically ensures sincerity.

Many people submit to excessive appetites without realizing that they do not need to eat so much food.

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.

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

It's up to the audience. It always has been.

I learn my songs by ear.

This nation loves singing and loves acting.