During the presidential primaries of 1940, I received a request from the Democratic National Committee to sing God Bless America before the speeches. Kate Smith More Quotes by Kate Smith More Quotes From Kate Smith And when all is said and done, there is no greater success in the world than just being happy. Kate Smith just-being done success I must work hard to make my singing above reproach; there must be no faults which hard work would take care of. Kate Smith singing hard-work sight It has been said that genius is only the power of making continuous effort. The line between failure and success is so fine that we scarcely know when we pass it. We are told that there is no failure, except in no longer trying - no defeat, except from within, no really insurmountable barrier save our own weakness of purpose. Kate Smith effort lines trying I love animals to the extent that my home is my dog's home! Which means that nothing is too good for my Freckles-chairs, couches, beds. But I do draw the line on chipmunks nibbling at my table linens, bedding, blankets, etc. Kate Smith dog home mean I could see myself in a white nurse's uniform, working unnoticed for many years and at last dying, unknown, unmarried and unsung. Kate Smith white nurse years I vowed that whenever my family needed me, I would give up everything to go to them, no matter what. The show must go on was meaningless to me. Kate Smith family giving-up goes-on I have been extremely lucky with reviewers and critics throughout my career. Kate Smith critics lucky careers Intelligent analysis of the composer's intention and strict adherence to it automatically ensures sincerity. Kate Smith adherence analysis intelligent There's no second chance on stage, and I was trained to make the most of my first chance. Kate Smith second-chance stage firsts Public and employer opinion often defeat society's best interests with a prejudice against middle-aged women. Kate Smith defeat prejudice opinion I could not separate myself off stage from myself on stage, as so many actors can. Kate Smith stage actors I have always examined closely the motives of any group for which I am asked to raise money. Kate Smith motive raises groups Middle-aged women have greater stability, they are more loyal, and their capacity for steady work is greater than that of younger women. Kate Smith middle loyal capacity I shall always respect the composer. If I embellish, it is his idea I am embellishing. Kate Smith composer respect ideas An entertainer should in his public performance keep himself out of any controversy, political or otherwise. Kate Smith controversy political should 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. Kate Smith car new-york country 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. Kate Smith voice ties war I am exceedingly lucky that my voice, along with perfect pitch and perfect rhythm, was given me at birth. Kate Smith voice lucky perfect I am continually embarrassed by people who point me out as an example of what can be done without training. Kate Smith training example people I am harder on myself than anyone else could be. Kate Smith harder
