Quotes By Ethel Merman

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

The slapdash way producers used to assemble a show seems a little unbelievable when we talk about them now.

Who's happy these days?

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

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

At one time I smoked, but in 1959 I couldn't think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped-and I haven't had a cigarette since.

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.

Broadway has been very good to me. But then, I've been very good to broadway.

If I feel in need of sleep, I just open a book or turn on the television. Both are better than any sleeping pill.

At a flea market I always head for the junk jewelry table first.

My father taught me to read music and play the piano-but not well, even though people have said that I'm a natural musician.

I Got Rhythm really put me on the map.

I have been ambitious to be a somebody from the time I was 5 years old.

Any audience that gets a laugh out of me gets it while I'm facing them.

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

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've never cooked. I can't do much more in the kitchen than make a cup of tea and some toast.

Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own.

Mom and Pop were proud of my popularity, but from their point of view, show business was no way to make a living.

I don't like to read. The only things I read are gossip columns. If someone gives me a book, it had better have lots of pictures.