Kate Smith

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.

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

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.

People mature at different stages and I feel I'm learning a lot.

I suffer greatly from nerves. I have stage-fright badly, and it gets worse, but the stage is still my life.

I studied international relations and economics at the University of Virginia. I paid my way by working as a bartender in the summer and at three part-time jobs during the year.