No one is in a more strategic position than you are to influence the people you are with.

I have absolutely no fear of death. Why would I? There's nothing to fear-only joy to experience.

I woke up to singing and found myself singing too

I didn't just hear music. It seemed as if I were part of the music.

Unworthy as I am, he allowed me to go to heaven, and I know the next time I go there, I’ll stay.

I refer to them as miracles-although some may call them fortunate circumstances-because I believe there are no accidents or surprises with God.

I give and accept waves of welcome. I attract wonderful, life-minded friends who enrich my life.

Today is not the end but today is a new beginning.

A peaceful mind is not a matter of doing, but of being.

You unlock the door to greater levels of excellence and success when you accept who you are. It is from the point of acceptance that we can create a masterful life.

I had a number of very strong personalities in my family. My father was a concert flutist, the solo flute for Toscanini.

Pray, always pray; when sickness wastes thy frame, Prayer brings the healing power of Jesus' name.

I don't convey that I can be moody or a perfectionist or that I'm a nervous person, but I am all those things. It's just not going to shine through when you're posting a picture.

The American people, North and South, went into the [Civil] war as citizens of their respective states, they came out as subjects ... what they thus lost they have never got back.

My father and mother. I figured if I could make them laugh, they'd stop fighting. I stole all their material.

Over the years it has been my privilege to lead performances with Saint Louis, the National Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra and so many other wonderful organizations.