Any entertainer who tells you that the adoration of fans is not a heady experience probably never had the experience.

There is an intimacy about the Opry Theater that gives an entertainer a special charge.

Fans will praise you, scold you, and offer helpful advice. Fans will also defend you.

In 20 years I had sold more records for RCA than any artist except Elvis Presley.

Performing is an experience, for me, that is as humbling as it is energizing.

The tastes of country music fans are not limited to the narrow range defined by consultants and programmers and record company moguls.