Over the years, myths were built up about my relationship with Fred Astaire. The general public thought he was a Svengali, who snapped his fingers for his little Trilby to obey; in their eyes, my career was his creation.

Compositionally I always wanted to be like Fred Astaire.

I can sing as well as Fred Astaire can act.

While I was making my solo films, RKO was busily trying to get me and Fred Astaire back together. The studio wanted to capitalize on the success of 'Flying Down to Rio' and realized that the pairing of Rogers and Astaire had moneymaking potential.

My uncle, who was a little more flamboyant, always said the guy who dressed the best was Fred Astaire.

I said I need a little more Fred Astaire and a little less Ricky Martin.