Born at 52 Napier Street, South Bank, Middlesbrough, the celebrated operatic soprano's purity of tone and all-round musicianship made her an outstanding member of any cast. She was extremely versatile and could sing roles as diverse as Brunnhilde and Carmen. She enunciated clearly in four languages and could take on any of 100 roles at a moment's notice.

She sang the London premiere of Richard Strauss's Electra in 1910, and sang with Caruso in 1913 and in his final performance on Christmas Eve 1920. She made more than 100 records in the 1920s and '30s. Her great years however were with the New York Metropolitan Opera between 1917 and 1929.

In England, she made occasional appearances in Wagnerian roles and as Turandot. She also sang Madam Butterfly at Covent Garden in 1909. Her final performance came fittingly at the Met in 1936, where her magnificent Brunnhilde brought her a standing ovation.