Louise Homer (1871-1947) was, along with Alma Gluck and Amelita Galli-Curci, one of the most beloved singers in America during the early 20th century. She had a very long career at the Met, where she was a perennial favorite with the audiences. A true contralto, she was once said to have been praised by Nellie Melba as having "the world's most beautiful voice." From Melba, whose temperament was stern, that is unusual praise. She made a very large number of recordings, as did Gluck and Galli-Curci, including popular Victorian and 19th century American songs. Her recording of "Rock of Ages" with Alma Gluck is an absolute classic of the era, and a prized recording is a large number of American homes of the day.
