Claim: Nevada Van der Veer, the American contralto singer from New York has been described as having a gentle voice which has prevented her from performing a solo.
Evidence: Her voice was described as "powerful, but always smooth and velvety in quality, no matter how loudly she sings." 
She maintained a busy touring and schedule in the 1920s, both before after giving her first solo recital at Aeolian Hall in 1920.