Soprano Nellie Melba was an Australian opera singer who achieved international fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was born Helen Porter Mitchell in 1861 and adopted the stage name Nellie Melba in honor of her hometown of Melbourne. She was known for her powerful voice and her signature roles in operas such as La Bohème, Carmen, and La Traviata. She also performed in concerts and recitals throughout Europe and the United States.