[3] A soprano, Rowland was a standout in musical comedy productions from 1904, specializing in "story songs".

She was best known for her rendition of the song "Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag", which she introduced in 1915 in the Broadway production of Her Soldier Boy.

The 1919 musical The Lady in Red was created as a starring vehicle for her by playwright Anne Caldwell.

In that production she introduced a new song by George Gershwin, "Something About Love", which contained lyrics by Lou Paley.

In 1935 she presented her stage talents for the film world at Harold Lloyd's organization, the Beverly Hills Little Theatre for Professionals, in John Entenza's play "A Notorious Lady", starring Paul De Ricon, Lora Treadwell, Grace Hale, and Robert Hoover, and directed by Alexander Leftwich.