Vernon Dalhart

Vernon Dalhart
(1883-1948)

Authentic American

4 CDs | 100 tracks | 100-page hardback book

Vernon Dalhart, born Marion Try Slaughter II on April 6, 1883, in Jefferson, Texas, was a pioneering figure in early American country music. Originally trained as a light opera singer, he moved to New York in the early 20th century and took the stage name Vernon Dalhart (from the towns of Vernon and Dalhart in Texas). He performed in concert and theatrical shows and made recordings in a variety of settings, from standard pop fare to jazz, Hawaiian, and blues. By the early 1920s, Dalhart began to transition into the burgeoning field of country music, where he found enduring success.

From his base in New York, Dalhart brought topical songs, ballads, and humorous songs to a nationwide audience through his records and occasional radio appearances, helping to elevate country music nationally. In 1924, he recorded "The Wreck of the Old 97" paired with "The Prisoner’s Song," marking the first country records to sell over a million copies. This success marked a turning point in the commercial viability of country music, helping to establish it as a major genre in the American music industry. Dalhart’s ability to blend traditional folk tunes with a more polished vocal style made his recordings appealing to a wide audience, bridging the gap between rural and urban listeners.

Between 1916 and 1939, Vernon Dalhart made thousands of recordings, a number of which became staples in the country music repertoire. Some of his most popular recordings include "The Death of Floyd Collins," "My Blue Ridge Mountain Home," and "Casey Jones." These songs, often rooted in tragic, nostalgic, or historical events, resonated with listeners and showcased Dalhart’s refined narrative style. Despite his significant contributions, Dalhart’s popularity waned by the late 1930s as the music industry evolved. However, his legacy as a trailblazer in country music endures, and he remains a key figure in the genre’s early history.

Rivermont is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Vernon Dalhart: Authentic American, a 4-CD set featuring 100 classic Dalhart recordings, all painstakingly restored to sound better than they ever have before, and accompanied by a luxurious hardback book by Ted Olson. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Dalhart's breakthrough "hit," "The Prisoner's Song," this set will provide the first in-depth look at Dalhart's entire career. More details about the project will be posted here in the weeks and months ahead.

Expected release date: November 2024