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Now Available On CD
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All recordings are from the original source
material
and digitally re-mastered to reduce surface noise.
Biography
Vernon Dalhart was born Marion Try Slaughter on April 6th 1883 in
Jefferson, Texas.
Dalhart spent his early life on a ranch.
In 1902, seeking a career in music, he went to New York.
He took the name of Vernon Dalhart by combining the names of two Texas
towns.
He sang with the Century Opera Company and, in 1913-14, he performed in
HMS Pinafore at the Hippodrome.
Dalhart made numerous records under different names with different singing
styles.
In 1924 Victor Records were about to dispense with his services when he
asked if he could record hillbilly music.
He chose "Wreck Of The Old '97", which had first been recorded by Henry
Whitter.
It was backed by "Prisoner's Song", which he said was written by his
cousin, Guy Massey.
It became country music's first million-seller, eventually exceeding six
million.
True to character, Dalhart also recorded the song under pseudonyms for
many different labels. "Wreck Of The Old '97" was based on fact and so
Dalhart consolidated his success with several topical songs written by,
and performed with, Carson Jay Robison.
They included "The Death Of Floyd Collins" and "The John T. Scopes Trial".
He recorded many country songs though the early 1930's.
However, the depression put an end to his recording
career.
He attempted a comeback in 1939 but, despite his versatility, he could not
satisfy the public.
He stopped performing, although he did give singing lessons and worked as
a night clerk at a hotel in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Vernon died following a heart attack on September 14th 1948 in Bridgeport,
Connecticut.
He was elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1981.
This CD includes his 1st group of country recordings made between
1924 to 1926.
There were recorded during the boom and popularity in country music.
His personality comes through well on the recordings.
Several were based on actual events during this period.
Vernon Dalhart
Popular 1920’s Country Ballads
(Rec 1924-1926)
1-The Prisoner's Song
(Electric) - Recorded 1925
2-Wreck Of The Old '97 (Electric) - Recorded 1925
3-In The Baggage Coach Ahead - Recorded 1925
4-I Will Never Forget My Mother - Recorded 1925
5-A Boy's Best Friend Is His Mother - Recorded 1926
6-Many Many Years Ago - Recorded 1926
7-Death Of Floyd Collins - Recorded 1926
8-Dream Of A Miner's Child - Recorded 1926
9-The Lightning Express - Recorded 1926
10-The Letter Edged In Black - Recorded 1926
11-Leb Turney's Gal - Recorded 1926
12-Naomi Wise - Recorded 1926
13-Putting On The Style - Recorded 1926
14-The Little Black Mustache - Recorded 1926
15-Jealous Lover Lone Green Valley Recorded1926
16-Oh Captain, Tell Me
True - Recorded 1926
17-The Old Fiddler's Song - Recorded 1926
18-Beneath The Maple On The Hill - Recorded 1926
19-On The Dixie Bee Line - Recorded 1926
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