Vernon Dalhart

Vernon Dalhart (born Marion Try Slaughter in 1883 in Jefferson, Texas; died 1948 in Bridgeport, Connecticut) was one of the earliest recording stars of the acoustic era and a pioneer of commercial country music. Originally trained as a light-opera singer, Dalhart realized the commercial potential of rural "hillbilly" music and adapted his repertoire. In 1924, he recorded "The Wreck of the Old 97" backed with "The Prisoner's Song" for Victor Records. It became one of the best-selling records in early recording history.