*   6 April, 1883 Jefferson, Texas † 18 September, 1948

Vernon Dalhart (Marion Try Slaughter) was one of the most prolific country recording artists ever (several thousand sides) and among its first solo stars. Never  a 'country' singer as such, Dalhart had no  interest in such music in his earliest days. His voice suggested that his true potential might lie in legitimate operatic singing. He set his sights on opera, moving to New York to take vocal training. There he discovered the growing popularity of phonograph records. He made his first record in 1916  and over the next several years, in addition to singing in vaudeville, he confined his recording activity to popular song and what was then known as 'light opera' . Trends began changing in the 1920's and he realized he needed something new.

The idea of recording  rural music came to mind, and in 1924 he recorded  'Wreck of the Old 97', which someone else had previously cut. The flip side was a number called  'The Prisoner's Song', based on an old poem. Released by Victor Records, it sold in the millions.  The singer devised his new performing name much as Conway Twitty later did: by combining the names of two small towns in Texas to create the name Vernon Dalhart. The record launched Dalhart on an entirely new career; he began recording more and more rural ballads even as he grew wealthy from royalties from sales of 'The Prisoner's Song'. He also recorded for other labels under various pseudonyms.

Eventually his career tapered off as country music became more diverse and popular. He eventually left music to take more conventional employment. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1981.