Country music’s roots are often romanticized for their authenticity. While the recording sessions in Bristol in 1927 are well-known, a lesser-known session in 1924 actually played a more significant role in the genre’s development. This session featured Vernon Dalhart, a classically trained singer from New York City who had previously recorded opera, pop, and jazz.
A legendary recording session
In the early 1920s, recording companies began looking for new markets, targeting audiences such as Black people and rural white Americans. Recording “in the field” was seen as a way to reach these new markets. One such session in Bristol featured Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, but it was Dalhart’s earlier session that truly launched country music as a genre.
Dalhart’s recording of “The Wreck of the Old 97” and “The Prisoner’s Song” in 1924 became country music’s first major hit, selling millions of copies. Despite this success, Dalhart remains overlooked in the history of country music, likely due to his formal background in opera. However, his influence on the genre is undeniable.
Country boy turned city slicker
Despite his urban upbringing and classical training, Dalhart’s impact on country music cannot be understated. He recorded hundreds of country songs and was the genre’s bestselling artist of the 1920s. While he may not fit the stereotypical image of a country musician, his contribution to the genre is undeniable.
In the shadow of Bristol
Dalhart’s legacy has been overshadowed by other artists, but efforts are being made to recognize his influence on country music. A forthcoming box set of his key recordings is set to be released in 2024, marking the centennial of his emergence as a key figure in the genre. It is a long overdue tribute to a pioneer whose impact on country music cannot be overlooked.
Ted Olson is a professor of Appalachian studies and bluegrass, old-time, and roots music studies at East Tennessee State University.
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