The Jackson Theatre, in partnership with the International Storytelling Center, presents Vernon Dalhart: First Country Music Star Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m. This special evening of words and music celebrates one of the most influential recording artists of the 1920s and 1930s.
Dalhart was the first artist to record a million-selling country hit with the two-sided 78 RPM disc featuring “The Wreck of the Old ’97” and “The Prisoner’s Song.” Both recordings are enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and Dalhart was later inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A prolific artist by any standard, he made more than 4,000 recordings between 1916 and 1939.
Despite his massive impact, Dalhart’s legacy has often been overlooked. Many legendary performers, including Dolly Parton, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, John Prine, James Taylor, Ralph Stanley and Mac, have covered songs first recorded by Dalhart, helping to carry his influence through generations of American music.
Drawing on five years of research, music historian Ted Olson shares the story of Dalhart’s diverse career and explores why his contributions have faded from the spotlight. Jack Hinshelwood, a multi-instrumentalist and singer, provides the live soundtrack, performing faithful renditions of classics such as “Wreck of the Old ’97,” “The Prisoner’s Song,” “Home on the Range,” “Jesse James,” “The Big Rock Candy Mountains,” “My Blue Ridge Mountain Home” and more songs that helped shape early country music.
This event is part of the Jackson Theatre’s ongoing collaboration with the International Storytelling Center, highlighting shared programming rooted in storytelling and music.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show. Tickets and more information are available at thejacksontheatre.com.
