Vernon Dalhart First Star of Country Music By Jack Palmer Discography by Robert Olson Foreword by Hank Thompson Mainspring Press 2005 424 Pages ISBN:  0-977-27350-4

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The life, times, and recordings of Marion Try Slaughter, the cantankerous Texan who changed his name to Vernon Dalhart, left a budding career in light opera, and became the first country-style singer to gain a national and even international following. Jack Palmer has searched out rare source material, including Dalhart's personal and business correspondence, to shed new light on this often controversial member of the Country Music Association's Hall of Fame. Features of this quality softbound edition include: The first full-length Dalhart biography, based on the singer's own letters, contemporary reviews and news stories, interviews with Dalhart's associates, and other primary sources A complete, highly detailed Dalhart discography—covering every known cylinder, 78, EP/LP and CD, issued and unissued—with title index More than 60 illustrations, including rare records and many previously unpublished photos of Dalhart and his family An introductory appreciation by country music star Hank Thompson Chronological summary of all Dalhart recording sessions, and a detailed listing of pseudonyms used on his records Bibliography and subject index