Henry Whitter recorded "Wreck of the Old 97" in 1923. Is he country?

No-

But this singer who recorded the song is country. One of his first roles was in Giacomo Puccini's opera Girl of the Golden West; following this he played the part of Ralph Rackstraw in a production of HMS Pinafore. He also played the part of Lieutenant Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly.

His name- Vernon Dalhart, one of the biggest country stars.

Richie