Profession: Composer and Father of American Music
Biography: Primarily known for his parlor and minstrel music. Although associated with songs depicting pre-Civil War life in the Southern US, he only visited there during his honeymoon. Some of his themes are now considered racially insensitive.
He wrote over 200 songs, including "Oh! Susanna"; "Beautiful Dreamer"; "The Old Folk's at Home (Swanee River)"; and "My Old Kentucky Home". He also wrote hymns, and arranged classical music for flute and guitar duos.
His life has been dramatized three times in Hollywood films, most notably in 1939's "Swanee River", starring Don Ameche.
Born: July 4, 1826
Birthplace: Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, USA
Star Sign: Cancer
Died: January 13, 1864 (aged 37)
Married Life
- 1850-07-22 American composer Stephen Foster (24) weds Jane Denny McDowell (20) at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Historical Events
- 1847-09-11 1st singing of Stephen Foster's "Oh! Susanna" (in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Antonio Vivaldi
Benjamin Britten
George Gershwin
Harry Burleigh
Johann Pachelbel
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky