What is Stephen Foster Memorial Day?
On January 13th, Stephen Foster Memorial Day honors the music of the man who composed hundreds of America's first popular songs.
Stephen Foster, born in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1826, became America's First Composer. His catchy tunes based on minstrel songs are still popular today.
Despite Foster's exclusive music deal with Firth, Pond, and Company, he died at the age of 37. Although his songs were extremely popular, a lack of copyright protection and alcoholism left him with nothing of value to show for his efforts.
***During his short life, Foster wrote over 200 songs. His best-known compositions include "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races," "Old Folks at Home," "My Old Kentucky Home," "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair," "Old Black Joe," and "Beautiful Dreamer" and are still very popular today.
Foster died on January 13, 1864, at the age of 37, at the age of 37.
