Stephen Foster

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Stephen Foster

Role / Field:

American composer, known as the 'father of American music' for his folk and parlor songs.

Born:

1826-07-04

Died:

1864-01-13

Century / Era:

1826s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

Stephen Collins Foster, born in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1826, is recognized as the father of American music. He composed a vast collection of songs, primarily focusing on parlor and folk music during the Romantic era. His musical output includes popular pieces such as "Oh! Susanna" and "Old Folks at Home" ("Swanee River").

Key Developments & Impact

Foster is credited with writing over two hundred songs that have achieved lasting popularity in the twenty-first century. His compositions, like "Camptown Races" and "My Old Kentucky Home," established a distinct American musical vernacular. These works significantly contributed to the development of popular song traditions in the United States.

Enduring Legacy

Despite the widespread recognition of his contributions, biographical details about Foster remain somewhat fragmented across various accounts. His legacy endures through the enduring presence of his melodies within contemporary culture. He remains a pivotal figure in the history of American popular music.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1826 (1826-07-04): Birth of Stephen Foster — American composer, known as the 'father of American music' for his folk and parlor songs.
2. 1864 (1864-01-13): Passing & Historical Legacy — Stephen Foster passed away on 1864-01-13, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Stephen Foster

True or False: “Stephen Foster's primary musical output was exclusively limited to grand opera compositions.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he was skilled, Foster is most famous for his accessible parlor and folk music, rather than solely grand opera.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1826 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1826
• July 4 (07-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 4
• 1864 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1864
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Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen Foster