Stephen Foster

1. Stephen Foster Alex Corral

2. Birth • William Foster marries Eliza Tomlinson. Both come from wealthy families. • July 4 1826, Stephen Foster is born (ironic isn’t it!!!) • Throughout Stephen’s life, family goes through a lot of money troubles.

3. Childhood • In 1840, Stephen goes to Athens Academy but only spends a year there. Is a unenthusiastic student who has potential to learn. • In 1841, Stephen plays his first composition on the flute. • Later that year in July, he enrolls in at Jefferson College but leaves after a week.

4. About Stephen Foster • Although Stephen Foster’s parents came from a wealthy background, his family was always in debt. This continued even when Stephen Foster was a well known musician. • Much of his work was either about the South or about African American. • He only went to the south once!! • Foster instructed people to sing his songs a with a sense of compassion. To “build up taste...among refined people by making words suitable to their taste, instead of the trashy and really offensive words which belong to some songs of that order." 

5. Continued… • He was known as an “American” composer because he wanted to make songs for the people.

6. Works • In 1844, Stephen publishes his first song “Open thy Lattice Love” at the age of 18. • Moves to Cincinnati for a job in 1846. • In 1847, on September 11, “O Susanna” premiers and immediately sweeps the nation. • 1848, Stephen publishes “Old Uncle Ned.” Is appreciated by African Americans because it “awaken sympathies for the slave.” • In 1849, Foster publishes “Nelly was a lady.” • 1850, Foster publishes “Gwine to Run All Night,” or also known as “Camptown Races.”

7. Works Cited • www.pitt.edu/~amerimus/foster.htm • www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/foster/