Stephen Foster Memorial Day

We're all familiar with the music of Stephen Foster... Camptown Races, My Old Kentucky Home, Beautiful Dreamer, Oh! Susanna, Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair, and others. He was born on July 4, 1826 and died at 37 on January 13, 1864 (I guess we don't celebrate on the day of his birth since it just might be overshadowed by other festivities). Although some believe his death was due to alcoholism, it was actually due to fever and a fall. I think alcohol still could have been a contributing factor, but no one consulted me.

He wrote over 200 songs and is known as the father of American music. He also has been identified as the most famous songwriter of the 19th century. Learned somethin, didn't ya?