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Stephen C. Foster

It was July 4th, 1826. Our country was celebrating its 50th birthday. The festive occasion was saddened by the news that two of our former presidents had died on that very day. What was not publicized was that our nation's first professional songwriter was also born on that day.

Stephen Collins Foster (1826-1864) was the 10th child in a family of successful achievers. Stephen was the only child in his family to end up living in poverty and dying in a welfare hospital. Yet, his songs were among the most popular ever written.

The tunes by Stephen C. Foster were ideal for the harmonica, which was just being introduced to America. And they were some of the most often played on this new instrument.

His biography is included for your enlightenment.

  1. Angelina Baker
  2. Beautiful Dreamer
  3. Camptown Races
  4. Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me
  5. Dearer Than Life!
  6. Down Among the Cane Brakes
  7. Ellen Bayne
  8. Farewell My Lilly Dear
  9. Gentle Annie
  10. Hard Times Come Again No More
  11. I Dream of Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
  12. I Will Be True To Thee
  13. Would Not Die In Springtime
  14. If You've Only Got A Moustache
  15. Laura Lee
  16. Little Jenny Dow
  17. Louisana Bell
  18. Massa's in de Cold Ground
  19. My Brudder Gum
  20. My Hopes Have Departed Forever
  1. My Old Kentucky Home
  2. Nelly Bly
  3. Nelly Was A Lady
  4. Oh! Boys, Carry Me 'Long
  5. Oh! Lemuel!
  6. Oh! Susanna
  7. Old Black Joe
  8. Old Folks At Home (Swanee River)
  9. Old Uncle Ned
  10. Once I Loved Thee, Mary Dear
  11. Our Bright Summer Days are Gone
  12. That's What's the Matter
  13. The Glendy Burk
  14. The Village Maiden
  15. Under The Willow She's Sleeping
  16. We Are Coming Father Abraam
  17. Why Have My Loved Ones Gone?
  18. Willie Has Gone to the War
  19. Willy My Brave
  20. Willie We Have Missed You