Stephen Foster
- Type: Composer
- Country: United States
- Born: July 4, 1826 in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, United States
- Died: January 13, 1864 in New York, New York, United States
Biography
Often called "the father of American music," Stephen Foster was the first person in the United States to make a living as a professional songwriter. During a career spanning from 1844 to 1864, he wrote over 200 songs, creating some of the most enduring and beloved works in the American songbook. His compositions, which include parlor ballads and songs for minstrel shows, blended influences to create a uniquely American sound. Timeless songs like "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races," "My Old Kentucky Home," and "Beautiful Dreamer" have remained popular for over 150 years, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in American popular music.