Stephen Foster

Folk Singer

Birthday July 4, 1826

Birth Sign Cancer

Birthplace Pittsburgh, PA

DEATH DATE Jan 13, 1864 (37)

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About

Known for composing the songs "Oh! Susanna," "Beautiful Dreamer," "My Old Kentucky Home," and other standards. He was considered to be the father of American music.

Before Fame

He used to be a bookkeeper with a steamship company.

Trivia

He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Family Life

He grew up with an older brother named William and attended private academies in Allegheny, Athens, and Towanda, Pennsylvania.

Associated With

His song "Nelly Bly" inspired journalist Nellie Bly's pseudonym.