Late 19 th Century America Changing Tastes: Stephen Foster

Stephen Foster The Father of American Music

Biography Born in 1826 in western PA, east of Pittsburg Born in 1826 in western PA, east of Pittsburg One of ten children One of ten children A standard education – which included musical training, but hated school A standard education – which included musical training, but hated school

Musical Influences Two early teachers helped craft his future: Two early teachers helped craft his future: Henry Klaber – a German immigrant who owned a music store in Pittsburgh Henry Klaber – a German immigrant who owned a music store in Pittsburgh Dan Rice – a local circus man and blackface performer Dan Rice – a local circus man and blackface performer

Daniel Rice Entertainer in the 19 th century Entertainer in the 19 th century Good friend of Abe Lincoln Good friend of Abe Lincoln Ran for president in 1868 Ran for president in 1868

Dan Rice in his later years…. Dan Rice in his later years….

Daniel Rice as a clown…. Daniel Rice as a clown…. His persona was the inspiration for “Uncle Sam” His persona was the inspiration for “Uncle Sam”

back to Foster… An established “classical” German influence – Lieder (remember the Erlking?) An established “classical” German influence – Lieder (remember the Erlking?) The leading form of entertainment in America at the time The leading form of entertainment in America at the time

Stephen was a member of an all- male secret club called the S.T. (Square Table) Stephen was a member of an all- male secret club called the S.T. (Square Table) –Similar to a “Glee Club” Some of his earliest songs were created for this group (“Oh! Susanna”) Some of his earliest songs were created for this group (“Oh! Susanna”) His 1 st published song, “Open Thy Lattice Love,” was written when he was 18 His 1 st published song, “Open Thy Lattice Love,” was written when he was

Did NOT start out as a professional musician Did NOT start out as a professional musician Wrote his first “hit” in 1848 while working as a bookkeeper for a steamship company in Ohio Wrote his first “hit” in 1848 while working as a bookkeeper for a steamship company in Ohio

Over his career – went on to write 200+ songs Over his career – went on to write 200+ songs –Camptown Races –Old Folks at Home –Oh Susana –Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair His style: His style: –Simple melodies, easily singable, with stories EVERYONE could relate to

Most were used in minstrel shows Most were used in minstrel shows Sought to write songs that brought people together Sought to write songs that brought people together He “refined” the minstrel music style – bringing his classical influence into the fold He “refined” the minstrel music style – bringing his classical influence into the fold First songwriter to call a black woman a lady First songwriter to call a black woman a lady

Started calling the songs that he wrote “plantation songs” as they began to use other (European) elements in them Started calling the songs that he wrote “plantation songs” as they began to use other (European) elements in them A different “feel” to these songs than that of “Zip Coon” or the other minstrel songs we discussed A different “feel” to these songs than that of “Zip Coon” or the other minstrel songs we discussed By the end of his career – they began to reflect American life in general By the end of his career – they began to reflect American life in general

The Outcome of his Career… Died at age 37 Died at age 37 A poor man with an alcohol problem, only $.38 in his pocket A poor man with an alcohol problem, only $.38 in his pocket His MUSIC was known by the public – but his name was not. His MUSIC was known by the public – but his name was not.

The income he made came from royalties The income he made came from royalties Ongoing payment made to an artist to use their work Ongoing payment made to an artist to use their work Made a grand total of $15,000 from ALL the songs that he wrote Made a grand total of $15,000 from ALL the songs that he wrote On average – about $1,300 / year On average – about $1,300 / year He was a very BAD businessman – made a lot of ill advised deals on his music He was a very BAD businessman – made a lot of ill advised deals on his music

“Oh Susanna” - written in 1854 “Oh Susanna” - written in 1854 –Sold the rights to a publisher for $100 Publisher only paid a small % back to Foster Publisher only paid a small % back to Foster 20 different arrangements from different arrangements from  11 different publishers

Old Folks at Home 1851 – written for Christy’s Minstrels 1851 – written for Christy’s Minstrels –Minstrel troupe based in NYC Sung in first person from the perspective of a slave (including dialect) Sung in first person from the perspective of a slave (including dialect) –Foster was from the North – and was AGAINST slavery

Way Down upon de Swanee ribber, Far, Far away, Dere’s wha my heart is turning ebber Dere’s wha de old folks stay All up and down de whole creation, Sadly I roam Still longing for de old plantation and for de old folks at home All de world am sad and dreary Ebry where I roam Oh! Darkies how my heart grows weary, Far from de old folks at home.

Is the official state song of…. Is the official state song of…. FLORIDA (adopted in 1935) FLORIDA (adopted in 1935) The “Suwannee” River runs through Northern Florida. Foster altered the title to fit the song. The “Suwannee” River runs through Northern Florida. Foster altered the title to fit the song.

Lyrics were altered in Lyrics were altered in The “dialect” was officially dropped The “dialect” was officially dropped “Darkies” was dropped as well. “Darkies” was dropped as well.

Modern Lyrics Way down upon the Swanee River, Far, far away, Way down upon the Swanee River, Far, far away, There's where my heart is turning ever, There's where my heart is turning ever, There's where the old folks stay. There's where the old folks stay. All up and down the whole creation,Sadly I roam, All up and down the whole creation,Sadly I roam, Still longing for the old plantation, Still longing for the old plantation, And for the old folks at home. And for the old folks at home. All the world is sad and dreary Everywhere I roam. All the world is sad and dreary Everywhere I roam. O brothers, how my heart grows weary, O brothers, how my heart grows weary, Far from the old folks at home. Far from the old folks at home.

Next Time… Handout – Foster Biography Handout – Foster Biography –Complete – Foster Timeline  Compare US dates to Foster’s life Handout – Foster Backs Buchanan Handout – Foster Backs Buchanan –Find online lyrics:  The White House Chair  The Abolition Show Political Song Analysis Political Song Analysis

Political Song Analysis