Yesterday marked the 150th anniversary of the death of American composer, Stephen Foster. Known for such traditional American fare as "Oh! Susanna" (1846), "Camptown Races" (1850), "Nelly Bly" (1850), "Old Folks at Home" (also known as "Swanee River," 1851), "My Old Kentucky Home" (1853), "Old Dog Tray" (1853), "Hard Times Come Again No More" (1854), "Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair" (1854), and "Beautiful Dreamer" (1862). He is considered to be America’s first great songwriter.
Stephen Foster — July 4, 1826 – January 13, 1864.