Stephen Foster Memorial Day 2024 (US): Stephen Foster Memorial Day, observed annually on January 13, provides the opportunity to learn about the music of the nation’s first songwriter, which you may find familiar. This day honors the individual who penned countless hit American songs before the profession of composing.
Stephen Foster Memorial Day History
Stephen Foster was assisted in his musical endeavors by musician and music dealer Henry Kleber, without whom he received formal instruction. In addition to self-teaching the clarinet, flute, piano, and guitar, he demonstrated an innate aptitude for music.
To take the position of accountant at the steamship company that his brother owned, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1846. He eventually returned to Pennsylvania in 1850 to secure a contract with New York publishers Firth, Pond & Co., where he would compose songs for the Christy Minstrels, a minstrel band, following the completion of his first successful composition during that time. As mandated by the publisher’s policies, certain compositions were published under the name Christy. Foster did not receive credit as the songwriter until 1879.
After signing a contract with Firth, Pond & Co., Foster attempted to earn a living as a songwriter during a time when this was not even considered a profession. This constituted his most prosperous phase. Regrettably, his lack of stage presence consequently rendered his talents essentially unacknowledged throughout his lifetime.
In 1857, following a period of profound financial hardship, he divested his publishers of the rights to all subsequent compositions for an estimated sum of $1,900. The performers and his publishers received the majority of the earnings from his compositions. After relocating to New York City in 1860, he initiated a stylistic transformation. He composed predominantly sentimental compositions at this time, including ‘Poor Drooping Maiden.’ The years that followed were less fruitful for him, and he encountered considerable personal difficulties. His demise occurred at the age of 37, seemingly due to an accident at home. Approximately two hundred songs, of which he had composed both the lyrics and the melody, were in his testament.
President Harry Truman proclaimed January 13, the day after Foster passed away, a memorial day in October 1951. A year after Stephen Foster Memorial Day was formally designated in 1966, it was observed.
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FAQs on Stephen Foster Memorial Day
Which holiday is the birthday of Stephen Foster?
Foster was born on Independence Day in the United States, July 4, in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania.
The Stephen Foster Memorial is located whereabouts.
The Stephen Collins Foster Memorial is a performing arts center and museum situated at the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, it contains the Stephen Foster Archives.
What is Stephen Foster’s significance?
This “father of American music” was the first songwriter in America and a major influence on subsequent musicians.
Approaches to Commemorating Stephen Foster Memorial Day
Enjoy a selection of Stephen Foster’s originals.
Several songs from his repertoire are available for listening to, such as ‘Oh! Susanna,’ ‘Camptown Races,’ ‘Old Folks at Home,’ ‘My Old Kentucky Home,’ ‘Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair,’ ‘Old Black Joe,’ and ‘Beautiful Dreamer.’ The degree of familiarity with some of his compositions would surprise you.
Attend a memorial occasion.
Special events are organized in numerous cities as a tribute to Stephen Foster. Be sure to pay homage to the Stephen Foster Culture Center State Park in Florida, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s entrance, and the Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization’s memorial at the University of Pittsburgh. Physically unable to tour these locations? For in-depth information on this songwriter, consult local music appreciation societies or participate in online virtual excursions.
More information about Stephen Foster
Consult an online biography or a documentary film concerning his life. Acquire indispensable knowledge regarding his musical influences and a more comprehensive examination of the music industry during that era.
Five Interesting St. Stephen Foster Memorial Day Facts
A musical centered on Stephen Foster
The 1858 production ‘Stephen Foster: The Musical explores the life and legacy of this songwriter.
America alone received credit for two state anthems.
The official state songs of Kentucky and Florida, with certain modifications, are ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ and ‘Old Folks at Home’ by Foster.
Initial jubilation
Stephen Foster Memorial Day was first observed along the Suwannee River in Florida, as referenced in one of Foster’s compositions.
The encore of Bruce Springsteen’s concert
Foster’s extremely well-known song “Hard Times Come No More,” which many artists have recorded, is a popular choice for Bruce Springsteen to close out his performances.
An anime series in Japan that follows Foster
The songwriter and his spouse, Jane, were the subject of a Japanese anime television series in the 1990s.
STEPHEN FOSTER MEMORIAL DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 13 | Saturday |
| 2025 | January 13 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 13 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 13 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 13 | Thursday |
