The American composer, Eugene Ormandy, states that Foster was America's first musical genius. he created songs with such natural fluidity and lyrics that many mistake his works as folk songs. Well, now I guess that his works have become standards and folk.

I've performed in The Stephen Foster Story, a musical in Bardstown, KY (where My Old Kentucky Home is) for two summers now, and I must say that I've absolutely fallen in love with Foster's music. I think he is a brilliant composer and doesn't get as much attention as he should.

Thanks, friends. Putting this mix together was very gratifying and educational. Mr. Foster's songs, many of which were written for the minstrel shows of his day, stand up today as serious art. He deserves a large and luxurious home in the American Canon.

PS.
Favourite track "Susanna" Got something about it

Music from another era. If you listen carefully you can hear the quality of the music,even though the quality of some of the recordings are aged. These artistes were probably superstars in there time. Nice thinking mans mix. Well done cactusdoink

i was familiar with almost all of these songs, but i didn't know of the very talented man behind them, which is unacceptable. thanks for sharing.

A lovely mix of great songs. Very nostalgic for me - memories of my old dad , his treasured radio-gram and shellac recordings of Richard Crooks - his favourite. Thank you Cactus Doink.