History Through Music: The Impact of Stephen Collins Foster and Others

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"Old Songs! New Songs! Ev'ry kind of song. I noted them down as I read them along." 

Stephen Collins Foster – well-known for songs such as "Beautiful Dreamer," "Camptown Races," and "Oh! Susanna" – published over 200 songs from the 1840s-1860s that would be hits of the day. Foster, born on July 4, 1826, is often called the "father of American music," but sadly, his life is still shrouded in a bit of mystery as there are conflicting reports about his lifestyle. 

Foster spent his early life in and around Pittsburgh, PA, and was considered a "problem child" by his family. There are gaps in what we know about different periods of his life. It is known that he had financial problems but no specifics as to why. 

He became famous by the 1860s, as his songs were very popular, both in the United States and abroad. While living in 1864 New York, he died, supposedly penniless, before the end of the American Civil War (an event that provided material for some of his songs). Even today, controversy follows Foster and his minstrel songs. There are numerous legends and stories shared about him. 

Whatever is said of Foster – whether he was a loving, kind soul or possibly an alcoholic – his impact on popular and folk music is very important. Foster is a key part of American musical culture. You may not know the original arrangements of his songs as time has brought changes to them. 

"I come from Alabama wid a banjo on my knee...."

From one of his songs – "The Song of All Songs" – published in 1863, we are introduced to a compilation of titles and phrases from popular songs of the day. This novelty song is very interesting to read through and gives a starting point to learn more about additional works of the day.

Let's look at several songs mentioned in "The Song of All Songs."

"Abraham's Daughter"

The music and words of this popular minstrel song were written by Septimus Winner. They provide the basis for a song about joining up to fight in the American Civil War. Winner was probably influenced by the colorful Zouave uniforms of the 114th PA regiment volunteers.

Winner was a loyal Unionist and supporter of General George McClellan. He even wrote a controversial song after President Lincoln removed McClellan from his position – "Give Us Back Our Old Commander: Little Mac, the People's Pride." He was a professional songwriter, and at least one of his songs is still known and sung today—"Der Deitcher's Dog" or "Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?" 

"Abraham's Daughter" was popular on the minstrel stage. There were printed versions which included dialects attributed to the southern slave states. There were many parodies of the song throughout the country. 

"Weeping Sad and Lonely"

A sentimental song with words written by Charles C. Sawyer and music by Henry Tucker is mentioned using the chorus line of "When this cruel war is over" in "The Song of Songs." The song was popular in both the North and the South during the American Civil War, as peace was something everyone sought. The Cleveland Leader stated the "words touch the popular heart" of the people.

In reality, this song could be sung during any wartime. Many a young man knelt before his loved one before he left for training or to join the men on the battlefield. Homeschoolers could list all the wars in which the United States was involved. Compare the start and end dates and discuss how long it would take for the cruel war to end.   

Although "Weeping Sad and Lonely" was very popular, critics did not understand why. However, if you have a family member who went to war, you may understand why it was so popular. 

"We Are Coming Father Abra'am"

"We leave our plows and workshops, our wives and children dear"

Another song about joining up to fight in the American Civil War says "We are coming, Father Abraham, six hundred thousand more!" The poem of James Sloan Gibbons – a response to Lincoln's call for additional troops – was set to the music. Gibbons was a well-known abolitionist, an associate of Garrison, the Grimke Sisters, and others. His poem was set to music by the Hutchison Family Singers, Stephen Foster, and Luther Orlando Emerson.


This "song of songs" is five stanzas with a short chorus. It contains the names of over fifty songs and phrases from songs to study in order to learn more about the music of the time. Will you find a song that speaks to you? 

References and Resources

Library of Congress: Stephen Collins Foster Biography

Library of Congress: Collection of audio files and sheet music of Stephen Foster