American Music 1850-1900

Stephen Foster (1826-1864)

Things to know

• Born on July 4, 1826 in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania.
• He had his first song published at the age of 18
• He was known for penning fun tunes.
• He had money troubles and recieved limited royalties.
• He left a great body of work upon his death that is worth millions today.

Oh, susana

civil war tunes

the battle hymn of the republic

Spirituals

Facts about spirituals

• A religious folk song of American origin.
• Slaves made up these songs to keep their mind off of perfection.
• Inspired by the message of Jesus Christ and his Good News (Gospel).
• They were a way of sharing the hard condition of being a slave.
• Some Negro Spiritual refer to the Underground Railroad, an organization for helping slaves to run away.

follow the drinking gourd

John PHILip sousa

THings to know

• Born in 1854, and died of a heart attack at the age of 77 years old.
• Began playing the violin at six years old. He had perfect pitch.
• At 13, he played the trombone in the Marine Band.
• Married Jan Van Middlesworth Bellis in 1879--had 3children.
• Organized his own band the year of 1892--performed 15,623 concerts in the next 29 years.

stars and stripes forever