Stephen Collins Fosterwas anAmerican composer and lyricistoften called the “father of American music” and the nation’s first professional songwriter. Active from 1844 to 1864, he wrote over 200 songs including "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races," "My Old Kentucky Home," and "Beautiful Dreamer," blending European traditions with American themes. His works shaped U.S. folk and popular music despite financial struggles and problematic racial portrayals in some lyrics.
