Stephen Foster: The Father of American Music
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Stephen Foster's Early Life and Education Stephen Collins Foster, often hailed as the father of American music, was born on July 4, 1826, in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. He received his education in private schools in Towanda, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny, Athens, where he delved into various subjects, including English grammar, the classics, diction, writing, mathematics, Greek, and Latin. Family and Influences His father, William Foster Sr., was a politician who served under President Harrison and even became the mayor of Allegheny. Foster's academic journey led him to Athens Academy, where, at the age of fourteen, he composed his first song, "Tioga Waltz." He performed this composition during the academy's commencement exercises in 1841. However, the song remained unpublished during his lifetime but was later included in the works of Morrison Foster. In 1842, tragedy struck as Athens Academy burned down. Foster briefly attended Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Penn…