A Road Scholar Program by Chris Vallillo

From his first hit, "Oh Susannah" in 1848, through his death in 1864, Stephen Foster created music that touched millions, and lives on to this very day. In his lifetime, his songs were known and sung around the world and played a large part in the creation of an emerging popular American culture. Looking back, they also reflect the complex, tortuous relationship between black and white cultures of the young nation. Award-winning folksinger and songwriter Chris Vallillo presents the music of Stephan Foster and explores the impact of this legendary American icon and his music on American culture.