Stephen Foster

Originally Aired: January 16, 1939 Cavalcade of America #148, "Stephen Foster," brings to life the early struggles of America's beloved songwriter. Born on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of American independence, young Stephen Foster grows up as a shy, gentle child with an extraordinary gift for creating melodies. His father views music as merely a woman's pastime, insisting that a real man's work lies in building the new nation. At age 21, Stephen is sent to Cincinnati to work as a bookkeeper for his brother's firm, Irwin and Foster, but he finds himself constantly distracted by the tunes running through his head. Stephen's fortunes begin to shift when he visits William Rocke, a minstrel performer, and convinces him to try his song "O Susanna." The piece becomes an instant sensation at Melodeon Hall, capturing the spirit of pre-Civil War America and spreading across the nation. Despite this success, Stephen continues his dreary work at the bookkeeping desk, torn between family obligations and his true calling. His brother Dunning notices Stephen's distraction isn't just about songwriting, hinting at romantic complications with a young lady named Jane McDowell that further complicate Stephen's path forward.