Title: "Old Tennessee" (Song)

Date/Date Range :    undated

Extent: 0.1 linear feet

Abstract:

This collection consists of an unsigned, handwritten transcript of Stephen Foster's 1851 song "Farewell My Lily Dear: A Plantation Melody" with a variance in the text.

Call number: MS-2165

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

This collection is property of the University of Tennessee Special Collections Library.

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], Old Tennessee (Song), MS-2165. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Collection consists of a single folder.

Stephen Collins Foster was born on July 4, 1826 in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. His childhood was spent in a middle class family. His father, William B. Foster and mother, Eliza T. had ten children. Although Foster had almost no formal training in music, he became one of the most prominent songwriters of the 19th century. Indeed, some of his songs - including "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races, " and "Beautiful Dreamer, " are still well known today. He wrote minstrels and ballads that were referred to as "Ethiopian" songs. Stephen Foster referred to these as "American Melodies. " His musical work was not particularly profitable, because in this time period there was no legal protection for his works. Many songs were sold for a flat amount. In the 1860s he wrote songs with George Cooper. A couple of these were: "There Are Plenty of Fish in the Sea" (1863) and "Kissing in the Dark " (1863). At the time of his death on January 13, 1864 in New York City, he had precisely 37 cents to his name.

Songs like "Farewell My Lilly Dear" possess melodies and accompaniments that are simple. Foster wanted to depict African American slaves as human beings experiencing human emotions. This handwritten copy entitled "Old Tennessee," includes four verses and the chorus of the song. Some words of the handwritten version differ from the 1851 published version. No musical score is included.

• Music -- 19th century.
• Music -- Effect of multiculturalism on.
• Music -- Social aspects.
• Music and folklore.
• Political ballads and songs.
• United States -- History -- Civil war, 1861-1865 -- Poetry.