PATRICK O’BRIEN writes:

I read your commentary on Stephen Foster. He was a wonderful composer — words and music, a rare combination.

And I remember hearing Terri Gross’s comment about Stephen Foster from years ago: “How could there be so much hate in one man,” and this about the song, “Old Black Joe,” which is a very sympathetic look at an old slave missing the people he has grown up with, and looking forward to seeing them in Heaven.

I teach music, and my students love “Old Black Joe,” even the couple of Black students. And we sing several Foster songs, and “Dixie,” and the Southern national anthem…and abolitionist songs, too. I am equal opportunity.

Here is the Southern national anthem, the “Bonnie Blue Flag.”

Please follow and like us: