Stephen Foster Memorial Day is observed worldwide on January 13 each year to honor the legacy of Stephen Foster, an American songwriter known as the “father of American music.” Foster, born on July 4, 1826, in Pennsylvania, wrote over 200 songs, including the well-known "Oh! Susanna" and "My Old Kentucky Home." The day was first introduced by President Harry Truman in 1952 and became a United States Federal Observance Day on November 2, 1966. The memorial day celebrates Foster's contributions to music, particularly his works that reflected the African American experience during a time when slavery was a significant and controversial issue. Although he achieved fame posthumously, Foster struggled to find professional success during his lifetime and died at the age of 37 on January 13, 1864.