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Sorry, kiddo, but Stephen Foster was one of America’s greatest composers. Just had the pleasure of seeing a play in which “Hard Times” was sung. Reduced me and the audience to tears. A genuis who died in total poverty but obviously not forgotten by 21st Century audiences.

I was not trying to speak ill of Stephen Foster. I agree that he was one of the greatest composers. But he is largely forgotten. A performance of Stephen Foster music probably would not fill up Madison Square Garden, nor would a new recording done by talented performers sell exceptionally well. Most people MIGHT know Camptown Races and Old Folks at Home. Far fewer would have a whole lot to say about Stephen Foster the man. The fact that the Beatles still sell quite well 45 years later is just as much a tribute to the people for whom they were a cultural or nostalgic touchstone as anything. While there are certainly young people who are big Beatle fans, it resembles a half life, and will fade with each generation. More staying power than Rudy Vallee, on par (at most) with Stephen Foster and Scott Joplin, but less than Beethoven and Mozart.

And I don't dislike most of their music. It was mostly tightly done pop ditties well marketed at the right time. And there is nothing wrong with that.