OLD DOG TRAY ~ Stephen C. Foster (1826 – 1864)

Published in New York by Firth, Pond & Co. in 1853, Stephen Foster’s song about his own handsome setter dog was premiered by the Christy’s Minstrels.

Unlike many of Foster’s earlier, often upbeat minstrel song subjects, “Old Dog Tray” plucks at the heartstrings of the listener as the simple yet evocative lyrics and sweet melody speak to precious, if bittersweet memories of loved ones lost and nostalgia for days gone by.

“Old Dog Tray” went on to win widespread popularity well into the late nineteenth century and was one of Foster’s most financially successful compositions. Though popular with troops on both sides during the War Between the States, it is rarely heard or performed today, which was reason enough for us to record it for our next-to-last album, “Strike the Tent” (2013).

We feel truly fortunate to have this video version. Recorded at the 150th Anniversary Battle of Gettysburg reenactment of July 2013, except for the 2 or 3 run-throughs prior to the final recording take, this may be the only other time we ever performed the song.