Once upon a time there was a song writer called Stephen Foster
Born in 1826 he died in 1864 at the young age of 37.
But during his lifetime he wrote some of the best loved songs in American history.
Songs which remain popular to this day.
Songs such as Oh Susannah, Camptown Races, Old Folks at Home, My Old Kentucky Home, Beautiful Dreamer....
and this one, -   the lovely Gentle Annie.





That was sung by the McGarrigle sisters, Kate & Anna.
Kate was to marry Loudon Wainwright 111.
Their children,  Rufus  and Martha are musicians and singers.

Here the McGarrigle sisters sing another Stephen Foster song, Hard Times Come Again No More.

This time they are joined by Kate's son Rufus, Emmylou Harris, Mary Black, Karen Matheson and Rod Paterson.




Rufus Wainwright went on to have a successful and somewhat unique career of his own (frequently accompanied by his sister Martha.)


Rufus Wainwright came out as gay while a teenager, - a fact which caused  strain between him and his parents, and which was rarely talked about.

Rufus Wainwright's partner for the last 5 years has been Jorn  Weisbrodt, a
German arts administrator.
Here Rufus and Jorn sing Silent Night.