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A story of the life of Steven Foster. A man from the North, who was inspired by the sounds of the South. He drags his fiancee Jane with him to compose his latest melody at a piano in a saloon. Scandalous! Though he is determined to write music, Steven knows he can’t afford to get mmarried on a song writers salary. Seeking out the king of the minstrel show, Steven sells his first song. Al Jolson sings a few bars of Oh Suzanna.
The song is an immediate hit, and more pour forth. But not all are readily received by publisshing houses. How are things going with Jane? Has he found his niche with EP Christy and his minstrel show? Christy, played by Al Jolson, sings the hits as fast as Steven can write them.
Wedding bells ring, and Steven takes Jane for his bride. The marriage gets off on a rocky path, with Steven’s composing interupting. There’s also the matter of a drinking problem to contend with. At the height of his success, Jane announces that a baby is expected. Then things begin to fall apart at the loss of family. Steven sings, Old Black Joe. Their relationship crumbles.
Will Steven be able to get his career back on track? Can he and Jane work to patch their marriage? Will he ever be able to control his drinking?
