My Old Kentucky Home

song by Foster

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

"My Old Kentucky Home" is a song by American composer Stephen Foster. Foster, born in 1826, was a prolific songwriter known for his minstrel songs and sentimental ballads, achieving significant recognition in American music.1

While the song is titled "My Old Kentucky Home," it is not the official state song of Kentucky. The official state songs of Kentucky are "My Old Kentucky Home," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," and "Kentucky Homemade Christmas". It is worth noting that "Home on the Range" is the state song of Kansas. Foster's compositions, including "My Old Kentucky Home," have secured his honored place in the history of American music.231

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Stephen Foster
…“Camptown Races,” “Nelly Bly,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Massa’s in de Cold, Cold Ground,” “Old Dog Tray,” “Old Black Joe,” “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair,” and “Beautiful Dreamer.”
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…“Camptown Races,” “Nelly Bly,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Massa’s in de Cold, Cold Ground,” “Old Dog Tray,” “Old Black Joe,” “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair,” and “Beautiful Dreamer.”
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Kentucky Derby
Traditions
…of playing Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses enter the track also dates to the 1930s.
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…of playing Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses enter the track also dates to the 1930s.
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