Marion Dix Sullivan facts for kids
Marion Dix Sullivan (born 1802, died 1860) was an important American songwriter and composer. She was active from about 1840 to 1850. Marion was born in Boscawen, New Hampshire. Her father was Timothy Dix, and her mother was Abigail Wilkins. She was also the sister of General John Adams Dix, a famous person from New York. In 1825, she married John Whiting Sullivan, and they had one son named John Henry.
Marion Dix Sullivan is famous for being the first American woman to write a "hit" song. This song was called "The Blue Juniata." Even famous writers like Mark Twain mentioned it in his autobiography. Other composers used "The Blue Juniata" to create new versions of the song. Later, in 1937, Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers recorded it. The song's lyrics were also included in Laura Ingalls Wilder's book, Little House on the Prairie.
Her Music and Songs
Marion Dix Sullivan wrote many different kinds of songs. She wrote ballads, which are songs that tell a story. She also wrote sacred songs, which are songs about religious topics.
The Blue Juniata
"The Blue Juniata" was her most famous song. It was released in 1844. The song became very popular across America. It was so well-known that other composers created their own versions of it. This shows how much people loved her music.
Other Notable Works
Here are some other songs Marion Dix Sullivan wrote:
- The Blue Juniata (1844)
- Marion Day (1844)
- Jessee Cook, the Lily of the Wood (1844)
- Oh! Boatman, Row Me O'er the Stream (1846)
- Cold Blew the Night Wing : The Wanderer (1846)
- The Cold Has Bound the Joyous Stream (1846)
- The Evening Bugle (1847)
- The Field of Monterey (1848)
- Mary Lindsey (1848)
- The Strawberry Girl (1850)
- We Cross the Prairies of Old (1854)
- The Kansas Home (1854)
- Juniata Ballads, a collection of songs (1855)
- Bible Songs, another collection (1856)
- Bright Alfarata (around 1871)
- Lightly On
- Evening Hymn to the Savior
