From the colonial period to the 21st century song makers in America have found plenty to sing about, and our music developed its own voice from the start. Anonymous folk singers, hymn composers, professional songwriters and singing performers have sought new paths and created new forms. A thread runs through the music of Stephen Foster (1826-64), Blind Willie McTell (1898-1959), Woody Guthrie (1912-67), Joni Mitchell (1943-) and others as they searched for authenticity and expression.