John Payne born. 1791. Here's a bunch of stuff that no longer seems relevant in the least:
John Howard Payne (June 9, 1791 – April 10, 1852) was an American actor, poet, playwright, and author who had most of his theatrical career and success in London. He is today most remembered as the creator of "Home! Sweet Home!", a song he wrote in 1822 that became widely popular in the United States, Great Britain, and the English-speaking world. After his return to the United States, Payne spent time with the Cherokee Indians. He published accounts that suggested their origin as one of the Ten Lost Tribes of ancient Israel.
Payne was a distant cousin of the American parlor song composer Carrie Jacobs-Bond, born 10 years after Payne's death.
Now "Home Sweet Home" is known only for a treacly, sarcastic version to indicate some old silly ancient values. No one sings it for sincere reasons anymore.
Payne just wrote the lyrics. Henry Bishop wrote the music. |