C. T. Suddeth

Who wrote Dixie? Dan Emmett (1815-1904), a minstrel performer, is credited as composer BUT: His 1850s story of composing it changed over the years, and he delayed filing a copyright. Though musicologists claim Dixie resembles his other songs, he wrote few. As buying songs to perform was common, doubt exists.

Dan’s neighbors were the Snowden Family Band, a family of freed slaves. None of their songs were written down, but a tradition exists in Ohio that they performed it first.

Will S Hays (1837-1907), a prolific Louisville songwriter and his publisher claimed ownership, but lost after years in court. [some claim the melody was borrowed from older English songs so the story may not be over]