Tom Foster (musician)

Tom Foster (1870–1940) was an Australian Aboriginal musician. A member of the Tharawal people, he was born in New South Wales and lived for some time on the mission at Le Perouse. He composed at least two spiritual songs which were performed for public occasions.[3] The music was well-received in Christian circles.[4]

Tom Foster
Fred Foster, Tom Foster, Bob Simms & Dick Petty 1932 Bringa's Gum Leaf Quartet
Born
Tom Foster

1870
New South Wales, Australia
DiedDec 1940
Kingsford, New South Wales
Musical career
Genresspiritual
Occupation(s)
  • Performer
  • musician
  • accordion player
Instrument(s)Vocals, accordion

Foster was active in representing Aboriginal people.[5][6][7]

Foster married and had three sons, Fred, Amos and Tommy, who each continued his performing legacy.[8] He died in Kingsford in December 1940.[9]

Works
  • 1930 My Thoughts[10]
  • 1930 I'm Happy Today

Performances

In 1935, Foster entertained the Governor of New South Wales at a ball for charity.[11][12]

Foster's gum-Leaf band was regarded as famous at the 1935 celebration of the silver jubilee of King George V.[13]

Foster also promoted his Aboriginal culture through his use of boomerangs.[14][15]

A photograph of Foster demonstrating his boomerang technique is preserved in the National Library of Australia.[16] Some of the boomerangs he manufactured are also preserved.[17]

References
  1. "The Australian Aborigines". Healesville And Yarra Glen Guardian. Victoria, Australia. 25 November 1939. p. 4. Retrieved 27 May 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. Foster, Tom (1930), My thoughts, and I'm happy to-day [music] : two Aboriginal spirituals / written and composed by Tom Foster
  3. "The Australian Aborigines". Healesville And Yarra Glen Guardian. Victoria, Australia. 25 November 1939. p. 4. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. "Tares Band of Hope". The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales. Vol. 40, no. 31055. New South Wales, Australia. 16 March 1907. p. 8. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. "Year's highlight for two decades". The Canberra Times. Vol. 57, no. 17, 444. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 3 July 1983. p. 17. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. "NATIVES' DAY OF MOURNING". The Labor Daily. No. 4414. New South Wales, Australia. 27 January 1938. p. 5. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. "RECALL OF JUDGE IS DEMANDED". The Labor Daily. No. 3330. New South Wales, Australia. 7 August 1934. p. 5. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. "KNOCKIN' AROUND". The Propeller. Vol. XX, no. 1020. New South Wales, Australia. 26 September 1930. p. 7. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. New South Wales Death Certificate 3771/1941
  10. Foster, Tom (1930), My thoughts, and I'm happy to-day [music] : two Aboriginal spirituals / written and composed by Tom Foster
  11. "FOR WOMEN". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 30, 507. New South Wales, Australia. 12 October 1935. p. 9. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. "Breuities". The Sun. No. 8034. New South Wales, Australia. 2 October 1935. p. 26 (LAST RACE EDITION). Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  13. "POSTPONED JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS". Illawarra Mercury. Vol. 58, no. 22. New South Wales, Australia. 31 May 1935. p. 14. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. "BOOMERANGS FOR LOS ANGELES". Referee. No. 2357. New South Wales, Australia. 25 May 1932. p. 12. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  15. "NO HANDSHAKES AT LARGE RECEPTIONS". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 27, 503. Victoria, Australia. 11 October 1934. p. 11. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  16. Tom Foster holding boomerangs, a spear and a shield, La Perouse, New South Wales, 3 January 1933 [picture], Fairfax Corporation, 1933
  17. "Coping With The Boom In Boomerangs". Smith's Weekly. Vol. XXI, no. 27. New South Wales, Australia. 2 September 1939. p. 11. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.


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