John Philip Sousa become one of the most admired Americans at the end of the 19th century as the music he wrote became closely associated with public displays of patriotism. Known as "The March King," Sousa was hailed for writing popular compositions such as "Stars and Stripes Forever" and "Semper Fidelis."

Besides being a prolific composer, Sousa also became extremely popular as a the leader of performing musicians.

He conducted the United States Marine Band in the 1880s, turning an overlooked ensemble into one of the best-known military bands on earth.

When Sousa left the Marine Band in 1892 to form his own orchestra, the news merited a front-page story in the New York Times. In the 1890s Sousa and his orchestra toured extensively and became one of the biggest draws in American show business.

Though he initially resisted what he termed "canned music," and was not eager to be recorded, he did eventually make phonograph records. And in the late 1920s he overcame his objections to performing on the radio and conducted bands which were heard by listeners across America.

His death in 1932 was national news, and he was given a hero's funeral. His music continues to be performed daily, and Sousa marches are instantly recognizable to millions of Americans.

Early Life

John Philip Sousa was born in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 1854. His father, who was born in Spain of Portuguese descent, was a musician who played with the Marine Band.

Young Sousa displayed musical talent early in life and studied at a local conservatory. Growing up in Civil War era Washington, he heard, and was influenced by, the sounds of drummers and military bands.

In his early teens Sousa was offered a job as a musician in a circus, and his father, disapproving of the plan, arranged for him to join the Marine Band instead. He stayed with the band for several years, and by the early 1870s was writing his own music and conducting small orchestras in Washington.

In 1876 Sousa performed as a violinist at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, and he stayed on in Philadelphia throughout the late 1870s. During that period he performed at several theaters and wrote a comic opera, "The Smugglers."

Marine Band

Sousa returned to Washington to become the conductor of the U.S. Marine Band, a post which began in 1880 and lasted until 1892. Prior to Sousa's involvement, the band performed at government functions but was not regarded as particularly talented.

Under Sousa's direction the Marine Band became one of the most respected bands in America. Its performances at government functions received attention, and concerts it gave in the evenings during the summer months consistently drew large crowds.

The Marine Band, with Sousa conducting embarked on tours across the nation, gaining countless fans. The exacting standards Sousa brought to the band's musicianship set a standard for many other brass bands.

Sousa developed into a prolific composer during his years conducting the Marine Band. In 1888 he wrote one of his best-known marches, "Semper Fidelis," which became the official march of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Civilian Bandleader

Under Sousa's leadership the Marine Band became a major attraction, but Sousa, as a member of the Marine Corps, was not paid very well. A promoter offered to provide financial backing in hiring civilian musicians and arranging tours, and Sousa left the Marine Corps to work as a civilian musician.

An item on the front page of the New York Times on August, 1, 1892 was headlined "Sousa Leaves the Marine Band." The article noted that the commandant of the Marine Corps accepted Sousa's resignation with deep regret, but understood the advantages of him being a civilian again.

During the 1890s Sousa and his band toured extensively. The arrival of Sousa in a town would inspire a great reception and his concerts generally sold out. He continued writing marches, and in 1896 wrote one of his most famous compositions, "Stars and Stripes Forever."

Patriotic Duty

During the Spanish-American War Sousa returned to uniform and served as a musical director in the U.S. Army. During World War I, he returned to uniform again, serving in the U.S. Navy and often performing at enormous rallies urging Americans to buy war bonds.

Sousa continued making music into his old age. He died in Reading, Pennsylvania, on March 6, 1932, following a rehearsal before a planned performance that night. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son. After an elaborate public funeral he was buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.