John Philip Sousa

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1854, John Philip Sousa grew up in a musical family and began training early. He served as an apprentice in the U.S. Marine Band and later returned as its conductor, building a reputation for precision, energy, and crowd-pleasing programs.

Sousa became one of the most famous musicians of his era after founding Sousa's Band in 1892. With that ensemble he toured widely across the United States and abroad, bringing band music to huge audiences and turning marches into a major popular form.

Although he is most often remembered for pieces like The Stars and Stripes Forever and Semper Fidelis, Sousa wrote much more than marches, including operettas and other concert works. His music remains closely tied to American public life, from parades and military ceremonies to concert halls and school bands.