John Philip Sousa
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Stars And Stripes Forever
on The March King Conducts His Own Marches And Other Favorites [An Historical Recording] -
Washington Post March
on The March King - John Philip Sousa Conducts His Own Marches And Other Favorites - An Historical Recording -
Hands Across The Sea
on The March King Conducts His Own Marches And Other Favorites [An Historical Recording] -
Thunderer March
on The March King Conducts His Own Marches And Other Favorites [An Historical Recording] -
Capitan
on The March King Conducts His Own Marches And Other Favorites [An Historical Recording]
Bio Full Biography »
John Philip Sousa wrote the most famous American military marches of all time, including "Stars and Stripes Forever," earning him the nickname "the March King"; he was also known as a great bandleader, and organized the famed concert and military group, Sousa's Band. Born in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 1854, Sousa followed in the footsteps of his father, a musician in the U.S. Marine Corps, and enlisted by the age of 14. Before this, Sousa had studied violin with John Esputa. While active in the Marines, he composed his first march, "Salutation." Around the age of 16, Sousa began studying harmony with G.F. Benkert, then worked as a pit orchestra conductor at a local theater, followed by jobs as first chair violinist at the Ford Opera House, the Philadelphia Chestnut Street Theater, and later led the U.S. Marine Corps Band (1880-1992). Although most famous for his marches, Sousa composed in other styles as well, including a waltz, "Moonlight on the Potomac"; a gallop, "The Cuckoo" ...