John Philip Sousa papers

1920-1965 [bulk 1928-1930]

John Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor, primarily known for his American military marches. Born in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 1854, near the Marine Barracks where his father was a musician, Sousa's early musical education included studying violin, piano, flute, brass instruments, and singing. His father enlisted him in the United States Marine Band as an apprentice in 1868 to prevent him from joining a circus band. Sousa served in the Marine Corps from 1868 to 1875 and again from 1880 to 1892, leading the Marine Band as its director and developing it into the country's premier military band and conducted "The President's Own" band under five presidents. During this time, the band also made its first recordings.

In July 1892, Sousa resigned from the Marine Band to form his own civilian concert band, The Sousa Band, which toured extensively from 1892 to 1931, performing over 15,000 concerts both domestically and internationally. Upon the United States' entry into World War I, Sousa was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve and led the Navy Band at the Great Lakes Naval Station. He was later promoted to lieutenant commander. He was celebrated in many cities like Atlanta, GA and Youngstown, OH with "Sousa Day" dedicated to the performances being held at the time. Sousa is best known for composing numerous enduring military marches, including "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (National March of the United States), "Semper Fidelis" (official march of the United States Marine Corps), "The Liberty Bell", "The Thunderer", and "The Washington Post". He wrote over 130 marches, as well as operettas, overtures, suites, dances, and fantasies. He also aided in the development of the sousaphone, a large brass instrument.

Sousa died of heart failure on March 6, 1932, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and his legacy continues through his music and the John Philip Sousa Foundation, which recognizes outstanding student musicians.