John Philip Sousa

John Philip Sousa (1854–1932), widely known as "The March King," was an American composer, conductor, and performer who became the most celebrated composer of military marches in history. Born in Washington, D.C., to a Portuguese father and German mother, Sousa began his musical career as an apprentice in the United States Marine Band at age 13. In 1880, he became the band's conductor, serving for twelve years before establishing his own ensemble, the Sousa Band, in 1892. His band toured extensively across the United States and Europe, achieving worldwide fame.

Sousa composed 136 marches, along with operettas, waltzes, and songs. His most famous works include "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (1896), designated the National March of the United States; "Semper Fidelis" (1888), the official march of the U.S. Marine Corps; "The Washington Post" (1889), which popularized a dance craze; and "Liberty Bell" (1893), later known as the theme for Monty Python's Flying Circus. Other notable marches include "King Cotton," "El Capitan," and "Hands Across the Sea."

Beyond composing, Sousa invented the sousaphone, a large brass instrument, and advocated for musicians' rights. He died in 1932, leaving an enduring legacy in American music.