John Philip Sousa Grave

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA (1854–1932) was born in SE Washington DC where his father, was a musician in the Marine Band. He enrolled in a private conservatory of music where he studied piano and other instruments. At the age of 13, he tried to join a travelling circus band, but his father J.P. Sousa (1900)Library of Congressenlisted him in the Marine Band. Sousa rose to become leader of the band for 15 years. Later, he organized his own band and toured the U.S. and Europe. Sousa composed the official song of the Marine Corps, “Semper Fidelis” at the request of President Chester A. Arthur. He produced numerous comic operas, novels, waltzes, songs and symphonic poems. His many marching band pieces earned him the title “March King”. R77/S163 SOUTH