The son of Portuguese parents that immigrated to the U.S. from Spain, John Phillip Sousa is best known for his "Stars and Stripes Forever" composition. Other popular marches include "Hands across the Sea", "Semper Fideles" and "The Washington Post March".
Sousa was born in 1854 in Washington D.C. and first studied the alto horn, baritone, cornet, flute, piano, trombone and violin at the age of six. At the age of 13, his father, also a musician, enlisted Sousa in the Marines as an appretice.
After five years as a civilian bandmaster, he took over the Marine Band in 1880 and led them to greatness. In 1892, he formed the civilian "New Marine Band" but soon changed it's name to the "Sousa Band" after recieving pressure from Washington.
Sousa, who is credited with over 130 marches, arrangements and operettas, died in 1932 at the age of 77.
