Known as the "March King," John Philip Sousa created more than 100 marches which reflected the optimism, patriotism, and military prowess of late nineteenth and early twentieth century America. Sousa was called the "Dickens of Music" and "Knight of the Baton." He described himself as a "Salesman of Americanism, globetrotter, and musician."

Sousa was born on November 6, 1854, in Washington, D.C., to John Antonio and Maria Elisabeth (Trinkhaus) Sousa. His father played a trombone for the United States Marine Band. Musically gifted at a young age, John Philip Sousa studied at a local conservatory and was inspired by Civil War marches he heard during his boyhood. At age 13, Sousa considered joining a circus band, and his father enlisted him in the United States Marine Band.

By the summer of 1872, Sousa conducted and played in orchestras in Washington, D.C., and began composing music...