What would a parade be without the music of John Philip Sousa?
Thank goodness we’ll never find out.
His marches are an indelible part of the fabric of America.
When he was touring with his U.S. Marine Band, he was like a rock star.
There’s even a family out there that named its sons: John, Philip and Sousa.
You probably know his “Stars and Stripes Forever.” But his “Washington Post March” was also a blockbuster hit, and families across the country went out and bought sheet music for it.
Sousa’s dad was a trombonist in the Marine Band, and the young Sousa had music in his blood.
He was born on this day: Nov. 6, 1854.
And you’re bound to hear his music at celebrations across the country next year to mark 250 years of American Independence.
