Born: November 6, 1854 – Died: March 6, 1932

John Philip Sousa, the “March King”! Born in 1854 in Washington, D.C., Sousa began studying music from a young age, first learning violin and then taking up the flute and piccolo. At 13, Sousa joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and his remarkable talent on the flute impressed the band director, who eventually appointed Sousa to lead the band at just the age of 20. He remained the director of the Marine Corps Band for 12 years, establishing the group as one of the most popular and highly regarded in the world.

In 1876, Sousa joined Lafayette Lodge No. 80 in Washington, D.C., and continued his involvement with Freemasonry throughout his life. He composed music for Masonic ceremonies and events, including his piece “From Whence Cometh My Help,” which was inspired by Psalm 121, a text frequently used in Masonic rituals. In addition to his musical legacy, Sousa was a passionate advocate for the rights of musicians, and he was instrumental in founding the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).

In 1917, Sousa was named an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York, the highest honor a Mason can receive. In his later years, Sousa founded the Sousa Band, which toured throughout the United States and Europe. He died in 1932, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of America’s most beloved composers.