John Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor best known for U.S. military marches, earning the nickname “The March King.” His most famous works include “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Semper Fidelis,” “The Washington Post,” “The Liberty Bell,” and “The Thunderer.” He also helped popularise the sousaphone, a tuba designed for marching bands. Born in Washington, D.C., Sousa began music studies young, learning multiple instruments and showing talent. At 13, his father enlisted him as an apprentice in the United States Marine Band. Sousa left in 1875, worked as a violinist, and learned conducting. He returned in 1880 as director of the Marine Band, leading “The President’s Own” under five U.S. presidents. In 1892, Sousa formed the touring Sousa Band, which became famous, performing thousands of concerts. During World War I, he led a Navy band. Sousa died on 6 March 1932, after rehearsing “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” He is buried in Washington, D.C., where the Marine Band performs “Semper Fidelis” at his grave each year on his birthday.