Happy Birthday John Philip Sousa (November 6, 1854 – November 5, 2026)

Posted on by Scott Schwartz

In honor of John Philip Sousa’s 172nd birthday the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music celebrates the many dimensions of America’s invincible March King with a special performance of his “Invincible Eagle March” performed by the U.S. Marine Band.

Sousa examining the first publication of his “Invincible Eagle March,” May 29, 1901 (top left), Sousa pictured with his son and grandson, John Philip Sousa Jr. and John Philip Sousa III, summer 1927 (top right), Sousa pictured with his new wife, Jane van Middlesworth Bellis Sousa in Washington, DC, 1893 (bottom left), Sousa standing with Herbert L. Clarke during his band’s tour in Germany, 1900 (bottom right), and the March King at age 19, 1873 (center).
Updated on by Scott Schwartz