142. Sousa, John Philip. Postcard photograph signed, (5.37 x 3.5 in.; 137 x 89 mm.), 1905.

A striking image of Sousa signed and dated.

An American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, Sousa is best known for his American military and patriotic marches. Because of his mastery of march composition, he is known as “American March King” Among his best-known marches are “The Liberty Bell,” “The Thunderer,” “The Washington Post,” “Semper Fidelis” (Official March of the United States Marine Corps), and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” (National March of the United States of America).

When Sousa was just thirteen years of age, his father, a trombonist in the Marine Band, enlisted him in the United States Marine Corps as an apprentice to keep him from joining a circus band. Several years long after serving his apprenticeship, Sousa joined a theatrical orchestra where he learned to conduct. From 1880 until his death, he focused exclusively on conducting and the writing of marches.

He eventually rejoined the Marine Band and served there for twelve years as director, most of this time with the rank of Sergeant Major. Sousa led “The President’s Own” band under five presidents from Rutherford B. Hayes to Benjamin Harrison. Sousa’s band played at two Inaugural Balls, those of James A. Garfield in 1881, and Benjamin Harrison in 1889.
$600 - $800