Invincible Eagle by John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa (November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932), was an American entertainer and composer. He is best remembered for his marches, his band, and his patriotism. Known as the "March King," he wrote 136 marches, including The Stars and Stripes Forever, the national march of the United States. He also wrote many other musical pieces, including operettas, popular songs, waltzes and more, as well as seven books and many articles. He first became famous while serving as the leader of the U.S. Marine Band. Later he formed his own band, the Sousa Band, which toured for 39 years and entertained millions of people.
Sousa wrote Invincible Eagle for his band's performance at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, in 1901. He considered naming it "The Spirit of Niagara" in recognition of the exposition, but decided not to localize it because he thought his new march might eventually rival "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Soon after its premiere, Sousa described the conviction and spirit which compelled him to compose this march, noting, "It is what I call one of my sunshine marches."
