Which American composer is commonly known as the 'March King'?

Which American composer is commonly known as the 'March King'?

• A. George Gershwin
• B. John Philip Sousa
• C. Aaron Copland
• D. Philip Glass

Answer: (B)

The nickname "March King" comes from building and defining the American march tradition. John Philip Sousa was a prolific composer and conductor whose marches became the standard repertoire for military bands and community orchestras, spread worldwide through touring and performances. His works are characterized by strong, march-friendly rhythms, memorable melodies, and clear, repeatable sections that players can easily learn, which helped the march form become a central part of American musical life. The Stars and Stripes Forever, one of his best-known pieces, is often cited as a quintessential American march and a symbol of his lasting influence. Other composers listed are celebrated for different styles—Gershwin for Broadway-influenced jazz-infused pieces, Copland for distinctly American rural-modern soundscapes, and Glass for minimalist music—so Sousa stands out specifically for shaping and popularizing the march genre in the United States.