The Enduring Legacy of American Composer John Philip Sousa: A Look at the Evolution of Popular Music

• The researcher affirmed that the legacy of the American composer is still perceived in world culture

Carlos Hugo Hermida Rosales

Photos: Omar Portilla Palacios

06/11/2023, Xalapa, Ver.- “American composer and music director John Philip Sousa greatly influenced American popular music, and his legacy is still felt in global culture,” said drummer and educator Daniel Glass, speaking at the Museum of Anthropology in Xalapa (MAX) from the Veracruzana University (UV).

The speaker dictated the theme “The evolution of American popular music in the context of social world history”, at an event organized by the Institute for Social-Historical Research and the Centers for Jazz Studies (Jazzuv) and Culture and Communication (CECC).

Daniel Glass recounted that the Swiss mercenaries of the 15th century were among the first to use fifes –small flutes– and drums in battles, in order to give signals to the troops.

The researcher gave the conference “The evolution of American popular music in the context of world social history”

So also the bands of the janissaries – personal guard of the Turkish sultans – which are among the oldest in history; In their melodies, which were characterized by a sharp sound, percussion instruments such as timpani, boxes, cymbals and triangles stood out.

The drummer emphasized that in order to frame the origin of American popular music, it is essential to address the figure of Philip Sousa, who to this day is known worldwide for his compositions of military marches.

Sousa conducted the US Marine Corps Band in 1880, and introduced several technical innovations to valved brass instruments.

Some of his most famous marches are The liberty bell, Captain, invincible eagle, Always faithful y The Stars and Stripes Foreverwhich are of great importance at the national level.