I. Minor composer in a major role : The greatness of a composer ; The "March King" ; The legacy of John Philip Sousa ; The Prolific Sousa ; Sousa's far-reaching influence ; A phenomenon of the entertainment world ; The patriot ; Influences on bands ; Contribution to operetta ; Impact on jazz ; Impact on the recording industry ; On the radio ; The practical composer; Honors

II. Biography of John Philip Sousa : Childhood in Washington, D.C. ; A marine at thirteen ; Conductor of theater orchestras ; Opportunities in Philadelphia ; Marriage ; Conductor of the United States Marine Band ; His first published operetta ; Sousa's first noteworthy march ; First called "March King" ; Ending his marine corps career ; Formation of the Sousa band ; A triumph in operetta ; The fight with the manager's widow ; Three more successes in operetta ; The first European tours ; Campaigning for composers' rights ; The world tour of 1910-1911 ; Forging ahead ; A navy recruit at sixty-two ; The postwar years ; The end of an era

III. The gentle man : A happy, active life ; Determination and success ; Sportsman ; Regard for others ; A kindly employer

IV. Sousa's philosophy of music : On composing ; On conducting ; On programming ; On instrumentation ; On the future of music in America

V. The incredible Sousa band : The beginning of an American institution ; A unique musical organization ; One big happy family ; Eminent soloists ; Business aspects ; The impact of Sousa band alumni ; The Sousa band library ; The Sousa band fraternal society

VI. Marching on: Appendix 1: The works of John Philip Sousa ; Appendix 2: The family of John Philip Sousa ; Appendix 3: The residences of John Philip Sousa ; Appendix 4: John Philip Sousa's military career

Bibliography

Index.