Stars and Stripes For Ev Ver.

John J. Miller's Between the Covers at National Review Online has an interesting interview with John Philip Sousa IV. The great-grandson of the famous American composer was on to plug discuss his new book. John Philip Sousa's America: The Patriot's Life in Images and Words explores Sousa's legacy through archival photographs and his presence in contemporary media. Popular tastes have shifted over time, of course, but Sousa IV insists that Sousa was "the Rock star of his day."

The review in the Cleveland Plain Dealer shares images from the book and some annoying popup ads. The images are interesting, the ads annoying. But the interview with Sousa IV is very informative. Sousa IV boasts that the earlier Sousa visited 11, count 'em, 11 continents. Turns out musical talent doesn't run in the blood, as Sousa IV was unable to define what a 'march' is, beside it being popular during his granddad's life.

The book includes a 19-track cd with rare recordings of, among other things, Sousa himself conducting Stars and Stripes Forever (which I couldn't dig up posted any place). I'm almost glad I couldn't find it. Some searches for composers conducting their works only end in disappointment incarnate.

I'd much rather have awful video and decent sound. So in honor of tomorrow's Independence Day holiday, this wednesday, Wednesday, WEDNESDAY, put your hands together for the one - the only...