Patrick Gilmore

Full biography Patrick Gilmore

Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore (December 25 , 1829 – September 24, 1892) was an Irish-American composer and bandmaster known for his contributions to the American Civil War era. He was born outside Dublin, Ireland, and from infancy he was raised in the United States. Gilmore wrote several pieces of music, including "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," which was published under the name Louis Lambert. He was a prominent figure in the band movement in the United States and Europe during the mid to late 19th century.

During the Civil War, Gilmore served in the Union Army, where he wrote several patriotic songs to buoy the spirits of the soldiers. He organized many concerts and festivals, including the Boston Peace Jubilee in 1869, which was attended by then-President Ulysses S. Grant. Gilmore's efforts helped to unify the country after the war.

Gilmore's fame as a composer and bandmaster was such that he was able to attract the best musicians in the world, and he was known for his ambitious concert productions. He was a strong advocate for music education and helped establish many music schools in the United States. Gilmore's legacy lives on through the music he wrote and the impact he had on the American band movement.