About
P. S. Gilmore
Patrick Sarfsield Gilmore is often called the "father
of the American Band," "America's greatest bandleader",
"America's first Superstar". He touched the
lives of music lovers all over America and the world.
- Born on December 25, 1829 in Ballygar, County Galway,
Ireland.
- Emigrated to Boston in 1849.
- Became famous as cornet soloist and band leader.
- Founded Gilmore's Band in 1857, featured two woodwinds
to each brass instrument: the same used in modern
concert bands.
- First Promenade Concert in America (1855): forerunner
of today's Boston Pops.
- During the Civil War, Gilmore's Band served with
the Massachusetts 24th Regiment.
- Wrote many songs, including When
Johnny Comes Marching Home, Good News
from Home, We are Coming Father Abraham,
Seeing Nellie Home, and Famous 22nd Regiment
March.
- Produced the World's Peace Jamboree (1872), which
had a 2,000 piece orchestra and 20,000 voice chorus.
Johann Strauss, Jr., was paid $100,000 to appear at
these concerts -- the only time he visited America.
- Created Gilmore's Concert Garden, which became the
first Madison Square Garden.
- Music Director for many important celebrations,
including:
July 4th Centennial in Philadelphia (1876).
Dedication of the Statue of Liberty (1886).
- Featured at Manhattan Beach Hotel and St. Louis
Exposition.
- Successfully toured Europe (1878).
- Toured extensively throughout the United States
until his death in 1892.
- Made some of the first commercial recordings for
Thomas Edison in 1891.
- It was Gilmore and his band who started the new
familiar tradition of greeting the New Year in Times
Square, New York.
Gilmore is buried with his wife and daughter in Old
Calvary Cemetery, Long Island, New York. In September,
1992, the Centennial of his death, the P.S. Gilmore
Society erected a monument at the grave.
......Michael Cummings
Copyright:
Boston Irish Tourism Association
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