Gilmore, Patrick (Sarsfield) (1829–1892)

Irish-born US bandmaster. During the American Civil War (1861–65) he headed all the Union army's bands in Louisiana and it was in New Orleans in 1864 that he presented the first of his massive concerts. He continued to organize these ‘jubilees’, which included thousands of instrumentalists, singers, various bells, and cannons, while touring the USA, Canada, and Europe with his own band. He also composed many band numbers, dance melodies, and popular songs, including the famous ‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again’ (1863).

Gilmore was born near Dublin, and having been taught music and the cornet by his town's regimental bandmaster, he toured with the band to Canada in 1846. Several years later he emigrated to Massachusetts where he founded Gilmore's Band. He died while conducting his band at the St Louis Exposition.