Play On!: A Marine's Musical Journey from the Bayou to the White House

by John R. bourgeois

With his hallmark wit and eloquence, Colonel John R. Bourgeois gives an autobiographical account of his life and career as a musician from humble roots who rose through the ranks to became the twenty-fifth director of “The President's Own” United States Marine Band. Page after page is filled with recollections from Colonel Bourgeois's tenure with the Marine Band, many of which involve the most significant musical and political figures of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including multiple presidents, first ladies, and a number of renowned conductors and artists. Augmenting the stories are newspaper clippings, letters from U.S. presidents, transcriptions of speeches Colonel Bourgeois gave at various events, musical programs for select concerts from throughout his illustrious career, and 90 previously unpublished photographs of John Bourgeois with his family, friends, and the presidents and first ladies he served. Perfect for wind band aficionados and history buffs alike, readers are sure to delight in the tales and musings of this towering figure of American political and musical life.

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Frank Kohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially liked the White House anecdotes and interactions with the presidents and their wives.

I was out of my depth when he talked about the nuances of music although as a member of our unit’s Navy band, I recognized and played several of the marches he mentioned.