Karl King Statue Dedicated

Posted by Chad Criswell Oct 22, 2006

Karl King was notably one of the most famous American composers and band directors of his time, second only to the immortal John Philip Sousa. King's hometown of Fort Dodge, Iowa is today dedicating a life size bronze statue of King in the middle of Karl King Memorial Park.

King's music, although not as well known as Sousa's, included timeless compositions that are still played today. One of his most famous compositions, Barnum and Bailey's Favorite, was written during his time as a euphonium player in the Barnum and Bailey Circus Band in 1913. Other compositions such as the Ragged Rozy, Iowa Corn Song, and The Big Cage are less well known but still pieces of classic Americana.

See a photo of the statue and more biographical data about King and his legacy by visiting the Karl King web site.