Paul E. Bierley (1926-2016)

[Dave Detwiler]

I just got word that the great Sousa scholar, Paul E. Bierley, passed away in his sleep this morning. He turned 90 this past February.

His most recent book, The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa, has been a constant companion for the past couple of years. I am deeply grateful for his passionate and tireless work documenting all things Sousa!

[bisontuba]

Very sad news....

[roweenie]

Very sad news, and a great loss - much of what we know about J.P. Sousa is a result of his tireless and dedicated research over many decades.

Rest in peace, Dr. Bierley, and thank you.

[PaulMaybery]

Paul was a friend to many of us. That he played the tuba made it even more special. As a musicians' friend he introduced us to Sousa in such a way, that through his wonderful historical research and colorful writing, we sort of feel that Sousa was a personal friend of ours as well.

Paul was extremely smart, very well educated, but had the down to earth demeanor of a real tuba player. No phoney baloney stuff with him. His tireless comittment to research was his reason for being, I believe. On one visit Paul and Pauline put me up in the guest room, where the walls were lined with shelves, floor to ceiling. On them were hundreds of boxes of computer punch cards. No flash drives back then. The dining room was wall to wall filing cabinets with treasure after treasure, photos, programs, memorabilia, etc. And in the basement his Martin Eb Tuba and a record collection of Sousa marches and notebooks of music to go with. He would sit a play along.

Paul inspired me with his total immersion in what he pursued. And what is remarkable is that he completed those projects and found ways to get them published so we all can benefit. But in a conversation with Pauline, I recall how she made so many sacrifices as well in support of his calling. What a legacy and what a role model for other historians.