Today we received word that noted UIP author Paul Bierley had passed away.

For us, Bierley wrote The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa. He penned other words on Sousa as well as acting as principal author of the three-volume Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music. He also contributed dozens of magazine articles and reviews in music journals and produced liner notes for numerous CDs and LP series. In 1976, Bierley founded a publishing company dedicated to publishing band-related literature.

Considered the world’s foremost expert on Sousa, Bierley came by his enthusiasm honestly, for in addition to writing and scholarship, he played the tuba. He lent his musical talents to municipal orchestras and a variety of other organizations including the North American Aviation Concert Band, the New Sousa Band, and the Virginia Grand Military Band. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.