Songwriters Hall of FameInducted 1970

December 25 - Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore is born in Ballygar, County Galway, Ireland

Becomes enamored with band sound at a protest rally against the British rule in Athlone, Ireland.

Moves to Athlone, Ireland where he becomes a member of the local bands and is introduced to Patrick Keating, the great bandleader. Keating teaches him classical music and trumpets.

Moves to Boston, Massachusetts

Becomes the leader of the Boston Brigade Band and then the Charlestown Band.

After gaining fame for his coronet solos, he joins the Salem Brigade Band, at the time regarded as the best band in America

Performs for the inauguration of President James Buchanan

Marries Ellen O'Neill

Founds Patrick Gilmore's Band, which features 2 woodwinds to each brass instrument. The first band of its kind and later a model for all bands.

April 9 - The Gilmore Band debuts

Gilmore's Band is enlisted in the Union Army

Gilmore is put in charge of training bands in Massachusetts by Governor Andrews from MA..

Gilmore writes WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME after the Battle of Gettysburg

Gilmore completes his service in the Army and is asked by President Lincoln to organize and perform a celebration in New Orleans

Gilmore's National Peace Festival is held in Cooley Square in Boston Common. It is the biggest social event of the century in Boston and is attended by President Grant and his cabinet

Travels to Europe where Gilmore is inspired to produce the World Peace Jubilee. Last that year, the Jubilee is held in Boston.

Creates Gilmore's Concert Garden in New York (the first Madison Square Garden)

After joining the 22nd Regiment Band in 1881, Gilmore starts the tradition of gathering in Times Square at midnight on December 31 to celebrate the New Year.

Patrick S. Gilmore dies from a heart attack.