Johann Strauss II

Known as "The Waltz King," Strauss was largely responsible for the popularity of the waltz in the 19th century.

As a boy, Strauss was beaten by his father for practicing the violin.

Strauss and his famous traveling orchestra toured Europe and the United States, to great acclaim.

Strauss was composing a ballet, Aschenbrödel, but he died before it was completed.

His smash hit, The Blue Danube, originally had words and was a complete flop...until Strauss changed it to an instrumental piece.

Strauss and his father were intense rivals.

Strauss composed his first waltz at just six years old.