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Merle Slease Evans was born on December 26, 1891, in Columbus, Kansas. He started his career as a cornet player and band director for various traveling shows, including the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show featuring Buffalo Bill. In 1919, he became the band director for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, a role he held until 1969. During his tenure, Evans composed eight circus marches, including Symphonia and Fredella. He was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1947 and the International Circus Hall of Fame in 1975. Evans passed away on December 31, 1987, in Sarasota, Florida.
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