Karl Lawrence King, a native of Paintersville, Ohio, grew up as a self-taught musician with very little schooling of any kind. At eighteen, he began a career playing in and directing circus bands, including those of Barnum and Bailey, Robinson Famous Shows, the Sells-Floto Circus, and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. King settled down in Fort Dodge, Iowa in 1920 and for the next fifty-one years conducted the city's municipal band.
King the composer published more than 300 works: galopss, waltzes, overtures, serenades, rags, and 188 marches. His name appeared on the sheet music as Karl King, K. L. King, or sometimes Carl Lawrence.
"Barnum and Bailey's Favorite" remains his best known circus march, but other pieces that retain their popularity among fans of band music include: