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Calixa Lavallée was a Canadian composer, pianist, conductor, and music educator, best known as the composer of the music for the Canadian national anthem, 'O Canada'. Born in Verchères, Lower Canada (Quebec). Exhibited musical talent early, touring the US and Latin America as a pianist. Served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Studied music in Paris. Returned to Canada, composed 'O Canada' in 1880 for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. Promoted Canadian music and founded national music institutions. Spent later years primarily in the US, struggling financially. Died in Boston, buried in Montreal.

• Lavallée fought with the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers of the Union Army during the American Civil War, where he was wounded.
• Despite composing Canada's most famous song, Lavallée spent much of his career and his final years in the United States due to limited opportunities in Canada, often facing significant financial hardship.
• Lavallée died in poverty in Boston. The cause of death is often cited as peritonitis, likely stemming from untreated appendicitis.
• His iconic anthem, 'O Canada', only became the official national anthem of Canada in 1980, nearly 100 years after its composition and almost 90 years after his death.
• He was a strong advocate for establishing a distinct Canadian national musical identity and helped found organizations like the Académie de musique du Québec.