Joseph John Richards (August 27, 1878 – March 16, 1956) was a composer, conductor, and music educator best known for writing over 300 compositions for circus and school bands.
His most successful works were marches, including Crusade for Freedom, Emblem of Unity, and Shield of Liberty.
Richards was born in Cwmafan, Wales, but spent most of his childhood in Pittsburg, Kansas, United States.
He began teaching music during World War I, first to Army bands and later to public schoolchildren.
He conducted several municipal bands in Florida and Kansas until 1945 when he was selected to succeed Herbert L. Clarke as conductor of the Long Beach, California Municipal Band.