Johann Strauss II, born Johann Baptist Strauss (October 25, 1825 – June 3, 1899) was an Austrian composer. He was known as "the Waltz King" because he composed numerous waltzes. Strauss also composed polkas, quadrilles, operettas, and a ballet. Altogether, Strauss composed almost five hundred works.
Strauss came from a musical family. His father, Johann Strauss I, and his brothers, Josef and Eduard Strauss, were all composers. His nephew, Johann Strauss III, was less successful as a composer and is mainly remembered as a conductor.