parade passed someone by

In The Five Pennies [1959 Film biography of Red Nichols, directed by Melville Shavelson] ...One young man says, "My father told me all about you.... He said you were smart to get out of the business before the parade passed you by." Outraged at this slight and intent on proving that he is still musically potent, Nichols is conveniently handed a cornet by his wife, who sees an opportunity to bring him back to the music after many years.