It’s time we have a serious conversation about the greatest bands at our historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) — and Southern University’s (SU) “Human Jukebox” is certainly at the top of the conversation!
Suggested Reading
The 215-member band has been killing it for generations. So, in honor of their 2025 homecoming season, sit back and enjoy some of the many times the Louisiana HBCU had us all mesmerized.
‘Still Fly’ – Big Tymers
One of Human Jukebox’s most popular renditions is that of “Still Fly” by Big Tymers. The video has over 1.8 million views on YouTube.
‘We Get Turnt Up’ – Mr_Hotspot
At the height of viral dance trends on social media, SU took on “My Friends” by Mr_Hotspot.
‘Flashing Lights’ by Kanye West
No one does a Kanye West cover like Southern University!
‘FE!N’ – Travis Scott
The “Human Jukebox” was founded in 1947. Over generations, the band has become a 215-member unit.
‘Not Like Us’ – Kendrick Lamar
At the height of the 2024 rap battle between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar, SU shocked the HBCU world with their rendition of “Not Like Us.”
‘Trip’ – Ella Mai
British singer Ella mai might’ve had beef with Atlanta singer Jacquees when he covered her 2018 single “Trip…” but there’s no way Mai was upset when she heard Southern’s take on the R&B jam.
‘Neck’ – Jay Da Wizard
Always count on Southern to deliver a classic Black song with poise that’ll have the whole crowd singing along.
‘Ready or Not’ – Fugees
Ready or not, here comes the Human Jukebox with another amazing cover!
‘Power’ by Kanye West
When we say “power,” we’re referring to Southern University’s force… not the Kanye West song.
The Origin of the Band
T. Leroy Davis is credited with starting SU’s marching band in 947. The band director retired from his role in 1964.
‘Throat Baby (Go Baby)’ – BRS Kash
If you’ve ever heard the original version of “Throat Baby” by Atlanta rapper BRS Kash, then you would be very impressed by how close to the original the band got without using any curse words!
‘The Weekend’ – SZA
Yup, the Human Jukebox knows how to handle the R&B jams too!
‘Dangerously In Love’ – Beyoncé
Is Beyoncé in the room with us?! Check out SU’s jaw-dropping rendition of one of Queen Bey’s most iconic songs.
‘Wild Thoughts’ – Rihanna
In 1989, the band made history when it admitted its first female member, Angela Boudoin. The historic move opened the flood gates for female musicians to show off their skills at the HBCU.
Southern v. Talladega Battle of the Bands 2015
As you can tell, no one knows how to turn up quite like Southern University!
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