There’s been a long history of HBCU bands performing at the Super Bowl, the most-watched sporting event of the year. Although they didn’t take the stage with Kendrick Lamar during his much-anticipated halftime performance this year, Southern University’s marching band still did their thing for the crowd at the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans during the pregame show.
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But they aren’t the only marching band that’s performed in front of some impressive crowds. Here are more of the most talented and prestigious HBCU bands in the land.
Grambling State University
Founded in 1926, the “World Famed Tiger Marching Band” performed in the first two Super Bowls in NFL history. They’re continuing that long tradition by performing at the pregame show for this year’s Super Bowl in their backyard.
Florida A&M University
Famously known as the “Marching 100,” this beloved HBCU marching band was founded in 1892. It’s performed in front of several presidents, including at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration in 1993 and Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009. “The Marching 100" has performed at several other worldwide events, including the Super Bowl, the Summer Olympics, and even the Bicentennial Celebration of the French Revolution in 1989.
Southern University
With maybe the coolest nickname for a marching band, “The Human Jukebox,” the Southern University has also performed at several huge events, including the Super Bowl halftime show six times. This renowned band has also been included in music videos for popular artists, most recently Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” in 2016.
Alabama State University
The Mighty Marching Hornets are one of the more visible bands in the country. They have performed at events that millions have viewed. They were featured in “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” and also performed at the 2019 Rose Parade before the Rose Bowl. The main dance line is known as “The Sensational Stingettes,” but they also have a dance line for only plus-size women called “The Honey-Beez.”
Jackson State University
Exquisitely named the “Sonic Boom of the South,” Jackson State University’s band has also been on the Super Bowl stage. In 2024, they were included in Usher’s excellent halftime performance in Las Vegas. They also performed at the Biden’s Presidential Inauguration Parade.
North Carolina A&T University
Known as the “Blue and Gold Marching Machine,” North Carolina A&T’s band was recently ranked as the best HBCU band in the land in October 2024.
Texas Southern University
“The Pride of the Hill Country” has performed at NFL games like several other bands on this list. But in 2003, they became the first American marching band to perform at a professional soccer game in Mexico.
Norfolk State University
Although it is one of the youngest bands on this list (it was founded in 1975), the “Spartan Legend” still has performed for some incredible crowds, including an Obama Presidential campaign rally and the Mardi Gras in the Rex Parade.
Tennessee State University
The “Aristocrat of Band” has something that almost no other marching band in the country has: a Grammy. At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, they took home an award for Best Roots Gospel Album, for their contributions to the 2022 album, “The Urban Hymnal.”
Howard University
There aren’t many places the “Showtime” marching band hasn’t performed. They’ve showed out for several NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Baltimore Ravens. They also performed at the Inaugural Parade for President Obama and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in NYC.
Hampton University Band
Howard University’s main rival, Hampton, also has a formidable band. Like their rival, they’ve also performed for President Obama and have even taken their talents overseas, playing at the New Year’s Parade in Rome, Italy.
Alcorn State University
The “Sounds of Dyn-O-mite” (SOD) is the marching band for Alcorn State University in Mississippi. The name of the dance line is the “World Renowned Golden Girls.” The dance line also refers to themselves as “The Mother of HBCU dance lines” since they are the first ones to be included with an HBCU marching band.
Alabama A&M University
The “Show-band of the South” has been around since 1890! Making them one of the oldest HBCU bands in the country. They were the first HBCU band to ever perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
This underrated HBCUmarching band doesn’t get enough love, but they’re still just as talented as every other band on this list. Last year, “M4" performed at WWE’s Bad Blood Premium Live Event at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
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