The Jackson State “Sonic Boom of the South” marching band sharing the Super Bowl stage with R&B recording artist Usher on Sunday wasn’t the first time an HBCU band has performed at the Big Game in its history.
In fact, Black college bands have been a consistent presence at halftime or pregame shows since the inception of the Super Bowl.
Here are all the occasions HBCU bands have performed during the halftime show in the 58-year history of the Super Bowl:
Grambling State — Super Bowl I, II, IX XIV, XXI, XXXII
The “World Famed Tiger Marching Band” has appeared in more Super Bowl halftime shows than any HBCU, with six.
Florida A&M — Super Bowl III, XLI
The “Marching 100” has graced the Super Bowl stage twice in its history, with its most memorable showing playing alongside Prince in Super Bowl XLI in Miami.
Southern — Super Bowl IV, XV, XXIV,
The “Human Jukebox” has played in the Super Bowl three –twice in New Orleans — a favorite home of the Big Game.
Prairie View — XLV
The “Marching Storm” complimented headline act The Black Eyed Peas in Dallas and a cast that included Usher and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
Jackson State — LVIII
The “Sonic Boom of the South” played in the first-ever Super Bowl held in Las Vegas with Usher.
