Human Jukebox
| The Human Jukebox | |
|---|---|
| School | Southern University and A&M College |
| Location | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Conference | SWAC |
| Members | 200+ |
The Human Jukebox is a nationally renowned band representing Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The band is anchored by the Isaac Greggs Band Hall on campus. The late Dr. Isaac Greggs (Doc) was a well-known band director who led the band for 36 years (1969 - 2005). In addition to having the music hall renamed in his honor, he was inducted into the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame in 2013 and had a display case dedicated in his honor at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016.[1][2]
The Human Jukebox has been consistently recognized as one of the top marching bands in the country by USA Today, NCAA, and ESPN.[3][4][5]
The Human Jukebox has performed at the Super Bowl six times as of 2015 and has a long-standing reputation of making appearances at many types of highly visible and exclusive events.[6] For example, in April 2015, the Human Jukebox and Dancing Dolls performed for the grand introduction of Floyd Mayweather in the MGM Grand Arena of Las Vegas for "The Fight of The Century".[7]
Since 1969, the Human Jukebox has been accompanied by The Fabulous Dancing Dolls. The Dolls are best known for their high-energy performances and stylish dance uniforms. A notable highlight in Dolls' history is when they were invited to perform with world pop-star Madonna for her live Super Bowl halftime performance in 2012. Also in 2016, four Dolls collectively auditioned and won a spot to appear in Beyoncé's Lemonnade visual album.[8][9]
One of the most anticipated traditions for the Human Jukebox is the Friday night "Battle of the Bands" versus Grambling's "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band during Bayou Classic weekend in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The annual event draws tens of thousands of alumni, fans, and spectators. Clips of it is aired on NBC's nationally televised broadcast of Saturday's football game. A YouTube video of the Human Jukebox soulful rendition of Adele's hit single "Hello" from the 2015 Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands went viral which resulted in the band garnering overwhelmingly positive press both nationally and internationally citing their excellent performance. The video received over 1 million views in less than two weeks and was one of the nation's top trending topics on social media the week of its release.[10][11] In 2016, Vice Media released a documentary detailing the historical and cultural significance of the Human Jukebox and their band battle against Grambling's "World Famed" Tiger Marching band.[12]
Leadership
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Nathan B. Haymer |
| Assistant Director | Brian K. Simmons |
| Assistant Director | Kedric D. Taylor |
| Percussion Instructor | Lornezo Hart |
| Dancing Dolls Sponsor | D'Tara Frank |
| Administrative Coordinator | Sandra Byrd |
| Drum Major ('16-'17) | Brendon Guerin |
| Dancing Dolls Captain ('16-'17) | Danielle Stamper |
See also
- Jackson State–Southern University rivalry
- Honda Battle of the Bands
- Southern Jaguars and Lady Jaguars
References
- ↑ Leslie D. Rose. "Can Play". DIGBR. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- ↑ http://www.wafb.com/story/33178769/southerns-dr-isaac-greggs-featured-as-part-of-the-new-smithsonian-museum
- ↑ http://www.nola.com/news/baton-rouge/index.ssf/2014/01/ncaa_ranks_southerns_human_juk.html
- ↑ http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/106611/main-attraction-in-georgia-southern-game-might-be-the-halftime-show
- ↑ http://humanjukebox5thquarter.com/about-us-2/
- ↑ "SU's Human Jukebox headed to the Super Bowl - again". Southern University and A & M College. January 12, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- ↑ Quincy Hodges (April 28, 2015). "The Southern University 'Human Jukebox' Marching Band to perform at Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao event Tuesday". The Times Picayune. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- ↑ Olivia LaBorde (February 5, 2012). "SU'S Dancing Dolls perform with Madonna in surprise show". WBRZ. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/The-Legacy-of-Dancing-Dolls-Forever-Dolls-101599224414/
- ↑ http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/11/southern-university-marching-band-does-mind-blowing-cover-of-adeles-hello-bayou-classic
- ↑ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6784703/marching-band-adele-hello-cover-bayou-classic
- ↑ https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/vice-world-of-sports-episode-guide-the-bayou-classic