They’re Putting On for HBCUs — Again!

Southern University’s world-famous marching band, the “Human Jukebox,” is once again making history. The powerhouse ensemble from the prestigious HBCU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been officially announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX pregame show, marking another major milestone in their extraordinary legacy (Black Enterprise).

Known worldwide for their precision, energy, and unmatched flair, the Human Jukebox has been dazzling audiences for more than seven decades — from presidential inaugurations to international showcases. Now, they’re taking their artistry to one of the grandest stages in all of sports: the Super Bowl, which will be held in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.

The announcement came on February 4 during a special episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, where the band performed live before dropping the exciting news. Band director Kendric Taylor, visibly emotional and proud, shared the reveal with Hudson and the cheering audience.

“The history of this band goes back for many years,” Taylor said. “We’ve been on so many platforms — the Super Bowl seven times, three presidential inauguration parades — but this time is different. We’re going to be at the Super Bowl headlining the pregame show. The Southern University Human Jukebox — live at the Super Bowl” (The Advocate).

Hudson, herself a music icon and EGOT winner, jumped up and applauded. “Y’all better work — oh my goodness!” she exclaimed, celebrating the band’s achievement and the recognition it brings to HBCU excellence.

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A Legacy of Sound and Soul

Founded in 1947, the Southern University Marching Band has long been recognized as a cultural institution, often called “the heartbeat of Baton Rouge.” With over 300 student musicians and the legendary Fabulous Dancing Dolls, the Human Jukebox is renowned for seamlessly blending jazz, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, and classical influences into powerful performances that feel both timeless and modern.

Their breathtaking halftime routines have gone viral countless times, drawing praise from celebrities like Beyoncé, Lizzo, and Usher, who called the group “a masterclass in rhythm and discipline” (Billboard).

“The Human Jukebox embodies everything an HBCU stands for — pride, excellence, and community,” Taylor told CNN. “Every performance is a love letter to our people, our ancestors, and our city.”

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Carrying the HBCU Torch Nationwide

In recent months, the band has been on a roll. They were among the featured performers at the 2025 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, where they received standing ovations and national praise for their dynamic choreography and thunderous brass sound (ESPN).

They also represented Southern University and HBCU excellence at the first-ever West Coast HBCU Battle of the Bands, performing alongside Alabama A&M, Hampton, and North Carolina A&T. Hosted by entertainer Nick Cannon, the event highlighted the cultural importance of HBCU marching traditions.

“This (HBCU) culture has always been about unity and resilience,” Cannon told CNN Entertainment. “Especially in times of hardship, our music brings people together. And to see that energy spreading all the way to Los Angeles — that’s powerful.”

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From Baton Rouge to the Big Game

While this won’t be the Human Jukebox’s first Super Bowl appearance, it will be their first time headlining the pregame show — a distinction that cements their legacy as one of the most influential marching bands in history. Their past performances have included collaborations with major artists, appearances at multiple NFL events, and televised parades seen by millions around the world.

“When we step onto that field, it’s not just about music,” Taylor said. “It’s about representing every student, every alum, and every HBCU across America. This moment belongs to all of us” (The Advocate).

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A Win for HBCUs Everywhere

Southern University’s Super Bowl appearance is being hailed as a monumental moment for Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide. As Black Enterprise notes, it not only highlights the musical excellence cultivated at HBCUs but also their broader cultural influence on American music, sports, and entertainment.

Music historian Dr. Leonard Brown of Howard University told Forbes, “Bands like the Human Jukebox are cultural ambassadors. Their presence at an event as global as the Super Bowl demonstrates that HBCU traditions are not just regional or historical — they are foundational to American culture.”

As the countdown to kickoff begins, excitement is building across the HBCU community and beyond. The Human Jukebox’s upcoming performance promises to be a dazzling display of rhythm, color, and heritage — one that celebrates both the past and the future of Black excellence.

“With this performance,” Taylor said, “we’re not just making music — we’re making history.”