History

Jackson State University Marching Band
“The Sonic Boom of the South”

A Profile of Excellence

by

Lewis Liddell, Sr., Director of Bands

Jackson, Mississippi 39217

The Jackson State University Marching Band is a direct outgrowth of the symphonic and concert bands. The marching band provides music for athletic events, selected parades, and ceremonial occasions primarily during the Fall Semester. Also, as an academic class, the marching band provides a laboratory experience for music education majors.

For more than 64 years, the Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South” has mystified and thrilled audiences throughout the nation. The band was first organized in the early 1940s under the direction of part-time band director Kermit Holly, Sr. (As early as the mid-1920s, the University had a well-organized orchestra.) In its infancy, the band consisted of college students and students from Lanier High School where Holly was employed as full-time band director. Charles Saulsburg was appointed band director in 1947. He served for one year. (In the 1947-1948 years book, he is listed as a social science teacher. This writer was unable to find any additional information on Charles Saulsburg.) In 1948, William W. Davis of Ironton, Ohio, former arranger for Cab Calloway’s legendary big band became the first full-time band director. Davis’s concept of the marching band was greatly influenced by Cab Calloway’s big band sound and showmanship. Cab Calloway’s influence is still present today in the sound and show design of the Jackson State University Marching Band.

Serving as band director for 23 years, Davis developed a comprehensive band program–symphonic band and marching band. In 1965, under the baton of William W. Davis, the Symphonic Band reached its apex with a performance at the New York World’s Fair, becoming the first historically African-American college to perform at a world’s fair. Under his direction, the marching band became a first class musical organization known for its intricate maneuvers, precision marching and the big band sound.

Davis’s musical genius transcends the barriers of time and space. Through his leadership and teaching, Davis influenced several generations of African-American band directors, including the current Director of Bands, Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr., and former directors, Harold Haughton (Retired Director of Bands at Virginia State University) and Dowell Taylor. Other band directors influenced by Davis, just to name a few, included: Dr. Dolly M. E. Robinson, Dean College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Jimmie James, Chair Department of Music, Dr. Michael Magruder, Director of Bands at Winston-Salem State University, Samuel Griffin, Director of Bands at Alcorn State University, Louis Lee, retired Director of Bands at Utica Junior College, and Dr. Estus Smith, former Vice President of Academic Affairs. In fact, during Davis’s tenure, Jackson State University became known as somewhat of a mecca for the development of African-American band directors.


Jackson State University Marching Band is an original show band. The group was given the nickname, “The Sonic Boom of the South” by band members in 1971. Also, in 1971 the majorettes abandoned their batons and became a dance team. The dance team became known as the Prancing J-Settes. Baton twirling was relegated to special features by solists and duet performers. In 1974, “Get Ready,” an old Motown favorite was selected as the band’s theme song. Also, during the mid 1970s, the “Tiger Run-On” was perfected. The “Tiger Run-On” is a fast, eye-catching shuffle step that blends an adagio step with an up-tempo shuffle (200 steps per minute), then back to adagio—a “Sonic Boom” trademark that brings fans to their feet during halftime performances.

As a tribute to the legacy and mystique of the Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South” is frequently invited to perform at athletic events and to participate in band extravaganzas nationwide. Some of the most notable performances by the “Sonic Boom” include halftime appearances for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, the 1991 NBA all-star game, New York Jets, Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, Senior Bowl (1997 and 2004), Indianapolis Colts, and Dallas Mavericks. Also, in 1990 the JSU Marching Band was featured on the Motown’s 30th Anniversary television special. And in 2003, the JSU Marching Band was featured on the NAACP 34th Image Awards television special aired on Fox television. The Sonic Boom’s performance for Motown and the Image Awards has influenced many to refer to the JSU Marching Band as Hollywood’s band of choice. In addition to the many stellar performances by the marching band, in 2003 the marching band was in enshrined in the NCAA Hall of Champions. Also, the marching band was filmed by Electronic Art Sports (EA Sports) for inclusion in the 2005 vision of the video game "EA Sports NCAA Football 2005."

During its 64-year history, the band has had five head bandmasters or directors of bands. They are Kermit Holly, Sr.(1940-1947), William W. Davis (1948-1971), Harold Haughton (1971-1984), Dowell Taylor (1984-1992), and Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr. (1992-present).

Currently, the 290-member Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South,” backed by a Legendary drum line nicknamed “War and Thunder,” led by the Jackson Five Drum Majors, and the high-stepping Prancing J-Settes (Dance Line) is directed by Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr., Director of Bands, Dr. Paxton Girtmon, Associate Director of Bands, Dr. David N. Ware, Assistant Director of Bands, Renardo Murray, Assistant Band Director, Joe Ringold, Assistant Band Director, Kathy Worthy, Dance Line Sponsor, and Dr. Jimmie James, Announcer (Also, Chair Department of Music).

The Sonic Boom of the South, will wake you up and make you move, whether you’re watching them steal the half-time show or practicing on the field. The Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South” is a very diverse, competent, and a flexible musical group. The band can perform just about any type of music or show–from classical to jazz. Simply put, the Jackson State University Marching Band is a “Showtime Band,” that will “rock da house” anywhere and every time.