What was the marching band with Usher during the Super Bowl halftime show? Meet the 'Sonic Boom of the South'

You may have noticed a marching band on the field with Usher Sunday during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Las Vegas.

The Sonic Boom of the South band from Jackson State University was invited to join Usher on stage for the halftime performance back in November, according to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The band's impressive resume makes them no stranger to the limelight. Dubbed the "Summa Cum Laude of Bands," the Super Bowl was just another performance to add to the extensive list.

The halftime show has been lauded as a highlight of Super Bowl 58, where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers at 25-22 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Here is what to know about the band.

How old is the Jackson State University band?

The band originally started in the 1940s at what was then Jackson State College. The name "Sonic Boom of the South" was adopted in 1971 after the band members suggested the name.

Since its formation, the band has played for numerous Grammy-winning artists in cities around the country.

Who has the Jackson State University band played with?

According to the band's website, it has played with artists like Drake, Lil Boosie, Ciara, Cedric the Entertainer, Lil Jon, Big K.R.I.T., Pastor Troy, Jon Batiste, J. Cole and more.

Along with these artists, the Sonic Boom has performed at halftime for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals. The band also performed in the 2021 Presidential Inauguration Parade.

In 2025, the band will make an appearance at the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade before the next Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2025.

Where is Jackson State University?

Jackson State University is located in the heart of Mississippi in Jackson. It is one of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the country and the fourth largest university in Mississippi. It was established 146 years ago in 1877.

Why does the Super Bowl have college bands play at halftime?

It has somewhat become a tradition for bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to play at halftime during the Super Bowl. While a band does not always play during the halftime show, when there is one, it usually ends up being an HBCU band.

The very first Super Bowl held in 1967 featured the band from Grambling State University. The HBCU was founded in 1901 and is one of six HBCUs in Louisiana.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Usher's Super Bowl halftime show featured Jackson State marching band