**LAS VEGAS** — Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band made history on Sunday, taking the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show by storm in a performance alongside Usher that fans won’t soon forget. This was more than just a big break; it was a defining moment for the HBCU community, and the Boom didn’t just show up—they showed out.
In front of a packed Allegiant Stadium and millions of viewers at home, the Sonic Boom delivered the kind of performance that earned them the title of “Summa Cum Laude of Bands.” Sharing the stage with eight-time Grammy winner Usher, the Boom proved why they are one of the most respected names in college marching bands. The halftime show was packed with stars, featuring Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, and Ludacris, but it was Jackson State’s first time stepping onto that Super Bowl stage.
“It feels surreal,” said Dr. Roderick Little, the proud director of bands at JSU. “It’s not every day you get the call to be part of something this monumental. The reality of it all didn’t hit until we started rehearsing in Vegas. Stepping onto that field and hearing the roar of the Super Bowl crowd was a feeling like no other. Usher brought the heat, and we matched his energy every step of the way.”
Dr. Little remembers the moment he told his students the news—they were floored. “You could see the shock on their faces—wide eyes, jaws on the floor. But they’ve earned this. They’ve put in the work, and now they get to live a dream that most can only imagine,” he said. “I’m beyond proud to say we’ve fulfilled two of my biggest goals: giving these students a life-changing experience and putting our program on one of the biggest national stages out there. It doesn’t get bigger than the Super Bowl.”
Jackson State’s journey to the Super Bowl stage began with a simple conversation. JSU alum Cortez Bryant, who’s made a name for himself as Co-CEO of Blueprint Group/Maverick, got a call from his friend Jesse Collins, the executive producer of the halftime show. “He asked me if I knew of any HBCU bands that could bring it, and of course, Jackson State’s Sonic Boom was at the top of my list,” Bryant said. “They’re the best in the land, and there was no question in my mind that they would deliver.”
And deliver they did.
JSU President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson spoke about the significance of this moment, not just for the band, but for the entire university. “This performance is a victory for Jackson State University as a whole,” Dr. Thompson said. “It puts a spotlight on our rich campus culture and the excellence our students bring both in and out of the classroom. I couldn’t be prouder of what they accomplished on that stage with Usher. Their precision, their musicality—it was all on full display, and it was unmatched.”
Dr. Thompson also highlighted the diversity and dedication of the band members. “These young artists come from all over the country, studying everything from biology to political science to communications,” he said. “When you think about the hard work, the long hours, and the perseverance it took to get to this point, it’s truly inspiring. We owe a special thanks to Roc Nation and the NFL for making this historic moment possible.”
