**NASHVILLE** — Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands didn’t just participate in history at the 2023 GRAMMYs; they carved out their own historic moment. Their groundbreaking collaboration on “The Urban Hymnal” won Best Roots Gospel Album, marking the first time a collegiate marching band and an HBCU band have achieved GRAMMY-winning status. This album blends traditional gospel with soulful hip-hop, showcasing the band’s dynamic range and energy.
The album, co-produced by Sir The Baptist, assistant band director Larry Jenkins, and producer Dallas Austin, features a mix of vibrant renditions of classics like ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and bold forays into contemporary sounds, enriched by robust 808 beats and synths that amplify the brass’s power. “The Urban Hymnal” is a testament to the Aristocrat of Bands’ versatility and their ability to push musical boundaries.
At the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony, Baptist, Jenkins, and TSU alum Aaron “Dubba-AA” Lockhart proudly accepted the award, representing their innovative partnership. Baptist highlighted the financial struggles and the community effort that fueled this project, emphasizing, “Our pockets are empty but our hands aren’t!”
The Tennessee State University campus erupted in celebration during a watch party as the announcement came through. Students, adorned in the school colors, chanted in unity, underscoring the significance of this achievement not just for the band, but for the entire HBCU community.
Known as “The Band of Firsts,” the Aristocrat of Bands has a rich history of breaking new ground. From being the first HBCU band on national television in 1955 to their performance at presidential inaugurations and their role as the official band for the Tennessee Titans, their legacy of pioneering continues to grow.
This GRAMMY win is a new pinnacle in their storied legacy, proving that the fusion of gospel music and the spirited tradition of HBCU marching bands can resonate on the world’s largest stages. The success of “The Urban Hymnal” is not only a win for TSU but a beacon of pride and inspiration for HBCU bands nationwide, promising to support the Aristocrat of Bands for years to come through album proceeds.
