Senate Resolution 21

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING "THEE" JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY "SONIC BOOM OF THE SOUTH" MARCHING BAND AND DIRECTOR DR. RODERICK LITTLE FOR THEIR ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE AT THE 2025 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA.

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we extend the congratulations of the State to the Jackson State University "Sonic Boom of the South" Marching Band for its outstanding performance on national television entertaining parade spectators at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, all eyes were glued to the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2025, with Mississippians entertaining crowds along the parade route. Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South and Mississippi's musical legacy appear on the national stage, showing why the state is the birthplace of American music; and

WHEREAS, "It's an opportunity for us to share with the world what we've always known, which is that we have the greatest band in the land, that Mississippi is home, it is the birthplace of music, and that we are maintaining that tradition," said Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts, Chair of Jackson State University's Department of Music; and

WHEREAS, "This is a place that we've belonged for a long time, but we're finally taking our place," said Visit Jackson spokesperson Yolanda Clay-Moore. "We have such a rich culture and musical footprint"; and

WHEREAS, it's been quite a year for the Sonic Boom, performing at the Super Bowl in February and now starting the New Year in the Rose Parade. "A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and now to cap off this year and to be in California and to be performing at the Rose Bowl Parade, we're all just overwhelmed with gratitude," added Beckley-Roberts; and

WHEREAS, the Sonic Boom of the South is one of the elite Historically Black Colleges and Universities marching bands. Its unique style and showmanship include the J5 drum majors, Prancing J-Settes, floating JSU, Tiger Run-On, the "Get Ready" entrance, and "The Series." Its musical approach can be traced to the early years, when a former arranger for Cab Calloway's big band was the director (1948-1971). The band performs marches, Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Deep South Rap. Founded as the Jackson State University Marching Band, the name "Sonic Boom of the South" was adopted by Director Harold J. Haughton, Sr. in 1971, having been suggested by band members; and

WHEREAS, Haughton acted as director until 1983. During his tenure, he changed the band uniform color from royal blue to light navy blue, introduced the Motown hit "Get Ready" as the band's theme, replaced the Majorettes with featured dancers and introduced the "Tiger Run-On" shuffle, "Tiger Strut" and "Floating JSU" half-time display. He was replaced as director by Dowell Taylor, an alumnus of the band. In 2020, alumnus Roderick Little became the youngest director in the band's history; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, Sonic Boom of the South was featured on ABC's Good Morning America during JSU's homecoming week. In 2024, Sonic Boom of the South performed with Usher during the Super Bowl LVIII half-time show. The Sonic Boom of the South has performed at several notable occasions such as Motown 30th Anniversary, the 34th National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards, alongside "Cedrick the Entertainer", a number of NFL games and its prestigious performance at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration Parade; and

WHEREAS, the JSU Sonic Boom of the South marching band was in the 17th position in the Rose Parade, followed by the Mississippi Float in the 19th position; and

WHEREAS, "We're thrilled to add this award to the long list of recent wins for Mississippi," said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. "From record-breaking tourism and economic development to our nationally recognized advancements in education, something special is happening in Mississippi. This award is yet another example of that. Today we extended an invitation to the 850,000 parade attendees and millions of viewers around the country and world to discover all of the awesome things our state has to offer. It was a great day for Mississippi"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this elite Mississippi university musical organization that has brought excitement and excellent musical performances to venues across our country and has brought honor to its university, its community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate "Thee" Jackson State University "Sonic Boom of the South" marching band and Director Dr. Roderick Little for their electrifying performance at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and extend the best wishes of the Senate for future successes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the director and staff of the Sonic Boom of the South, forwarded to the President of JSU, Marcus Thompson, and the Board of Trustees of IHL and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.