Southern University’s world-renowned Human Jukebox marching band paid a powerful tribute to late band member Caleb Wilson during the Jaguars’ first home football game of the season, bringing the crowd to its feet in an emotional display of unity, remembrance, and pride.
Wilson, a devoted trumpet player and respected member of the Human Jukebox, passed away earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy of discipline, musicianship, and leadership. His absence has been felt deeply across the Southern University community, and Saturday’s performance served as both a farewell and a celebration of his life.
At halftime, the Human Jukebox assembled in a striking formation that spelled out Caleb’s name across the field, accompanied by a stirring rendition of “To God be the Glory.” The emotional arrangement carried across the stadium, with students, alumni, and fans holding up cell phone flashlights in unison. Many in the stands could be seen wiping away tears as the tribute unfolded.
We spoke with Director of Bands Kedric Taylor about how he selected the song for the performance. “The type of person Caleb was, we wanted to acknowledge him for being the kind of person he was,” Taylor said. “He was a young man who believed in God.” When asked what he hoped the audience would take away from the tribute, Taylor added, “Just knowing that tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us… continue to treat each other right.”
For those who knew Wilson personally, the moment carried an even heavier weight. Baritone player Kaleb Holmes from New Orleans, Louisiana one of Wilson’s childhood friends, recalled the impact of the announcement. “When I first heard we’d be honoring Caleb, I couldn’t even believe it at first,” Holmes said. “He wasn’t just my bandmate—he was like a brother to me. We grew up together, and to see his name and legacy honored on this field means more than words can explain.”
Holmes also shared his hopes for the lasting meaning of the tribute. “I want future Jukebox members to look back on this and understand what it truly represents,” he said. “We’ve always been about excellence and pride. I hope they carry on the tradition by remembering that this band also stands for unity and family”.
Wilson’s family, seated on the 50-yard line, received a standing ovation,his mother, visibly moved, expressed gratitude for the love shown by the Southern community. The Human Jukebox, long celebrated for its precision and electrifying performances, showed on Saturday that its greatest strength may be its heart. In honoring Wilson, the band reminded fans that behind the dazzling routines and booming brass lies a family bound by music and love.