Thee 50th Annual Battle of the Bands: Not Really A Battle

Every year, the Bayou Classic is the most highly anticipated annual event of the year, with multiple events leading up to the big game, with the most anticipated event being The Battle of the Bands. This is where the Southern University Human JukeBox and Grambling State’s World-Famed Tiger Marching Band battle out in five rounds to see who the best band in the land is. This year marks the 50th Battle of the Bands, marking half a century of fierce competition between these two iconic bands to see who the best band is, and of course, it’s The Southern University Human JukeBox. Dr. Kendric Taylor, the Human JukeBox Director of Bands, said after both bands marched in, “the score is currently 49-0, and now it’s time to make it 50,” and that they did.
On November 24, 2023, two teams faced off for the 50th time in the Caesar’s Palace Superdome. The dome was packed with alumni, students, and fans of all ages from Southern and Grambling, who had traveled from near and far to witness this eventful occasion under the dazzling stadium lights. Both bands played a mix of old-school and new-school music, with Grambling leaning towards more old-school classics, while Southern had a good mixture of both.
Southern’s Human JukeBox had multiple tricks up their sleeve for the 50th battle of the bands, which grabbed the attention of all of the fans in the stadium. The Human JukeBox began by showcasing their talented symbol players on the Greek show stage. Then, the Fabulous Dancing Dolls made a seamless transition from the field to the stage, delivering a mesmerizing dance performance. Oh, but that’s not all. The Human JukeBox also took the crowd to church playing “Just Want to Praise You” by Maurette Brown Clark, featuring Gospel Singing Recording Artist Erica Davis as she led the crowd to sing along. The Human JukeBox and the dolls did not come to play.
As for Grambling State’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band, they had their fans lighting up the dome with flashlights when the band played “When I See You” by Fantasia. However, with all the stunts that the Human JukeBox pulled, the crowd was more entertained with them than the World Famed Tiger Marching Band. For most fans, this wasn’t their first time attending the Battle of the Bands, and even some Grambling Fans were impressed at what the JukeBox did. Grambling Alumni Von Adams said, “You guys have always been louder, but we’re gonna wake up tomorrow at the game.”
Southern Alumni Karlette McQuillion said,” It was definitely the JukeBox’s night. Both bands were great, but Grambling could not be beaten with all the stops that SU did tonight.” The Jukebox has always been full of excitement and surprises,” we are often imitated but NEVER duplicated.” The crowd was left spellbound by the Human JukeBox’s impeccable performance,
leaving no doubt that they are the best band in the land. The Southern Human JukeBox undoubtedly won this battle and is undefeated 50-0.