HBCU Tennessee State University Makes History As First Collegiate Marching Band To Win Grammy Award

February 6, 2023 by Ashley Blackwell in Music with 0 Comments

HBCU Tennessee State University Makes History As First Collegiate Marching Band To Win Grammy Award

Black History Month is still going strong!

On Sunday (Feb. 5), the 65th Annual Grammy Awards marked a historical one for Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands. The marching collective took home a groundbreaking win for their album, ‘The Urban Hymnal,’ deeming them the first HBCU, and marching band, in the nation to earn the musical honor.

Cover art for ‘The Urban Hymnal’

In total, Aristocrat of Bands received accolades in two categories during the monumental ceremony, including ‘Best Roots Gospel Album’ and ‘Best Spoken Word Poetry Album,’ which was for their feature on J. Ivy’s ‘The Poet Who Sat By the Door.’

Upon accepting the award(s), Professor Larry Jenkins said before the audience:

“On behalf of Tennessee State University’s band program, first, I want to thank The Academy for the opportunity. Thank you to the best band to land, Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands–all of our amazing students. Thank you! Your hard work and dedication created the pen that allowed you to write your own page in the history books!”

MY BOYS WON A GRAMMY!!!! ?
THEY BROUGHT IT HOME!!! @ProfJenkins_ @Dubba_AA @sirthebaptist @tsuaristocrats pic.twitter.com/GCAqeFBkew

— Causey ( Cauz • ee ) (@CauzNEffect) February 5, 2023

TSU Acceptance Speech at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards

Co-produced by Dallas Austin, Sir the Baptist, and Tennessee State University professor Larry Jenkins, ‘The Urban Hymnal’ was released in 2022. The 10-track project served as Aristocrat of Bands’ debut endeavor.

Amid the accomplishment, attendees of the campus reacted to the culture-shifting moment as they gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Just call us Tennessee State University GRAMMY-Award Winning Aristocrat of Bands! We WON in the Best Gospel Roots Album category! TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands has made history as THE 1st COLLEGIATE MARCHING BAND to WIN A GRAMMY!#ExcellenceIsOurHabit! pic.twitter.com/K6RPmdrqKT

— Tennessee State University (@TSUedu) February 5, 2023

Additionally, following the note-worthy achievement, the university released a statement.

“Only you can turn your dreams into reality, and you have everything within to make it happen. This journey has been nothing but amazing! With PRAYER, HARD_WORK, and the SUPPORT from our TSU Big Blue Family, WE DID IT! We made history and will continue to make a difference in the world! 2x AWARDWINNING MARCHING BAND IN THE NATION. The 1st Marching band to ever do it!”