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A resolution honoring the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands on its historic wins at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
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WHEREAS, the Tennessee State University's marching band, better known as the "Aristocrat of Bands," was first organized in the fall of 1946 at the request of the university's president Dr. Walter S. Davis. J.D. Chavis was selected to serve as the band's first director; and
WHEREAS, the band emerged from the Jazz Collegians of Tennessee State University ("TSU") and was organized as a 100-piece marching band who first took the field after six weeks of practice. The band was originally called the "Marching 100," but was termed the Aristocrat of Bands by a sportscaster during a National Football League ("NFL") game and has become a well-known moniker; and
WHEREAS, the band marches in the traditional high-stepping style incorporating classical, jazz, contemporary, and popular repertoire in its performances. The band is led by four drum majors known as the "Fantastic Four" and is accompanied by The Sophisticated Ladies dance team; and
WHEREAS, a "Band of Firsts", the Aristocrat of Bands are known for achieving many historic milestones. They were the first Historically Black College or University ("HBCU") to appear on national television during the 1955 Rams vs Bears NFL halftime show. They were the first HBCU to perform at a presidential inauguration when they played the inaugural parade of President John F. Kennedy in 1961; and
WHEREAS, the Aristocrat of Bands can now add another first to list: the Aristocrat of Bands is the first college marching band to be nominated for, and to win, a Grammy Award; and
WHEREAS, their album "The Urban Hymnal" won the award for Best Roots Gospel Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards; and
WHEREAS, the Aristocrat of Bands also took home another Grammy Award. The Band was featured on poet J. Ivy's spoken word album "The Poet Who Sat By the Door" which won for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album; a...
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