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Honoring the Legacy: African Americans in Early Marching Bands

Writer's picture: Heartbeat Music AcademyHeartbeat Music Academy

Updated: 6 days ago

At Heartbeat Music & Performing Arts Academy, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of African Americans in music and performance. The story of Alexander Johnson, the Original Drummer Boy, is

just one of many that highlight the deep roots and enduring influence of Black musicians in marching traditions.


Heartbeat Music & Performing Arts Student marching in the 2025 MLK Parade, San Diego CA
Heartbeat Thundersquad & Monarch Majorettes at the 2025 MLK Parade and Celebration, San Diego Photo: Andrew Middleton Photography

From the battlefields of the Civil War to the formation of the earliest military marching bands, African Americans played a crucial role in shaping the sounds, rhythms, and traditions that still resonate today. Often overlooked, Black drummers, buglers, and musicians were essential in signaling commands, boosting morale, and laying the foundation for what would evolve into the dynamic world of marching bands and drumlines we celebrate today.


These pioneering musicians brought with them a cultural richness—syncopated rhythms, call-and-response patterns, and percussive innovations—that would later influence jazz, blues, and contemporary marching band styles. Their contributions live on most vibrantly in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), where marching bands and majorette culture are pillars of Black artistic expression, school spirit, and community pride. HBCU marching bands, renowned for their precision, energy, and show-stopping performances, have transformed traditional military formations into electrifying displays of musical mastery, dance, and storytelling.


Two institutions that have been at the forefront of this tradition are Grambling State University (GSU) and Texas Southern University (TSU), whose legendary bands have captivated audiences for generations:



Grambling State’s marching band has set the standard for excellence since its founding, earning worldwide recognition for its showmanship, musical precision, and innovative performances. Known for dazzling halftime shows, the "World Famed" band has performed on some of the biggest stages, including multiple Super Bowls, presidential inaugurations, and international showcases. Their performances continue to uphold the tradition of Black excellence in marching band culture, inspiring young musicians across the country.


Heartbeat Music & Performing Arts Academy's founder and CEO, Tyra Hawthorne, is a graduate of Grambling State, and was a member of its prestigious Marching Band.



Texas Southern University’s "Ocean of Soul" marching band is a powerhouse of sound, energy, and culture. Their name reflects their deep, resonant brass tones and rhythmic intensity, making every performance an unforgettable experience. The Ocean of Soul has performed at the Super Bowl, national parades, and major sporting events, showcasing the legacy of African American military and marching band musicianship on a grand scale. TSU is also home to the "Motion of the Ocean" majorette squad, whose artistry and dynamic routines celebrate the rich tradition of Black majorette culture.


From the legendary "Marching 100" of Florida A&M University to the high-stepping drum majors of Jackson State’s "Sonic Boom of the South", and the iconic bands of Grambling State and Texas Southern, HBCU marching bands continue to push the boundaries of musical performance while honoring the legacy of African American musicians who laid the foundation.


At Heartbeat, we are committed to educating and inspiring the next generation by honoring these trailblazers and ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.

🔗 Read more about Alexander Johnson, the Original Drummer Boy, and discover how his story is a testament to the power of music and resilience.

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