Southern University Human Jukebox will play NOLA Super Bowl | Entertainment/Life

Kedric Taylor, band director of the Human Jukebox at Southern University, announced Tuesday morning that the Baton Rouge-based, high-stepping band with the big sound will be headlining the pregame festivities in Caesars Superdome for Super Bowl Sunday in New Orleans. 

This is not the band’s first rodeo. 

They have performed at nine previous Super Bowls. 

“This means so much to the students after all they’ve been through this year,” Taylor said. “The mental health challenges and still performing at a high level speaks volumes to their dedication and commitment to this band program,”

The band appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” Tuesday morning, with Taylor excitedly announcing Sunday’s Super Bowl performance. “The Jennifer Hudson Show” stars the multi-talented former “American Idol” contestant who has gone on to win all sorts of awards, including an Oscar, a Grammy, Emmy and Tony. 

Robyn Merrick, Southern University System vice president for external affairs and university relations, confirmed the band’s Super Bowl appearance. Taylor was in practices much of the afternoon with the band. Once they were finished, he said the opportunity means the world to him on behalf of his students. 

‘I’m still talking large’

Kenny Ricard knows a little something about the experience of playing for the Human Jukebox at the Super Bowl. Ricard, who lives in Baton Rouge, played clarinet in the Human Jukebox band in 1978 when the band performed a pre-game show at Super Bowl XXII, which was also in New Orleans.

“Dallas played Denver. Dallas beat them up. It was like none other,” Ricard said. “I still remember when we got the word. ‘You’re going to the Super Bowl,’ Dr. Greggs walked in and said. We went crazy.” 

Ricard played in the Human Jukebox for four years in the 1970s. He now works for Baton Rouge Mosquito Control, but when asked if he had a moment to talk about the band’s upcoming performance at this year’s Super Bowl, he said, “For the Jukebox, I have all day every day.”

Ricard doesn’t remember what songs the band played, but he clearly remembers going to the Super Dome to rehearse.

“When we showed up to the Super Dome to rehearse, the Dallas Cowboys walked in right by us,” Ricard said. “I saw Roger Staubach. Then Tony Dorsett walked by in a full fur coat.”

As the band was preparing for their pre-game performance, the announcer announced the Dallas Cowboys coming onto the field.

“It was so loud. It felt like all of our uniforms were blowing,” Ricard said. “Then, they announced the Denver Broncos — and it was even louder. That was the loudest noise I ever heard. Dallas was just down the road, but Denver showed up to support. That was an experience I will never forget.”

Ricard said the band gave a 12-minute pre-game show similar to their halftime performances but with some New Orleans spice.

“Our knees were all up in our noses. Our knees were so high,” he said. “One of our drills we played a New Orleans song, and coming off the field, we played a New Orleans second line song. The Dancing Dolls held umbrellas in their hands. I’m still talking large about playing Super Bowl XXII.”

Unlike the band members this year who will be able to document thousands of moments from each member’s perspective, Ricard has one photograph of the day. 

He says, in the grand scheme of things, marching with the Human Jukebox at the Super Bowl made a tremendous difference in his life.

“Think about it, as a teenager — I was like 19 or 20 — we were at the Super Bowl,” Ricard said. “Then we saw those legends walk by. I often tell my granddaughter that I saw Tony Dorsett.”

In 1978, the Human Jukebox performed and then sat in the stands to watch the game. Ricard isn’t certain, but he doesn’t think the band on Sunday will be able to stay inside the Super Dome to watch the game. 

Taylor confirmed that the band will not be able to stay for the game due to space in the Super Dome. Nonetheless, he says the experience is a remarkable opportunity for the students and is grateful for the chance to be there with them.