Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands 2004 
11/29/04 by Veronica Baker

The Louisiana Superdome was packed Friday evening with fans across the nation to witness one of the most popular African-American college functions-the battle between SU’s Jukebox and GSU’s Marching Tiger Band.   

The Tiger Band marched out into the dome getting the crowd excited for what they thought would be a spectacular performance, but that applause would soon die by the time the Jukebox entered from their side of the stadium.  As Southern’s band entered, it was obvious that more Southern supporters bought tickets to the event than Grambling’s.   

Cutting to the performance, Southern began their routine with “Charlene” by Anthony Hamilton.  Not only did they play the song, it is likely that no other band has or will play it as good as Southern did Friday.  Southern’s play list for the Battle of the Bands consists of songs from Usher, Janet Jackson, Ray Charles, and several other present radio hits.   

Grambling tried their best to answer Southern by playing “My Boo” by Alicia Keys and Usher and “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child, but the crowd only replied with little applause and even boos and hisses from the audience which was a rare response to a band with as many credentials as Grambling.   

Even though Grambling gave Southern an unexpected loss Saturday, there was a clear winner in the Battle of the Bands... Southern’s Jukebox. Personally, I think fans were disappointed in Grambling’s choice of songs and it also didn’t help that Southern fans outnumbered Grambling’s tremendously.   

To end this season of band reports, I’m asking SWAC students, faculty, and alumni to please support their football teams and bands when they travel to different cities.  It is obvious why Southern receives a little more respect than the other schools in the SWAC.  They have their popular fan base referred to as “The Jaguar Nation”.  Fans bring money to these HBCU functions.  And you know how the saying goes, “Money talks and…”