For HBCU marching bands, the show’s the thing

ATLANTA – Marching bands at historically black colleges and universities are known for their high-energy routines, but they’re more than a halftime show. Their popularity has spread through pop culture, music and film.

More than 62,000 people came to watch eight HBCU bands at the 16th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase in Atlanta this year.

Known for incorporating the latest chart-topping R&B and hip-hop hits into their performances, HBCU bands have appeared alongside some of the biggest names in music.

Florida A&M’s Marching 100 performed with Prince for his spectacular Super Bowl halftime show in 2007. Southern University’s Dancing Dolls squad accompanied Madonna at Super Bowl 46 and Beyoncé at her 2013 halftime show.