Vibe reports Tennessee State University became the first marching band to win a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album for their rendition of “The Urban Hymnal,” as well as being featured on J. Ivy’s “The Poet Who Sat By The Door,” which won Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.
Sir the Baptist, a songwriter and producer, and Larry Jenkins, Assistant Band Director, accepted the award on behalf of the band. Jenkins stated that the victory is necessary for the culture. “You see the Grammy nominations, you see the NAACP Image Award nominations, all of these amazing things that are expanding the culture, expanding the brand,” Jenkins told Vibe. “This means a lot as well because it’s rooted in the culture. You’ve received the highest honor in music and culture that we’ve been able to tap into.”
While all members of the Aristocrat of Bands couldn’t attend, TSU posted a video on Twitter of a watch party hosted on campus for the band and fellow students to bask in their major accomplishments. As soon as the band won, students jumped to their feet, chanting, “AOB! AOB!”
Just call us Tennessee State University GRAMMY-Award Winning Aristocrat of Bands! We WON in the Best Gospel Roots Album category! TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands has made history as THE 1st COLLEGIATE MARCHING BAND to WIN A GRAMMY!#ExcellenceIsOurHabit! pic.twitter.com/K6RPmdrqKT
— Tennessee State University (@TSUedu) February 5, 2023
During his acceptance speech, Baptist shared what had to be done financially to make the win possible, stating how underfunded HBCUs are. “HBCUS are so grossly underfunded to where I had to put my last dime in order to get us across the line,” Baptist said. “We’re here with our pockets empty, but our hands aren’t.” Jenkins finished by thanking school officials, band staff, and the students for all their support. “Your hard work and dedication created the pen that allowed you to write your own page in the history books,” Jenkins said. “We all know we made history, but this is also February. We also made Black history.”
Tennessee State University follows in the footsteps of fellow Tennessee HBCU, Fisk University. In 2021, the Tennessean reports the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers won Best Roots Gospel Album for “Celebrating Fisk!” during the group’s 150th anniversary.