NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Grammy-award-winning Aristocrat of Bands continues to go where no other band has gone! This time, it was the 2023 Country Music Association Fest (CMA) in downtown Nashville, serving as the opening act. Early morning concertgoers rocked to the soulful sounds of AOB and watched the Sophisticated Ladies, creating an unforgettable HBCU band experience. Thursday marked another successful and historic performance as the TSU band became the first collegiate band to perform at the four-day music festival.
AOB members before hitting the stage at the 2023 Country Music Association Fest (CMA), in downtown Nashville as the opening act.
“This is important because people don’t usually associate country music with HBCU bands, said Hailey Russell, a Nashville native who is a piccolo section leader for AOB. “So, us performing today felt like bridging a gap and letting us celebrate music all around.”
Russell said the best part of the overall experience was kicking off the CMA Fest Hall of Fame Ceremony with a performance on the John Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge. “Playing on the pedestrian bridge with everyone who walked past being able to enjoy our music even if they weren’t there for the CMA Fest was my favorite part.”
AOB member Jayden Stitchcomb walks up the steps with his instrument, ready to debut at the CMA Fest.
TSU graduate student Jibril Lee, who plays the trumpet, said he was very excited about the outcome of the crowd and their performance. “It was a different stage, a different environment and it was amazing,” Lee said. “I’m feeling pretty excited about the future of AOB performances of this magnitude, like the CMA Fest.”
The massive crowd, at the Riverfront Stage, also roared with applause as the band accompanied local 8th grade student Ariah McEwen, who sang the National Anthem.
AOB and the Sophisticated Ladies rocked the crowd with an unforgettable HBCU band experience.
Assistant band director Larry Jenkins said the performance represented everything AOB and the university stands for. “This was an amazing performance,” Jenkins said. “I am glad we were able to represent the university on this stage and that the crowd got to experience the culture as we know it.”
While AOB’s director Dr. Reginald McDonald said he is grateful that the students took time out of their summer to be a part of CMA Fest memories. “For them to give up two weeks of their summer to be here for TSU, is truly amazing,” McDonald said.
“I am feeling extremely proud right now. This is the opportunity for people to see the excellence of TSU.”
AOB accompanied IT Crestwell Middle School student Ariah McEwen, who sang the National Anthem on the Riverfront Stage at CMA Fest.
Next week AOB members will help celebrate the nation’s first official observance of Juneteenth with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the White House on June 13.
AOB is also hosting their 10th Annual Edward L. Graves High School Summer Band Camp from June 11-17, marking this year as the largest High School Band Camp ever with 267 kids registered from across the country.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands, fondly referred to as AOB, is booked and busy year-round. But this summer is extra special as the Grammy-award winning collegiate band continues to play at venues no other band has ever done. On June 13, AOB is going to our nation’s capital for a performance at the White House for the second time! However, before heading to Washington D.C., they will make history at home as the first collegiate marching to open for the Country Music Association (CMA) Fest on Thursday, June 8, in Nashville.
TSU’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands debut at the Grand Ole Opry April 4, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)
AOB Director Reginald McDonald said he is more than proud to be a part of this summer’s festivities.
“We are honored to make history yet again by performing for the CMAs and even more ecstatic to be invited by the First Lady of the United States to celebrate Juneteenth for the first time as a nation and during Black Music Month,” McDonald said.
TSU Marching Band will kick off the CMA Fest Hall of Fame Ceremony with a parade down the John Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge at 9 a.m., followed by a performance on the Riverfront Stage at 9:40 a.m.
“We are so excited to have the Grammy-winning TSU Aristocrats of Bands kicking off CMA Fest at the Chevy Riverfront Stage this year,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
TSU Marching Band will kick off the CMA Fest Hall of Fame Ceremony with a parade down the John Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge and a performance on the Riverfront Stage at 9:40 a.m.
“The band’s accomplishments are plentiful, especially throughout this past year, and we cannot wait to cheer them on as they showcase their talents while representing their school in front of the CMA Fest audience. Community is paramount to our mission at CMA, and we are honored to have the opportunity to support a historically black college and university in our Nashville community during CMA Fest.”
After performing at the CMA Fest, band members will help celebrate the nation’s first official observance of Juneteenth with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the White House.
“Huge shout out to our esteemed President Dr. Glenda Glover. The Aristocrat of Bands invitation is because of her incredible connections,” he said. “Anytime we have an opportunity to educate beyond the classroom I will always go the extra mile for our students and TSU.”
AOB and the Sophisticated Ladies performed at the White House for former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in 2016. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)
Most recently, AOB made history as the first-ever marching band to debut in a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Shortly after, they were invited to perform for the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy’s annual block party on May 31.
TSU student Natori Simmons, a Nashville native who plays the tuba, said she was excited about the crowd’s reaction at the Recording Academy performance and looks forward to epic moments at the CMA Fest and White House.
“I feel extremely blessed that I chose to be a part of a program that continues to make history every day,” Simmons said. “We’re able to put our voice into these different spaces, and that’s really important for our community.”
Natori Simmons (Photo submitted)
Assistant band director Larry Jenkins said these are experiences that the band students, University, and alumni will never forget.
“From CMA fest to going to the White House, it is out of this world when it comes to the impact this makes nationally and internationally,” Jenkins said. “This gives the students the opportunity to literally make history and have something else to put on their resumes, make connections, and represent the university at the highest level.”
AOB performed at the White House for former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in 2016. TSU sophomore Stanley Grider said he recalls the day his friend, who is a TSU alum now, called to express his excitement about the White House performance years ago. Now Grider is traveling to D.C., to play the trombone and make his own memories with AOB.
Stanley Grider after a 2022 homecoming game performance. (Photo submitted)
“One of my friends was there (White House) at the time, and now I get to call him and say, ‘Hey, I’m following in your footsteps, we’re going to the White House too,’” Grider said. “It’s full circle for me, and I can’t wait.”
Grider, of Atlanta, said he is grateful for these experiences. “This exposure is different, and this is something no one else gets to see every day.”
AOB is also hosting their 10th Annual Edward L. Graves High School Summer Band Camp from June 11-17, marking this year as the largest High School Band Camp ever with 267 kids registered from across the country. To check out one of AOB’s recent historic performances, visit the Grand Ole Opry’s YouTube for their debut.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s marching band is now known as the Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands! The AOB made history as the first collegiate marching band to win the music industry’s highest honor for Best Roots Gospel Album, The Urban Hymnal, at the 65th annual ceremony.
AOB is also featured on Spoken Word Artist and Poet, J. Ivy’s album The Poet Who Sat By The Door, that won a Grammy as well.
“We congratulate our students, Dr. Reginald McDonald, Professor Larry Jenkins, and the band staff for this amazing accomplishment as we continue to write history and prove why the Aristocrat of Bands is the best marching band in nation,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
Walking the Grammy red carpet and accepting the award on behalf of TSU and the band were the album’s co-executive producers, l-r: TSU alum platinum recording artist Aaron ‘DUBBA-AA’ Lockhart, assistant band director Larry Jenkins, and TSU alumni, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist
“It is quite appropriate that this historic moment in our institution’s history takes place during Black History Month, highlighting the accomplishments of great African American scientists, educators, civil rights and social justice leaders, innovators, visionaries and the trailblazing musicians of our Aristocrat of Bands.”
Dr. Reginald McDonald, AOB band director, said being the first college band in the nation, leading amongst HBCU bands is a ‘surreal’ moment that all universities can be proud of.
From l-r, AOB members Celeste Boykin, Curtis Olawumi and Logyn Rylander in Los Angeles at the 65th annual Grammy award ceremony. (Photo submitted)
“It is a true testimony to how HBCUs with tremendously less resources find ways to educate and overcome enormous obstacles,” McDonald said. “The lesson for our students is that hard work, dedication, determination, perseverance and faith always win.”
The album also features TSU’s New Direction Gospel Choir along with acclaimed gospel artist Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, J. Ivy, John P. Kee, Louis York and more.
New Direction Gospel Choir’s powerful vocals are heard on “Dance Revival,” a track that lift the spirit and soothe the soul.
The internationally acclaimed gospel choir has been featured on BET’s Sunday Best, toured Europe with a command performance at the Vatican hosted by the Pope Francis.
L-r: The Urban Hymnal was executively produced by, Assistant band director professor Larry Jenkins, AOB Band Director Dr. Reginald McDonald, platinum recording artist, TSU alum Dubba-AA, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin and two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist
Walking the Grammy red carpet and accepting the award on behalf of TSU and the band were the album’s co-executive producers, assistant band director Larry Jenkins, TSU alumni, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, and TSU alum platinum recording artist Aaron ‘DUBBA-AA’ Lockhart. Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin also co-produced the album.
Jenkins thanked every student who worked hard to make the dream a reality.
“Thank you to the best band in the land, Tennessee State University AOB. Thank you to all of our amazing students. Your hard work and dedication created the pen that allowed you to write your own page in the history books. We made history, but it is also February, so we also made Black history.”
AOB students gathered for the historic Grammy watch party. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
It was just as exciting on the TSU campus as hundreds of students, including band members, waited anxiously for the category and announcement.
The Grammy watch party erupted when the band’s name was read as the winner.
Emotions couldn’t be put into words when the award winner for the Best Roots Gospel album was finally announced.
There are more than 280 AOB members. Chelsea Flournoy, a music education major who plays the trombone for the band, jumped for joy with her fellow classmates.
John King (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“I cried tears of joy,” Flournoy said. “We worked so hard, long nights recording this album to make it perfect, and the perfect way got us a Grammy. I was confident in this album, we made history!”
TSU senior John king, who plays the cymbal, said he was very confident in last night’s win before the announcement. “I saw the vision,” King said. “Being a part of this journey and seeing this being accomplished, it motivates me and it gives me hope.”
Listen to The Urban Hymnalalbum on all music streaming platforms such as Apple Music, YouTube, and or Spotify.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Gospel music has the power to inspire change, unite communities, and serve as a voice for the marginalized. Oftentimes, the concept behind a soul stirring song or project can be just as profound. As the case for Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands Grammy-nominated album. It all stated from an idea written on a napkin.
In February 2022, Professor Larry Jenkins, assistant band director for the Aristocrat of Bands, met with Sir The Baptist to brainstorm ideas about what’s next for the world-renowned AOB.
L-r : The Urban Hymnal was executively produced by, Assistant band director professor Larry Jenkins, AOB Band Director Dr. Reginald McDonald, platinum recording artist, TSU alum Dubba-AA. Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin and two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist
The two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist liked everything Jenkins shared during their meal. In this musical meeting of the minds, the concept for the album was born on a napkin from a Mexican restaurant.
“It just hit me, we should do a whole album,” Jenkins said to Baptist.
His response: I was waiting on you to say that.
Fast forward a year later, Baptist is a TSU alumnus and AOB is going to the Grammys after being nominated for their 10-track album The Urban Hymnal in the Best Roots Gospel Album category. They are the first collegiate band in the history of the Grammys to receive a nomination.
Jenkins, who is a co-executive producer of the album, said this accomplishment will change the trajectory of Nashville’s Music City reputation.
“You have an HBCU band doing an album … which is something that has never been done to this capacity,” Jenkins said, noting that this opportunity was a cultural shift. “I hope this sparks another resurgence of the impact and importance of music. Not just Nashville, but north Nashville and Jefferson Street and how legendary this air is here.”
Jenkins is referring to the historic aspect of Jefferson Street and its longevity of cultural African American music. Not even a mile away from TSU, is the reason why Nashville has been coined as, ‘Music City.’
The Urban Hymnal album cover. (Photo by Garrett Morris)
The Fisk Jubilee Singers, founded in 1871, performed in front of Queen Victoria. A performance that established Nashville as a musical hub and contributed to the city’s reputation as a center of musical excellence. 150 years after being founded, the Jubilee Singers won their first-ever Grammy Award in 2021.
“We call Jefferson Street the Grammy mile,” Jenkins said. And AOB being nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Gospel Roots, the same category as Fisk Jubilee Singers, isn’t a coincidence. “Being a mile away from each other with so much history being packed into the biggest musical organization on both campuses is amazing.”
TSU alum Aaron ‘DUBBA-AA’ Lockhart, a platinum recording artist, and one of the executive producers for the album, said this award will mean more to just the university. “This is a cultural award for Nashville in itself. This will solidify Black music in the city,” Lockhart said.
“Starting off at Fisk and ending off with TSU … this is something the culture needs.” Lockhart said he looks forward to honoring this award for ‘the roots that birthed us,’ and ‘being able to pass the torch,’ to future music students, AOB members and beyond.
Music education in many schools and institutions often prioritize the study of Western classical music, something that may result in a lack of cultural relevance and diversity in music. AOB band director, Dr. Reginald McDonald, who is also a co-executive producer for the album, said there is rich musical history and R&B moguls that orientated right in the heart of north Nashville.
TSU drum major, trumpet soloist Curtis Olawumi during a Fall 2022 performance. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“There is more to the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee than country music,” McDonald said. “For Tennessee State University’s AOB to have produced an album to tie together two of the biggest music genres within the African American community, (gospel and HBCU marching bands) is extremely significant,” he said.
“You start bringing awareness and bringing on the Black music scene.”
Currently, there are more than 280 AOB members. Bringing a Grammy back to Tennessee will be yet another one of the Aristocrat of Bands historic accolades, and a great way to kick off Black History Month.
The Grammys will take place this week, Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Listen to The Urban Hymnalalbum on all music streaming platforms such as Apple Music, YouTube, and or Spotify.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –In September 2016, Logyn Rylander was surfing through her TV streaming service for something good to watch. It was in her living room when she first learned of Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) on television.
Logyn Rylander
“I was watching Cedrick the Entertainer’s special on Netflix, and I saw the band performing,” Rylander said. “I was shocked.”
Rylander was mesmerized by the AOB’s energy and passion as members marched up the aisles of a Nashville auditorium. The high-octane performance was during their appearance with nationally known stand-up comedian and actor, Cedric Kyles, also known as Cedrick the Entertainer. She didn’t know much about TSUs band at first, but she was very familiar by the time the Netflix special performance was over.
“I thought, yes, I am going there (to TSU.)”
Logyn Rylander has been playing the saxophone since the third grade.
The Philadelphia, PA native, who was a sophomore in high school at the time, applied to the university and received a band scholarship to play the saxophone.
Fast forward to today, Rylander will graduate this Fall with a degree in music technology business. Along with getting her degree, the saxophonist says the other ultimate accolade is being a part of a Grammy-nominated, groundbreaking gospel album The Urban Hymnal. The historic music project is produced by the Aristocrat of Bands and features several gospel icons in the industry. The AOB is the first collegiate marching band in the history of the Grammys to receive a nomination.
Rylander has been playing the saxophone since the third grade and picked up the bassoon her freshman year at TSU. She recalls the emotional journey of performing with AOB for the very first time.
“My freshman year, I cried at multiple performances because I knew someone was watching me, the same way I watched the band on television … it was a full circle moment,” she said. She knew one day her talent was going to take her far.
AOB band director Reginald McDonald and TSU alumnus, Sir the Baptist watches as Logyn Rylander submits the application to the Grammys.
“This is going to inspire someone the same exact way it inspired me.”
Rylander also had the honor of submitting the application to the Grammys as her fellow band members looked on anxiously.
Dr. Larry Jenkins, assistant band director and co-producer of the album, said Rylander wasn’t aware that she would be the person to submit the album, but that she deserved the chance to do so.
“From the beginning, Logyn’s enthusiasm towards the project showed me that she was a visionary and that she was able to see the big picture,” Jenkins said.
Logyn Rylander and TSU alumnus, Grammy award-winning producer Dallas Austin
Rylander helped create the soft and mellow notes with her saxophone in the songs titled DanceRevival and Fly. Rylander’s deep, reedy, and woody bassoon sounds can also be heard in the song Blessings.
She said she admires the music AOB produces and is grateful to be a part of this musical journey with fellow band members she considers family.
“I’m very grateful and honored to be in this band,” Rylander said. “What a way to end my school and band career.”
The Grammys will take place on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Listen to The Urban Hymnal album on all music streaming platforms such as Apple Music, YouTube, and or Spotify.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands has been nominated for a Grammy for their album The Urban Hymnal in the Best Roots Gospel Album category!
AOB also received a second Grammy nod for their collaboration on Spoken Word Artist and Poet, J. Ivy’s album, The Poet Who Sat By The Door.
The groundbreaking album has 10 tracks filled with organic sounds that were created on TSU campus and features trailblazers within the gospel music industry. The AOB is the first collegiate band in history to earn a Grammy nomination.
Two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir The Baptist, left, and AOB assistant director professor Larry Jenkins records historic gospel album titled ‘Urban Hymnal,’ with AOB on campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“This is a tremendous day in the history of our beloved Tennessee State University,” Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of bands, said. “This is not just a band accolade, but a university-wide accomplishment. I personally appreciate our President, Dr. Glenda Glover’s vision for our university.”
Artists, albums, and songs competing for trophies at the 65th annual ceremony were announced on Tuesday by the Recording Academy. The Urban Hymnal is one of five nominees within the Best Roots Gospel Album category.
“The university is very proud of this accomplishment by the Aristocrat of Bands that is celebrated by the TSU family and all of Tennessee,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
AOB students recorded the Urban Hymnal gospel album at TSU for several months. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“The AOB’s historic Grammy nominations add to the legacy of excellence that is TSU and cements the band as a part of the mystique that is Music City.”
AOB assistant director Larry Jenkins described this moment as “surreal.”
“The Aristocrat of Bands receiving a Grammy nomination is a dream come true,” Jenkins said. “This serves as a truly historic and monumental moment for all of our students, staff and the university at large. Thank you to every band student, artist, producer and each person who contributed to our album. Thank you to the Recording Academy for making this moment a reality. Like our fellow HBCU, Fisk University, did in 2020, we hope to bring another Grammy Award down Jefferson Street soon.”
The Urban Hymnal is one of five nominees within the Best Roots Gospel Album category.
The Grammy’s will take place on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Music moguls and acclaimed artist such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, J. Ivy, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, Prof. Jenkins, Take 6, Mali Music, and more are on the album.
The executive producers for the album are AOB Director Dr. McDonald, Prof. Jenkins, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, and TSU alum and platinum recording artist Dubba-AA.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – From Black spiritual to contemporary, musical experts say Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands anticipated gospel album is a conceptual journey of faith that embodies the evolution of gospel music told through the lenses of an HBCU band.
Titled ‘The Urban Hymnal,’ the album has 10 tracks filled with organic sounds that were created in the Land of Golden Sunshine. The history-making album features trailblazers within the gospel music industry.
Two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir The Baptist, left, and AOB assistant director professor Larry Jenkins records historic gospel album titled ‘Urban Hymnal,’ with AOB on campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
When Dr. Reginald McDonald was promoted to Director of Bands in 2015, he was told by his predecessor to dream big for the band’s legacy, to ensure a high level of national prominence, and to be known as one of the top bands in the country.
AOB’s most recent main stage accomplishment was performing at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, sponsored by a partnership with McDonalds, highlighting African American culture.
“And as a result of that performance, so many mega artists within the gospel community have now asked to be a part of the project,” McDonald said.
It is executively produced by AOB Director Dr. McDonald, assistant director professor Larry Jenkins, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, and platinum recording artist, TSU alum Dubba-AA.
AOB students have been recording the Urban Hymnal gospel album at TSU for several months and are in the final stages of production, set to be released mid September. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
The album is in the final stages of production and will include features from music moguls and acclaimed artist such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, Prof. Jenkins, Take 6, Mali Music, and more.
“For me to be the band director of Tennessee State is nothing short of divine intervention. This album can do something to solidify the branding of not just the band, but the university for decades,” McDonald said.
“This will be the first (album) from us, it won’t be our last.” He said he is grateful to have the ability to transition students, ‘from dreams to reality.’
TSU senior Arianna Scott, said she wasn’t sure about playing the piccolo in high school, but historic moments like being a part of the album made her instrumental journey worth her while.
“All this legacy that we have … a gospel album is huge for us,” Scott said, describing how excited she was to hear herself playing the piccolo on the recorded album.
AOB assistant director professor Larry Jenkins, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, and AOB director Dr. Reginald McDonald.
To add this milestone onto AOB’s lengthy list of accomplishments over the years, professor Jenkins, who also contributed to composing the album, said this is yet another first for the band, putting them in position to lead the way for bands all over the world.
“All the opportunity that comes from this … getting credit on an album that we need to get a Grammy for, that’s what really makes me feel good about it.” Jenkins has hopes of the album receiving a Grammy in the gospel roots category next year.
“It feels amazing to be a part of something so unique, so progressive,” he said, noting that the process of creating the album is a family affair for AOB and the university.
TSU alum Dubba-AA, couldn’t agree more.
“This band program isn’t just a program … this is my family,” he said. “It (the album) is going to make you want to get closer to God. This album will touch souls.” He said he is honored to be a part of the project, working besides trailblazers in the music industry, and ‘doing things that no one has done on an HBCU scale.’
AOB band leaders and music industry representatives look forward to releasing a successful gospel album this year. (Photo submitted)
Sir the Baptist, who received an honorary degree at TSU last spring alongside Dallas Austin, said the album is a game changer.
“We will bring back to life some of the hymnals, but in an urban way,” he said. “To have support from so many people and brands, it means a lot and shows us that we are on the right track. “This is really going to change culture.”
The album is set to be released no later than mid- September and will be available on every major platform.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) and award-winning New Direction Gospel Choir were invited to perform at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, Louisiana, sponsored by a partnership with McDonalds, highlighting African American culture.
Grammy nominated gospel singer Jekayln Carr and TSU New Direction Gospel Choir performs at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture. (Photo: Jenai Hayes)
AOB, New Direction Gospel Choir and The Sophisticated Ladies led three spectacular performances during the festival, one of which the University band debuted their new single “Dance Revival” featuring Grammy nominated gospel singer Jekayln Carr and the choir.
There were more than 1,000 festival participants in total watching the magic unfold.
AOB debuts their new single ‘Dance Revival,’ at the Essence Festival and are set to release a gospel album titled ‘Urban Hymnal.’ (Photo: submitted)
“Having an opportunity to premiere our original music at the Essence Festival is monumental for the AOB as well as the HBCU Band community at large,” said Dr. Larry Jenkins the Assistant Director of TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands.
Reginald McDonald, AOB director said the band will be seen in more unimaginable places.
TSU drum major, trumpet soloist Curtis Olawumi said his first time in New Orleans was a once in a lifetime experience as he met and spoke with his favorite trombonist Jeff Bradshaw, when leaving rehearsal.
Actress Tisha Campbell watched AOB and The Sophisticated Ladies rehearse behind the scene at Essence Fest 2022.
“That was the pivotal moment for me,” Olawumi said, noting that the pair talked about music and took photos. “Being able to perform on stage next to Jekayln Carr was a thrill,” he said. “I enjoyed myself and cherished every moment.”
AOB is set to release a gospel album titled ‘Urban Hymnal,’ primarily produced by AOB assistant director Professor Larry Jenkins and two-time Grammy award-nominated writer Sir the Baptist.
Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin is the executive producer of the album while it also features production from platinum recording artist, TSU alum Aaron (Dubba-AA) Lockhart.
Justin Butler, TSU New Direction Gospel Choir director described the experience of performing at the festival and being featured on AOB’s upcoming album as, ‘pretty amazing.’
TSU drum major Curtis Olawumi, right, met his all-time favorite trombonist Jeff Bradshaw, left, at Essence Fest while leaving rehearsal. (Photo: Submitted)
“We were blown away to be asked to be a part of this,” Butler said, mentioning that the choir recorded their portion of Dance Revival right on campus.
“I can’t wait for the world to hear this,” he said.
The album release date has not been disclosed as of July, but will include features from known artist and singers such as Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Jekalyn Carr, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Take 6 and more.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
