Pride of the Southland: History of UT's Marching Band

The University of Tennessee Marching Band, better known as the Pride of the Southland, is one of the oldest and most prestigious collegiate band programs in the country. The band celebrates its 155th anniversary this year.

What began as a small all-male military band has grown to a university marching band of more than 300 members, known worldwide for its outstanding musical performance and precision marching.

The band’s rich history and long-standing traditions are documented in the Libraries’ UT Marching Band Collection. The collection holds historical material dating back to 1901. The archive contains newspaper clippings, awards and certificates, drill charts and scripts, and unique band memorabilia. Highlights of the collection include a wealth of photographs and audio and video recordings of band performances. Recordings include pregame and halftime shows at regular season football games and bowl games as well as special performances. These and many other historically valuable records of the University of Tennessee are preserved in the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives.

Some interesting facts about the Pride of the Southland:

• Organized following the Civil War, in 1869, the band was originally part of the Military Department on the Knoxville campus and comprised a small corps of male cadets. Initially an all-cornet ensemble, the marching band featured a drum major and was directed by a student cadet leader.
   
• In 1902, the band made its first appearance at a football game, a contest between UT and Sewanee. With the support of the band and the cheering fans, UT prevailed, 6–0.
   
• Bandmaster Ernest Hall, who joined the program in 1925, broke new ground by inducting the first female musicians into the marching band.
   
• It was Knoxville Journal sports editor Ed Harris, in his November 1, 1949, “Top o’ the Morning” column, who dubbed the band the “Pride of the Southland.”
   
• UT’s unofficial fight song, “Rocky Top,” first debuted as part of a tribute to country music during the band’s halftime show at the October 21, 1972, UT-Alabama game.
   
• Over its 150-year history, the Pride has marched in 15 US Presidential inaugural parades — more than any other civilian organization — and has appeared at more than 50 bowl games.

Read a complete history of the Pride of the Southland Band below: