JSU’s Sonic Boom and State of MS to participate in Rose Parade

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – All eyes will be glued to the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade on Wednesday, with Mississippians entertaining crowds along the parade route.

Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South and Mississippi’s musical legacy appear on the national stage, showing why we’re the birthplace of American music.

“Here on the biggest of stages is an incredible opportunity for us,” said Governor Tate Reeves.

He and the First Family are in Pasadena, California, and will be atop the state float during the 136th Rose Parade.

Adorned with 13,000 yellow roses, it pays homage to Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Jimmy Rogers, and Bobby Rush.

It is a reminder to the world that Mississippi is the birthplace of American music, and bringing live sounds of southern music is Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South.

“I don’t know who all is gonna be in the parade, but I do know who is gonna take the show,” added Reeves.

“It’s an opportunity for us to share with the world what we’ve always known, which is that we have the greatest band in the land, that Mississippi is home, it is the birthplace of music, and that we are maintaining that tradition,” said Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts, Chair of Jackson State University’s Department of Music.

Visit Jackson sees this as a chance to showcase the city and state.

“This is a place that we’ve belonged for a long time, but we’re finally taking our place,” said Visit Jackson spokesperson Yolanda Clay-Moore. “We have such a rich culture and tapestry a musical footprint.”

It’s been quite a year for JSU, performing at the Super Bowl in February and now starting the New Year in the Rose Parade.

“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and now to cap off this year and to be in California and to be performing at the Rose Parade, we’re all just overwhelmed with gratitude,” added Beckley-Roberts.

The Rose Parade airs Wednesday at 10 a.m. on NBC.

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