The Marching 100 in Bragg Memorial Stadium spelling out “MJ” in a formation on the field.(Marching 100)
Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 performed “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” to celebrate legacy, artistry and culture ahead of the new Michael Jackson Film ‘Michael.’
The band was filmed in Bragg Memorial Stadium making various formations, those that included the words “KING of POP” and “MJ.”
This promotional video released Feb. 24 during Black History Month, highlighting the combination of historically Black colleges and universities culture and tradition, and the King of Pop’s artistry and how they mirror one another.
FAMU was the first of 4 Historically Black Colleges and Universities to have their video posted for the campaign.
Dr. Ralph Jean-Paul, the lower brass instructor for the Marching 100, said being inquisitive is the foundation for creating an identity.
Members of the Marching 100 saxophone section doing horn manuals in Bragg Memorial Stadium. (Marching 100)
“Being inquisitive allowed [Michael] to be very innovative in his approach so that [creates] an identity,” Jean-Paul said. “So, all the identities that he was able to do stapled Michael Jackson, the way he sung, his lyrics, his song writing, his [movements], his energy …”
Dr. William Patrick Foster founded the Marching 100 in 1946, with the goal of having a reputable 100-member band.
“Dr. Foster had this dream to have a reputable band because of his oppositions, so he was able to get his technique and figure out what he wanted to do,” Jean-Paul said. “So, it’s about innovation and giving an identity, and I think Michael Jackson really had an identity incongruent with the Marching 100.”
The Marching 100 has performed at many high-profile events such as multiple Super Bowls, the 2006 GRAMMYs and the 2022 Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring- Summer fashion show in Paris.
Band member, Maritza Wiggins said that the Marching 100’s reputation is what brings in these calls to participate in high profile events.
“The 100 holds itself to a very high standard,” said Wiggins. “People want to work with the 100 because of the fact that they can also represent what they stand for in that same high regard.”
Band members like Jaylen Bain have expressed their gratitude in being a part of this moment.
“You grow up watching Michael Jackson, and it’ll change your life,” Bain said. “Being able to have [an] opportunity to embrace his legacy and perform it for the world again, it really makes me happy.”