Under the direction of Samuel Griffin, the band began to venture into a world that could only be dreamed of. Upon his arrival in 1969, the band only had 35-40 members. With the transition of a new style of marching known as “show-style” many bands throughout the south began to make their mark with the use of many techniques unfamiliar to non-HBCU marching bands.
In 1975 “The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite” became the first band to perform in the New Orleans Superdome. The Band has performed before crowds at Soldier Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Coliseum, Texas Stadium in Dallas, and many more high-profile venues throughout Georgia, Indiana, New York and Washington, D.C. The band participated in the inaugural parade of President Jimmy Carter in 1977 and many inaugural parades for governors of the state of Mississippi.
“Alcorn lost one of its most beloved figures,” said Rankins. “Mr. Griffin was the epitome of Alcorn excellence. He loved this University, and he dedicated his time to instilling key values of hard work into generations of Alcornites. Our condolences goes out to the Griffin family and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
“Mr. Griffin was an Alcorn State University icon,” said Murray. “He touched the lives of so many young people. He not only taught us how to be musicians, but he also taught us how to be strong men and women.”
Griffin is survived by his wife Peggy Griffin, two sons and three daughters.
