Alvin M. Keeling 
COVID-19 may have kept a black band in 2020, but HBCU marching bands returned in 2021.
In what has become customary this time of year, we take another look at the 2021 band season by honoring what we believe to be the top 25 covers of 2021 by HBCU bands.
This listing is free for Hip-Hop. This is a dynamic list of tracks featuring recent and old-school R&B, pop and a touch of gospel.
Also read: Top 25 covers of 2019 by HBCU bands
Below are the 25 best covers of 2021 performed by HBCU bands.
25. Talladega “Rose in Harlem” (Teyana Taylor)
24. Texas Southern, “You can’t stop the rain” (loose ends)
23. Alabama A&M, “Dream On” (Areosmith)
22. State of Kentucky, “As I Want You” (Giveon)
21. Florida A&M, “This Place Hotel” (aka Heartbreak Hotel) (The Jacksons)
Also read: Top 20 covers of 2018 by HBCU bands
20. State of Norfolk, “Pick Up Your Feelings” (Jazmine Sullivan)
19. Alcorn State, “Heartbreak Anniversary” (Giveon)
18. State of Tennessee, “Loki (Sylvie Theme)” (Natalie Holt)
17. Alabama State, “Liberian Girl” (Michael Jackson)
16. Southern, “Skate” (Bruno Mars, Anderson. Paak, Silk Sonic)
Also read: Top 20 covers of 2017 by HBCU bands
15. Prairie View A&M, “Shining Star” (Earth, Wind & Fire)
14. Jackson State, “I have nothing” (Whitney Houston)
13. Texas Southern, “Try Your Fire” (Lucky Daye)
12. North Carolina A&T, “I feel for you” (Chaka Khan)
11. Alcorn State, “Livin ‘La Vida Loca” (Ricky Martin)
Also read: Top 20 covers of 2016 by HBCU bands
10. State of Tennessee “stranger in my house” (Chipmunk)
9. Miles College, “Essence” (Wizkid ft. Tems)
8. Prairie View A&M, “You brought the sun (into my life),” The Clark Sisters
7. State of Alabama “Rain” (SWV)
6. North Carolina A&T, “As We Lay” (Shirley Murdock)
Also read: Top 10 covers of 2015 by HBCU bands
5. Alcorn State, “Beggin” (Måneskin)
4. Jackson State, “Love’s Train” (Con Funk Shun)
3. South, “Am I doing” (Stevie Wonder)
2. Alabama A&M, “Love Calls” (Kem)
1. Southern, “Keep The Door Open” (Bruno Mars, Anderson. Paak, Silk Sonic)
