 It was initially made up of students from Jackson College and Lanier High School.Founded as the Jackson State University Marching Band, the name "Sonic Boom of the South" was adopted by director Harold J. Haughton Sr. in 1971, having been suggested by band members.The first fulltime band director, William W. Davis, was appointed in 1948, replacing Charles Saulsburg, who had been director since 1947.