Object of the Day

Isaac Greggs' Human Jukebox Marching Band Hat

March 13
This hat was worn by Dr. Isaac Ben Greggs, the Director of the Southern University Baton Rouge marching band, nicknamed "The Human Jukebox."

Hat worn by Dr. Isaac Greggs with The Human Jukebox marching band

Description
A hat worn by Dr. Isaac Ben Greggs, the Director of the Southern University - Baton Rouge marching band nicknamed "The Human Jukebox." The military-style peaked cap has a navy crown with an gold embroidered “S” at center front. The sideband and bill are black felt embellished with embroidered gold leaves. Gold cording, knotted twice in front, is attached to the front sideband by looping around two (2) gold buttons, one attached to each side of the cap at the temple. The buttons have a lyre design. There are two (2) small black grommets on either side of the hat, above the felt sideband.
In the interior of the cap, there a black plastic sweatband covered with black leather vinyl. There is a plastic support in the interior of the front of the cap. Inside the crown is lined with clear plastic. In the center of the clear plastic lining, there is a rectangular sleeve to hold a card or label. Attached to the clear plastic lining, In between the sleeve and the bill, is a round sticker. The sticker is yellow with a black trim, and has text in black with red accents: [DeMoulin], [618/664-2000], [5], and [Greenville, Illinois 62246]. Printed onto the underside of the cap, in between the sleeve and the back of the cap, is the text: [BAYLY, INC./HOLLYWOOD, FLA.]. Underneath the sweatband at the back of the cap is a manufacturer's label with the text: [Manufactured By: / BAYLY, INC. / Hollywood, Florida / U.S.A. / (L) 7 1/2-7 3/8]. The back of this label contains cleaning instructions.
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Manufactured by
Bayly, Inc., American, founded 1865
Used by
Dr. Isaac Ben Greggs, American, 1929 - 2014
Distributed by
DeMoulin Bros. and Co., American, founded 1892
Subject of
The Human Jukebox, American, founded 1969
Southern University and A&M College, American, founded 1880
Date
2000
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Mrs. Rose Greggs in loving memory of her husband Dr. Isaac Ben Greggs
Medium
polyester, plastic, cord, paper, ink, vinyl, metal thread, and felt
Dimensions
H x W x D: 5 1/2 × 10 3/4 × 10 3/8 in. (14 × 27.3 × 26.4 cm)
Type
caps (headgear)