January 5, 2018

A History of the University of Alabama Crimsonettes



Alabama's university band was started in 1912 with only 14 members. It was an all male band, by the way.

One urban legend has it that in 1922 W.C. "Champ" Pickens named them "The Million Dollar Band" due to their wonderful performances and ability to raise money.

In 1944, the first females were allowed into the band.

The Million Dollar Band played at President Harry S. Truman's inauguration in 1948.

But the Million Dollar Band was just that... a band. A great band for sure. But, just a band.

And then everything began to change. 

1969          1969          1969          1969          1969          1969          1969          1969         1969

Now up to 130 members, the Million Dollar Band added a lone baton twirler, Karen Rodberg, and a "Crimson and White" flag unit.


Karen Rodberg, featured baton twirler

"Crimson and White" flag unit


1970         1970         1970         1970         1970

Those famous white go-go boots made their first appearance.



1971         1971         1971         1971         1971

A legend begins. This is the year the Million Dollar Band feature its first majorettes, who were named The Crimsonettes. Since their first appearance, they have been the focal point for fans, and television cameras, for obvious reasons!






1972         1972         1972         1972         1972







1973         1973         1973         1973         1973





1974         1974         1974         1974         1974






1975         1975         1975         1975         1975







1976         1976         1976         1976         1976



1977         1977         1977         1977         1977






1978         1978         1978         1978         1978





1979 and 1980         1979 and 1980         1979 and 1980         1979 and 1980         1979 and 1980






1981 and 1982         1981 and 1982         1981 and 1982         1981 and 1982         1981 and 1982






1983


1984


1985


1986


1987


1988


1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000
2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014


2015

For the first time, all four drum majors are female.

2016

2017

2018


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