The time is finally here where we are celebrating the most historical and remarkable memories of our history. It’s Black History Month and this month we are celebrating some of Grambling’s history. Conrad R. Hutchinson Jr., better known as the “Prof” was known for his contribution to the World Famed Band.
Hutchinson’s contributions allowed Grambling the city and the university to be put on the map.
Hutchinson, Jr, was born Oct. 25, 1919 and was named after his father. His mother was named Helen. During Hutchinson's early years of education he attended the public school Bloomsburg and Chamblis Children's School in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Hutchinson Jr. later earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Tuskegee Institute.
He started his first years teaching band with the Mobile County School in Alabama, following his seven years as band director at Lincoln Grant High in Covington, Kentucky. Hutchinson began his journey at Grambing in 1952. He served time in the U.S. Army, and during that time he served as the Command Headquarters Band in Calcutta, India. Hutchinson soon achieved the ranking of Warrant Officer J.G.
During Hutchinson’s later years he graduated from the University of Cincinnati, Western Reserve University, New England Conservatory of Music and Vandercook College of Music, earning his master's degree in music. Following Hutchinson’s achievement of receiving his masters he went on to later receive an honorary doctorate from Grambling State University and was inducted into the GSU Hall of Fame.
Throughout Hutchinson’s time at Grambling he created the GSU fight song in addition to other arrangements for the Big Three/Warner Bros. catalog. The leadership of Hutchinson led the GSU Tiger Marching Band to worldwide fame.
Hutchinson is still being remembered today, by his numerous contributions to GSU’s World Famed Marching band. The performing arts building at GSU is now named after the honorary professor and band director.
Conrad Hutchinson