First Black Super Bowl Halftime A...
First Black Super Bowl Halftime Act
Not Just Music Podcast by Not Just Music Podcast
E111
Feb 11, 2026
56:10
Episode notes

This podcast episode talks about a huge moment in music and sports: Ella Fitzgerald's historic performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. As the "First Lady of Song," her appearance was a major step forward for Black artists.

What Halftime Used to Be Like

Before the big, flashy pop concerts we see now, Super Bowl Halftime Shows were simpler. They mainly featured local acts and marching bands.

The Big Moment

Ella Fitzgerald is famous for being the first Black woman to headline a Super Bowl Halftime Show.

  • When: Super Bowl VI (6) on January 16, 1972.
  • Where: New Orleans.
  • The Theme: It was a "Salute to Louis Armstrong."
  • The Impact: Fitzgerald's performance, which included  ... 
Keywords
backstory
black culture and society
black history month
black history