Super Bowl Halftime Shows: A Brief History of a Pop Culture Juggernaut

While halftime shows have long been a feature of football games, there are perhaps few performances in the western world that draw audiences on the order of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. From relatively humble origins featuring marching bands to the star-studded spectacle and pageantry of the modern era, this part of Super Bowl Sunday is for many viewers just as alluring (if not more so) than the game itself. 

During this program, Professor Gil Harel will discuss the history of the Super Bowl Halftime phenomenon, highlighting the steady trajectory towards the spectacle we now expect. From the controversial 2004 show featuring Justin TImberlake and Janet Jackson, to iconic performances by groups such as the Rolling Stones (2006), Bruce Springsteen (2009) and Michael Jackson (1993), we will also consider less warmly-received performances (The Black Eyed Peas, 2011) and everything in between. One thing has remained consistent for decades: for millions of Americans, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is must-see-TV!

About the Speaker: Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching"). Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 5 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.