Long-time Jackson State University Band Director Lewis Liddell has retired after 17 years, according to a press release from the school.

Liddell, a Jackson native, led the famed Sonic Boom of the South marching band and supervised the entire band program, which also includes the pep band and Prancing J-Settes dance line.

Liddell, 64, was a JSU band member from 1963 through 1967.

Prior to joining JSU’s staff, Liddell was the assistant to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University.

“I was playing a young man’s game," Liddell said in an interview with JSU. "I had to make some decisions for my family and myself. I need to move on and let other folks enjoy it and give the program a chance to grow."

Liddell told JSU he plans to vacation with his wife of 41 years, Frances Liddell, who is a retired JSU administrator.