The Mobile Pops was established by ordinance on April 5th 1977. The band grew out of the Spirit of Mobile Marching 200, an organization that helped celebrate th e Bicentennial of 1976, attired in brilliant red, white and blue uniforms and accompanied by a corps of 50 American flags. A year later this marching unit was succeeded by a wind ensemble in formal black tuxedos and concert gowns on the stage of the Mobile Municipal Theater..


Two more theater concerts followed and the band began the series of outdoor concerts, known as "Starbright Concerts" in the spring of 1978. These concerts began on a natural park incline, with the audience on the hill and the band at the base.

Soon after Hurricane Frederick the band dedicated a new performing area with a gala concert concluded with a 2 minute rapid fireworks display. The Langan Park Performing Arts Pavilion was built by the City Parks and Recreation Department, primarily for the band but also for other Community events. As Many as 10,000 have attended some park concerts.

The band has expanded its performing arena in recent years to include Washington Square Park, The Bluff overlooking Fairhope Pier, Dauphin Island, Cottage Hill Park, Cathedral Square Park, the Michael C. Dow Amphitheater for the kids day concert, Battleship Park Aircraft Pavilion and Fort Whiting for the Veterans Day celebration and Cooper Riverside Park and Battleship Park where the 4th of July concert is held with attendance of over 18,000.
 
The Mobile Pops has been recognized by the City of Mobile on several occasions for their contributions to the arts and to the Mobile community. Most recently the Mobile Pops was selected from numerous community bands from accross the United States to perform at the 2007 Association of Concert Bands convention Pensacola Florida.

History of The Mobile Pops