Tops In Blue
| Company type | Performance troupe |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Military morale |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Defunct | September 1, 2016 |
| Headquarters | Lackland Air Force Base , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Pacific region |
Key people | Major Al Reilly (founder) |
| Products | Live performances, feature films, music albums |
| Owner | United States Air Force |
Tops In Blue was a performance troupe composed of active duty members of the United States Air Force, founded in 1953. Over a span of 63 years, this ensemble delivered more than 120 annual shows across over 20 countries, providing entertainment to airmen and their families around the globe. Each year, Tops In Blue reached an audience exceeding 250,000 military personnel through roughly 120 performances held at nearly 100 venues throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, and the Pacific region.
Ensemble
Consisting of 30 to 35 vocalists, dancers, musicians, and technical staff, the group served as the Air Force’s mobile entertainment unit. Members maintained peak physical fitness while handling their own gear, which weighed approximately 60,000 pounds and was transported on 13 pallets or two trailers. They dedicated between four and eight hours to stage setup before each show and were responsible for dismantling the equipment immediately after performances concluded. Their core mission centered on entertaining military members and their families worldwide. The ensemble also made national television appearances alongside prominent entertainers such as Ed Sullivan, Bob Hope, Alabama, Barbara Mandrell, Boyz II Men, Lee Greenwood, and Lea Michele.
Tops In Blue was managed by the Entertainment Branch within the Programs Directorate at Headquarters Air Force Services Agency. Its funding came from a combination of appropriated funds and non-appropriated funds generated by Air Force personnel, with sponsorship provided by Coca-Cola. The program produced five feature films and two music albums.
Functioning as a self-sufficient unit, the ensemble was organized into four flights: personnel, logistics, operations, and technical.
Audition
Prospective members submitted video auditions to Headquarters Air Force Services Agency. Those selected were flown to Lackland AFB from locations worldwide for a ten-day talent showcase and multi-stage competition evaluated by former Tops In Blue performers. Auditions were held across six categories: male vocalist, female vocalist, instrumentalist, musical variety acts, dance, and non-musical variety including comedians, magicians, and actors. Each year introduced a new group of performers; previous members were not assured re-entry. Chosen candidates then completed a 45-day training program at Lackland AFB.
History
The Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest was initiated in 1953 by Major Al Reilly of the Air Force, which led to the creation of Tops In Blue as a touring ensemble featuring top contest performers across 230 locations over 235 days. The original contest included 14 categories such as comedy, drama, pop music, jazz, hillbilly music, vocal performances, and instrumental acts. Celebrity judges included Barry White, Les Brown, Richard Roundtree, and Esther Williams. In 1954, Ed Sullivan invited Tops In Blue to perform at Mitchel Air Force Base on his television program "Toast of the Town," with Airman Second Class Jerry Van Dyke serving as Master of Ceremonies. By 1964, the group shifted focus toward producing films and records for Air Force distribution but resumed live touring in 1972 with renewed support from the Air Force.
Notable events
In 1981, Tops In Blue performed during halftime at the Garden State Bowl. By 1985, a significantly expanded production involving over 1,400 volunteers from Mather AFB took part in the halftime show of Super Bowl XIX. The group also appeared at major sporting events including the 2002 Daytona 500, Game 6 of the 2005 NBA Finals, and the 2009 Coca-Cola 600. During the pregame festivities before Super Bowl XLV, Tops In Blue performed "America the Beautiful" alongside actress Lea Michele.
Controversy
Tops in Blue encountered criticism amid tightening military budgets and a perceived decline in enthusiasm among younger enlisted members, many of whom had never experienced a performance firsthand. Surveys indicated that a significant portion regarded the initiative as an inefficient use of resources and time. Although official expenses appeared modest, hidden costs—including personnel salaries, injury-related expenditures, international travel, and accommodations—were believed to be substantially greater. Additional issues raised involved allegations of fraternization, hazardous working conditions, mistreatment, and incidents of sexual harassment. An Air Force survey conducted in October 2015 involving 4,700 airmen aged 25 to 34 demonstrated unfavorable attitudes toward Tops in Blue; despite widespread awareness of the program’s intent to enhance morale, only roughly one-quarter had attended a show. Factors discouraging attendance included the program’s popularity, limited audience capacity, and lack of interest. Ultimately, just 19% expressed support for the initiative. These results led to a comprehensive evaluation and the postponement of the 2016 tour, with Air Force officials citing tepid enthusiasm and budgetary limitations as primary reasons.
Cancellation
In December 2015, the Secretary of the Air Force declared the suspension of the 2016 season to allow for an in-depth reassessment of the program’s objectives, locations, themes, and financial implications. Tops in Blue was officially terminated on September 1, 2016.