Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

 

     

     Woodstock grabbed the headlines in the summer of 1969 as the culture changing monster concert of its time. However, occurring the same summer in Harlem, New York was another concert that in many ways, was even more impactful on culture, and certainly race relations in America. Unfortunately, while filmed, the footage sat in a basement for 50 years untouched and forgotten.

      Known as the Harlem Cultural Festival, it took place in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) over a six-week period that attracted over 300,000 people. Producer Robert Fyvolent and director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson have finally brought that lost footage to the screen and the result is amazing. Mr. Thompson weaves together the musical performances with news footage of the era, along with social commentary and contemporary interviews to make a statement of those times that is still relevant today.

       The film features performance by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, B.B. King, Sly & The Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson, The Fifth Dimension, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Staples Singers, Hugh Masakela, David Ruffin and many others.

        The performances are terrific and many of the interviews very revealing. It was an important cultural and social event that has finally gotten it's due and should not be missed. It's available now on Hulu and in theaters (where you can really appreciate the big screen and sound).