You can't underestimate how much the US government FEARED the power our music, the ideas from artist like Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cook, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder and James Brown, The Soul Children etc on loving our BLACK-NESS, striving, not taking the Oppression The CIA had files on how our music made us "activists" and "too political" They hid this footage purposely. They have worked for 50 years to take the power out of Black music, collaborating with these wt owned CORPORATE record labels, finally neutralizing it, turning Black music into what we see now, ignorant buffoonish over-sexualized minstrels with NOTHING to say.
I love late 80's / early 90's hip hop, but that music reminds me how they proceeded to squash any intelligent material in favor of what they've been selling for the last 20 years: garbage.
I'm from Holland, born in 1968, and till today never heard of this. There are no words to describe how upset i am to hear that this existed, and hardly no one has heard of it. It's total sensorship.
"What will people see in the film that will resonate with the present moment?" BEST QUESTION EVER...for BEST ANSWER: "Black joy." Thank you for this segment...Love love love love love.
They'll 👁️ history being made around the🌏 coming together peoples of all color📺 groups making history now Legends 🎤🎸🎹🎵🎶🎼📻🎸🎺🎷 back in 1969 ✊🏿✌️ Gladys Knight and the pips David ruffin Stevie Wonder Mahalia Jackson Aretha ✨✨💫 Franklin the list goes on
@@dennissimpson8074 THIS IS ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE! NOT EVERY COLOR GROUP. BLACK PEOPLE. IT'S SO FKN HARD FOR "OTHERS" TO SEE US HAVE ANYTHING TO OURSELVES. AGAIN, THIS IS ABOUT BLACK..... I REPEAT, BLACK!!!
The Fact that the African-American equivalent of Woodstock was happening at the exact same time and no one today really knows about this festival is a travesty 😩I’m glad people are at least hearing about it now🙏👍😘❤️
On mainstream radio stations in Los Angeles at the time they were playing sly and the family Stone an SD Stevie wonder came out with my Cherie amour in 1971 radio stations were playing these songs come on down to the stone cold picnic most of hit top ten in Los Angeles pop charts by sly and the family stone. Progressive radio stations played all types of genres
@@marciaaustin8231 Yes. Same thing in Phila. And just about the same time Earth, Wind and Fire started. Then there was George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic.
No please this is a woke agenda thing. I was THERE. As a five-year-old Caucasian child with my parents. It was a huge thing and it was very widely covered at the time. How do you think all the ppl in attendance (including the large numbers of white folks in CLOSEUP in this clip) found out about the festival in those pre-internet days, you fools? You can SEE the volume of ppl in the audience ffs. This is the Woke agenda trying to rewrite history. Again.
@@ns2110theonly No...this is YOU being a typical white person making OUR story/history about YOU, and your agenda. Take a seat, and listen instead of projecting your racial angst! Sheesh.
WOW!!! I grew up with this music, all of it. Saturday night in the 70's as a kid I waited up to watch Soul Train. This music in the 60's and 70's feed our souls. I cannot, CANNOT!, wait to see this film. What angers me a bit is I had no idea about this Festival. Shame on America for not pushing this out like Woodstock as well. Oh by the way, I'm a white guy who went to an all black school in the 60's and 70's. Its an ALL thing, not a Black thing folks....
White guy that grew up 40 minutes from Detroit in 50s-60s influenced by the music...Soul...Then lived one subway stop from Harlem.. So anxious to see this.
Without the magnificent black singers male and female and the groups of that era the American musical history will be at its 50 % empty,those years had great music mainly thanks to the black musicians period.
I saw Summer of Soul opening weekend - I am a huge music lover, especially the music of the 60’s and 70’s. I loved this documentary. I am gobsmacked that this footage was buried in someone’s basement for 50 years! The fact that no network would touch it is just shameful. A million Thank You’s to Questlove for making such a beautiful film 🙏
I’ve watched the Sly and the family Stone performance from this festival for years and always wondered where the rest of the footage was located...so happy now the whole world will get to see this landmark event and glad Questlove has become a more widely recognized musical historian. I’ve been watching his streaming DJ sets over the past year during quarantine and his musical catalog and knowledge is astounding (go to The Roots UA-cam and other social media sites to catch one usually on Fridays now)
He is an amazing music historian. His quarantine streams were epic especially his Sade, Prince and Chaka themed shows. Thank God for him and DNice through such an uncertain time.
I just saw this on CBS Sunday Morning, an xlnt & favorite show. Great music is for ALL people. Thank God the videos survived. There's always been countless individuals interested in original music and I believe it's a shame that it took so long to bring this out to the music loving world. Thanks.
@jack power and not to mention that movie theaters are expensive,$16 for one ticket is just ridiculous and if you buy snacks you can expend more that $40,a bottle water is $5.00 and the same water at the stores is $2.00
So glad Questlove is making this historic video, however sadden that once again Black empowerment has been hidden from American history for over half a century.
I've always known about "Wattstax" - which happened about three years after - but it's weird how it seems to me no one, not even the people who participated in this festival, had ever mentioned it.
@@essenceedwards-burd8721 I know, right? Like the young man they interviewed - who attended as a small child - said, it seemed like such a forgone event, he had gone most of his life thinking it was maybe something he had dreamed up and was reluctant to mention to anyone for fear they may think he was crazy.
Just watched the film and was so blown away, now I'm looking up backstory & interviews. What a journey this film brings us on. Impeccably edited & produced. It should win every film award.
WoW it would be cool if they put the whole concert on DVD I mean if they can put the whole Woodstock on DVD why not this I would definitely buy it I would love to see this in its entirety
I was 5 years old and my aunt was 18. She most likely attended the festival. Can't wait to see Sly and The Family Stone along with The 5th Demension 🥰😍
Just shows how racist America is threw the bone when Woodstock would be the most populair music festival of all time yet Harlem Music Festival in the same year with just as great performers wouldnt even make it to be mentioned for years ....
I was there in Mt Morris Park,I was 17years old and it was fantastic,Sly was the best ,Also Nina Simone, what a historic event, A really Great Day in Harlem
This footage being SUPPRESSED for 50 years---and there is no other concept possible given the "market demand" for so many of these artists----itself illumines everything wrong with the philistine-huckster controlled music industry: the fact that such great performances were ignored points to the political interference or even threats made against the filmmaker, or any interested parties. It is a suppression that may even have origins in the Hoover FBI war on "Black Messiahs" but it is a suppression that needs to be analyzed, spotlighted, and crushed, along with the trademark vileness in the neshek tradition of not only gouging artists for all $$$ extractable but hoarding and sitting on material and waiting for artists/performers to die so their due royalties may be cheated out of them, and their estates shunned or evaded. Thank God this film is finally but tragically coming out after 50 years. There remains so much other footage and films from this controversial era which needs release, and which the 180 billionaires in California alone can fund to get issued.
Black Joy is exactly why this hasn't been seen. This goes against how "they" want blacks to be seen. Black families and communities coming together, 300 thousand deep, enjoying themselves. Celebrating black culture without incident. A stark contrast to the drug fueled Woodstock. This is such an incredible piece of history, so well put together. The quality of the film and sound is fantastic. The music, the social commentary, a wonderful eye opening discovery.
OMG, AA PPL STILL CARES ABOUT EACH OTHER. *START FOCUSING ON WHY NEWS MEDIA ONLY REPORTES AA IN NEGATIVE SITUATIONS & W/ SUBLIMINAL MESSAGING... STAY WOKE. BE WELL .
I mean, yes and no. There were camps of black people, moderates vs. militants for instance. And then a few years later, everything got very violent. The 1970s was a violent time. Black people still care about each other it's just we play to directives too much now and they're everywhere, including places like social media.
I'm sad for the many that never knew about this festival, but am so grateful that it is finally getting to be seen by so many today! This is history that EVERY ONE, regardless of their background, should know about, but ESPECIALLY Black people. I'm so excited to see this gem!
I consider myself well educated but guess what... I had no idea about this so it seems like somewhere along the way certain things are deemed relavent or not... Disappointing
@@jasonbabcock2158 agreed. This was one of those events that the decision makers deemed unworthy of asking a bright light on, but thank goodness the footage was still in great condition, and that Questlove took on the project!
It was so amazing 1969. I was there at age 10 with my sister and dad; who brought us to see Mahalia Jackson. We walked to the park. It was such a great Day. I remember it was the largest crowd I had ever seen. That event was something huge and wonderful to me. Ms Jackson was incredible!!! Harlem USA our History. Not to be forgotten 💯✅❗👍🏾👏🏾💫
OMG. How did they keep this covered up all this time? In late middle age I am uncovering important historical events I should have learned about in school. I'm schooling myself off the internet to get my remedial history credit.
What a huge occasion. Sly and the Family Stone! David Ruffin! Gladys Knight and the Pips! The Staple Singers! Stevie Wonder! Nina Freaking Simone! Criminally forgotten. Thank you Questlove for bringing this back to all of us. 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Just saw this for free on Hulu, w/30 day trail. Absolutely, blown away!! Now gonna see it in the theater to support QuestLove. Also note, nobody was killed or assaulted by the Black Panthers like the Hells Angels did at Woodstock.
This is one of favorite movies of 2021 and will always be with me! I'm trying to get as many of my friends and family to see this, so that they can do the same.
Its treat just to see some early solo David Ruffin someone needs to do a documentary or a movie on him the temptations movie was ok but one-sided there was more to David than just the temptations and his drug use motown's greatest soul singer marvin gaye was good too especially when he his ballads but when it came to gritty soul David was the best if this had came out in 1971-72 with marvin doing whats going on this it probably would have been mass Hysteria thanks to questlove for unearthing this
I was raised on classic rock and soul music of the 60's and 70's. I have been buying and listening to music since 1964 and can remember, Woodstock, Monterrey Pop, Beatles at Shea Stadium, Live Aid. But I've never heard of this festival, which I find interesting. I can't wait to see this film. Bravo, Questlove.
I saw this documentary over the weekend. It fills you with pride before a sense of reality reminds you of the plots and schemes to destroy such a rich culture that came soon after. The togetherness of multi-ethnic groups was something the government couldn't stand for. Their take on the moon landing was righteous...those were wasted resources. Curtis Mayfield said it best "We can deal with rockets and dreams, but reality, what does it mean"- Freddy's Dead
This is so beautiful, beyond, deep, and needs to be seen and heard! I am Italian-American and NYC is in my blood, this is in my blood! See this movie, honor the depth of the Black community, as they are our brothers and sisters!
I didn't even see Woodstock, as I had just given birth to Number Four!!!!!Was so glad for the doc on Woodstock and also this one. It is truly a miracle that the film is in one piece and was remastered. BTW: Rendezvous with Rama is being filmed as I write by Netflix which had enough money. Morgan Freeman is ecstatic!!! Mr Freeman, I wrote a lot of letters to anybody who had MONET!
I watched “Summer of Soul” on HULU yesterday. The documentary is excellent. But I need more. A mini series and/or a soundtrack of the entire concert should be done. I guarantee that it would be a hit.
I'm crossing my fingers too! He's just got to do it! I saw so many performers I would like to have seen like Pig Meat Markham, and not enough of the dearly departed Moms Mabley. I hope if not, DVD, I'd buy it in a heartbeat! I'm old I still got a DVD player. Lolol!
Saw this in my local cinema 3 weeks ago. Absolutely blown away and moved to tears. They always want to erase our history. Phenomenal piece of forgotten black music history💜❤️🥲
Just imagine, the phenomenal and incomparable Miriam Makeba was blacklisted because she married Stokely Carmichael. The bookings and recordings evaporated instantly. Americans are yet to learn how far the gov't and their handlers have gone in an effort to subvert Black culture... This show gave me thrills and chills. See it and you'll wish you'd been there.
Having calmed down a little from the euphoria of the music, the Black joy and Black potential of 1969 is what haunts me now. Must watch, but almost most reexamine after watching. It's a spine chilling piece of social commentary camouflaged with incredible music. More than 50 years have passed...
So sad...yet another moment that could have been a touchstone for blacks in America, AND for whites, kept away from sight. Saw this movie twice last week in a theater. Just unbelievable. Bravo to all who helped this see the light of day! I could watch this once a week and not tire of it.
Got to see the documentary on Friday. Utterly magnificent. BB King, Stevie, David Ruffin, Mahalia, Gladys, and the Fifth Dimension etc were fabulous. Sly Stone was in another league. 9/10 Why did it take half a century to show this wonderful footage? You know the answer.............
0:01 "1969: the year that gave us Neil Armstrong,Charles Manson, and Woodstock". CBS, I seriously think you should fire the writer who came up with that. The 3 things to remember about 1969 and one is an evil nobody who should have been forgotten. I can assure you there were many more things that were important in 1969. Do you get how sick that is?! It would be like saying 1963, the year that gave us Lee Harvey Oswald or 1968 the year that gave us Sirhan Sirhan and James Earl Ray, or 1980 the year that gave us John Lennon's killer. Do you get it now?!
Thank you Questlove. l knew about the Wattstax Concert (We had the album). l really am stunned that there was a Black Music Festival in Harlem in 1969!!! A must see documentary, for sure!! This wasn't even mentioned in a book about the History of Harlem that my family had.
Amazing doc, all the music I love. I was a newborn baby when this went down. I have to say that Marillyn McCoo is the most beautiful woman who ever existed. My. Lord.
Despite only being a first-time director, The Roots’ drummer Questlove has already entered rarified air as one of the nominees for the 2022 Academy Awards. he’s nominated for Best Original Documentary for his debut film, , which captured the subversive energy and vibrant performances of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. The documentary is also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Film, an impressive achievement for the veteran musician.
Capturing the Legacy of Harlem in such a significant time in Black history. Making a way out of no way has always been the soul of a people who never gave and won't give up on our value and worth that contributed to this country.
I got to say the Black Woodstock looked a lot better than the white one. And this is coming from a white guy. A lot cleaner and less stoners. Should bring it back!
Celebration of 🌎 & Humanity......Additive-Free!!! I just woke up, showered, moisturized & picked my hair out, Dashiki dress, medallion/shells/beads, platforms & out the door!!!🤎❤🖤💚
Their live sound is out of this world. Thank you Quest for bringing this gem into the mainstream conciseness. I can't wait to play this for my little ones to sing and dance to and learn about American history.
This is the First Time I ever heard of Summer Of Soul!! I’m so upset that our history continue to keep keep getting hidden!!!!!! I hate that Hal Towson was trying bring attention to the Festival but no one want it ??? Love that Thompson is making it known now!! 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🔥🔥🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I just came back from watching this great film our local theater--The Rialto. It is reallllllly powerful and amazing....go see it if it's anywhere near you.....so much music and information about what was going on at the time. And--I'm embarrassed to say--I was in VISTA in Newark New Jersey that summer--not that far from Harlem--but never heard about this summer long fest....and I did go to Woodstock.....which was super, too but very different as you'll see in this film which is also a well made docoumentary look at the time of the late 60's.
It’s like a fever dream of everything you love from 1969 and music. It’s incredible nobody has seen this footage until this year. What else is hiding in someone’s vaults?
Stevie Wonder playing the drums, as man landed on the moon.What an eminent time in history.
👍🤓🆗⁉
Listen carefully when I say that "this was the "blind" leading the blind."
Holy mother of God!
@@liamwhitney509 Say it AGAIN! I don't think they really heard you!
He played drums before and after that tho
Can't wait to watch this documentary.
Me too!! Should be very interesting along with fabulous music!!
Same here!
Say that again?
I listened to all the music but had no idea the festival took place. Bravo Questlove!
Everyone should see this documentary/movie. It's of my generation and a part of significant history.
Another thing about the black experience hidden from us. I hope they keep finding more.
You can't underestimate how much the US government FEARED the power our music, the ideas from artist like Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cook, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder and James Brown, The Soul Children etc on loving our BLACK-NESS, striving, not taking the Oppression The CIA had files on how our music made us "activists" and "too political" They hid this footage purposely. They have worked for 50 years to take the power out of Black music, collaborating with these wt owned CORPORATE record labels, finally neutralizing it, turning Black music into what we see now, ignorant buffoonish over-sexualized minstrels with NOTHING to say.
Absolutely, so agree!
You speak truth to power. Sex on stage isn’t necessary Patty Whitney & Alicia Keys never did it and they are very successful in many ways
I love late 80's / early 90's hip hop, but that music reminds me how they proceeded to squash any intelligent material in favor of what they've been selling for the last 20 years: garbage.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I'm from Holland, born in 1968, and till today never heard of this. There are no words to describe how upset i am to hear that this existed, and hardly no one has heard of it. It's total sensorship.
"What will people see in the film that will resonate with the present moment?" BEST QUESTION EVER...for BEST ANSWER: "Black joy." Thank you for this segment...Love love love love love.
They'll 👁️ history being made around the🌏 coming together peoples of all color📺 groups making history now Legends 🎤🎸🎹🎵🎶🎼📻🎸🎺🎷 back in 1969 ✊🏿✌️ Gladys Knight and the pips David ruffin Stevie Wonder Mahalia Jackson Aretha ✨✨💫 Franklin the list goes on
This over Woodstock any day .
@@dennissimpson8074 THIS IS ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE! NOT EVERY COLOR GROUP. BLACK PEOPLE. IT'S SO FKN HARD FOR "OTHERS" TO SEE US HAVE ANYTHING TO OURSELVES. AGAIN, THIS IS ABOUT BLACK..... I REPEAT, BLACK!!!
@@christineespinoza3098 mmm i think you have something there
@@purpose007007 as a white guy into music i enjoyed it, i really do like Questlove's work and the Roots, nice humour
The Fact that the African-American equivalent of Woodstock was happening at the exact same time and no one today really knows about this festival is a travesty 😩I’m glad people are at least hearing about it now🙏👍😘❤️
On mainstream radio stations in Los Angeles at the time they were playing sly and the family Stone an SD Stevie wonder came out with my Cherie amour in 1971 radio stations were playing these songs come on down to the stone cold picnic most of hit top ten in Los Angeles pop charts by sly and the family stone. Progressive radio stations played all types of genres
@@marciaaustin8231 Yes, they were. Sly was a big star by 1969.
@@marciaaustin8231 Yes. Same thing in Phila. And just about the same time Earth, Wind and Fire started. Then there was George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic.
No please this is a woke agenda thing. I was THERE. As a five-year-old Caucasian child with my parents. It was a huge thing and it was very widely covered at the time. How do you think all the ppl in attendance (including the large numbers of white folks in CLOSEUP in this clip) found out about the festival in those pre-internet days, you fools? You can SEE the volume of ppl in the audience ffs. This is the Woke agenda trying to rewrite history. Again.
@@ns2110theonly No...this is YOU being a typical white person making OUR story/history about YOU, and your agenda. Take a seat, and listen instead of projecting your racial angst! Sheesh.
Thank You QwestLove for illuminating us on this “Buried Treasure” of Black Culture
Love the Mavis Staples and Mahalia Jackson duet in this documentary - simply stunning and moving.
Had me in tears
Totally blew me away and made me cry!!!
Yeah, that was hard to get through without really wailing, but I didn't want to embarrass myself in the theater ;-)
I cried
I CRIED... And when Nini read that poem... She zoned out could barely leave the stage...I literally cried... ARE YOU READY BLACK PEOPLE...😘😘😘
WOW!!! I grew up with this music, all of it. Saturday night in the 70's as a kid I waited up to watch Soul Train. This music in the 60's and 70's feed our souls. I cannot, CANNOT!, wait to see this film. What angers me a bit is I had no idea about this Festival. Shame on America for not pushing this out like Woodstock as well.
Oh by the way, I'm a white guy who went to an all black school in the 60's and 70's. Its an ALL thing, not a Black thing folks....
No, it is a black thing and WE THE PEOPLE get to make it an ALL THING! Bless you!
Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples singing Prescious Lord was a show stopper!
Brought tears. Made my night!!
all great but i liked the Chambers Bros especially
White guy that grew up 40 minutes from Detroit in 50s-60s influenced by the music...Soul...Then lived one subway stop from Harlem.. So anxious to see this.
This documentary was so historic and funky soul at the same time. I actually had tears of joy at some parts of the film. God Bless Questlove!
Without the magnificent black singers male and female and the groups of that era the American musical history will be at its 50 % empty,those years had great music mainly thanks to the black musicians period.
You're right my friend
I saw Summer of Soul opening weekend - I am a huge music lover, especially the music of the 60’s and 70’s. I loved this documentary. I am gobsmacked that this footage was buried in someone’s basement for 50 years! The fact that no network would touch it is just shameful. A million Thank You’s to Questlove for making such a beautiful film 🙏
PBS will be showing this within a year as another of their fundraisers.
I’ve watched the Sly and the family Stone performance from this festival for years and always wondered where the rest of the footage was located...so happy now the whole world will get to see this landmark event and glad Questlove has become a more widely recognized musical historian. I’ve been watching his streaming DJ sets over the past year during quarantine and his musical catalog and knowledge is astounding (go to The Roots UA-cam and other social media sites to catch one usually on Fridays now)
THANK YOU!!
He is an amazing music historian. His quarantine streams were epic especially his Sade, Prince and Chaka themed shows. Thank God for him and DNice through such an uncertain time.
The Nina footage has been on UA-cam for a while as well. Would love to know how some stuff got circulated.
@@haysfordays The Nina portion was released commercially several years ago as a bonus DVD for one of her CDs. That's where You Tube got it.
@@harvey1954 Thank you. You just jogged my memory. I actually had heard that a while back and totally forgot.
I just saw this on CBS Sunday Morning, an xlnt & favorite show. Great music is for ALL people. Thank God the videos survived. There's always been countless individuals interested in original music and I believe it's a shame that it took so long to bring this out to the music loving world. Thanks.
It will air on HULU starting July 2nd if it's not in your movie theaters. And thank you Brother Questlove for putting this movie out.
@jack power and not to mention that movie theaters are expensive,$16 for one ticket is just ridiculous and if you buy snacks you can expend more that $40,a bottle water is $5.00 and the same water at the stores is $2.00
So glad Questlove is making this historic video, however sadden that once again Black empowerment has been hidden from American history for over half a century.
The Roots was a band way before they came onto the Tonight Show. Get this right!
Black Joy! Can't wait to see this movie.
Bloy
This movie did not disappoint-loved every minute!
Well done and thank you, Questlove.
I'll have my snacks and dashiki ready! This is going to be fire!
I've always known about "Wattstax" - which happened about three years after - but it's weird how it seems to me no one, not even the people who participated in this festival, had ever mentioned it.
Wow unbelievable
I agree. Where were the newspaper articles, performance reviews etc.
EXACTLY
@@essenceedwards-burd8721 I know, right? Like the young man they interviewed - who attended as a small child - said, it seemed like such a forgone event, he had gone most of his life thinking it was maybe something he had dreamed up and was reluctant to mention to anyone for fear they may think he was crazy.
Yeah, why don't the artists mention it. Hmmm.
The Fifth Dimension was gorgeous! Gladys Knight and the PIPPS was beyond outstanding!
No one like Gladys Knight even to this day!!!!! Except maybe Mary J. Blige, lol.
Just watched the film and was so blown away, now I'm looking up backstory & interviews. What a journey this film brings us on. Impeccably edited & produced. It should win every film award.
I just stumbled on this. And I’m a huge Soul Fan. I gotta see this. HUGE HISTORY!
Me too!
Love this; can't wait to watch the documentary!!!
WoW it would be cool if they put the whole concert on DVD I mean if they can put the whole Woodstock on DVD why not this I would definitely buy it I would love to see this in its entirety
I was 5 years old and my aunt was 18. She most likely attended the festival. Can't wait to see Sly and The Family Stone along with The 5th Demension 🥰😍
Wanna take you higher ( higher)!!!!!
Just shows how racist America is threw the bone when Woodstock would be the most populair music festival of all time yet Harlem Music Festival in the same year with just as great performers wouldnt even make it to be mentioned for years ....
I was there in Mt Morris Park,I was 17years old and it was fantastic,Sly was the best ,Also Nina Simone, what a historic event, A really Great Day in Harlem
WOW👏🏽
This footage being SUPPRESSED for 50 years---and there is no other concept possible given the "market demand" for so many of these artists----itself illumines everything wrong with the philistine-huckster controlled music industry: the fact that such great performances were ignored points to the political interference or even threats made against the filmmaker, or any interested parties. It is a suppression that may even have origins in the Hoover FBI war on "Black Messiahs" but it is a suppression that needs to be analyzed, spotlighted, and crushed, along with the trademark vileness in the neshek tradition of not only gouging artists for all $$$ extractable but hoarding and sitting on material and waiting for artists/performers to die so their due royalties may be cheated out of them, and their estates shunned or evaded. Thank God this film is finally but tragically coming out after 50 years. There remains so much other footage and films from this controversial era which needs release, and which the 180 billionaires in California alone can fund to get issued.
Black Joy is exactly why this hasn't been seen. This goes against how "they" want blacks to be seen. Black families and communities coming together, 300 thousand deep, enjoying themselves. Celebrating black culture without incident. A stark contrast to the drug fueled Woodstock. This is such an incredible piece of history, so well put together. The quality of the film and sound is fantastic. The music, the social commentary, a wonderful eye opening discovery.
One can't help but wonder why a Black music entrepreneur didn't get on this few decades ago
Back when black folks love and care about each other.
OMG, AA PPL STILL CARES ABOUT EACH OTHER. *START FOCUSING ON WHY NEWS MEDIA ONLY REPORTES AA IN NEGATIVE SITUATIONS & W/ SUBLIMINAL MESSAGING... STAY WOKE. BE WELL .
I mean, yes and no. There were camps of black people, moderates vs. militants for instance. And then a few years later, everything got very violent. The 1970s was a violent time. Black people still care about each other it's just we play to directives too much now and they're everywhere, including places like social media.
I'm sad for the many that never knew about this festival, but am so grateful that it is finally getting to be seen by so many today! This is history that EVERY ONE, regardless of their background, should know about, but ESPECIALLY Black people. I'm so excited to see this gem!
I consider myself well educated but guess what... I had no idea about this so it seems like somewhere along the way certain things are deemed relavent or not... Disappointing
@@jasonbabcock2158 agreed. This was one of those events that the decision makers deemed unworthy of asking a bright light on, but thank goodness the footage was still in great condition, and that Questlove took on the project!
Absolutely LOVE Questlove!! Cannot wait to watch this. He is brilliant.
We're proud of him, and the Roots , in Philly which is where he's from.
my uncle the great mongo santamaria is there in the film with his band playing watermelon man
Awesome!
Dios lo bendiga. ❤️
Eventually I hope to see this released on 4K blu ray disc set. The WattStax documentary deserves LOVE 💘 too🤔
Yes WattStax was much better because La just recovered from a massive riot. Plus , WattStax was unedited. Summer of soul was edited
@@adonisbrooks2794 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍
WattStax is now available for sale on Amazon Prime Video in HD.
@@standaman1963 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
And there was also Wattstax in 1973 Los Angeles and Save The Children in Chicago 1973 - 2 important black music festivals !
Save the Children not on dvd or vhs but is on vinyl.
I immediately thought of Wattstax, important moments to inspire and sustain us.
I was surprised when I learned there were a black Woodstock in Harlem. Ready to to see from beginning to end.
I like it to stand on its own. A great, historical musical festival in Harlem featuring legends of black music and American music.
I'm white but this brother would have loved to be at this gig . I'm 66 been a soul fan for 55 years
I'll be honest, nothing makes me more excited than seeing David Ruffin hitting them notes live 👓
Yes!
Mahalia Jackson? The Chambers Brothers? The Staples Singers? Sly Stone? Good Lord Almighty, sign me up !!!
The documentary is 🔥!!! A must see! Check it out on Hulu!
Black History……Cannot wait to see this Documentary 🤜🏾🤛🏾
It was so amazing 1969. I was there at age 10 with my sister and dad; who brought us to see Mahalia Jackson. We walked to the park. It was such a great Day. I remember it was the largest crowd I had ever seen. That event was something huge and wonderful to me. Ms Jackson was incredible!!! Harlem USA our History. Not to be forgotten 💯✅❗👍🏾👏🏾💫
OMG. How did they keep this covered up all this time? In late middle age I am uncovering important historical events I should have learned about in school. I'm schooling myself off the internet to get my remedial history credit.
Check out the song.."whiteys on the moon"...it shows how black America felt
What a huge occasion. Sly and the Family Stone! David Ruffin! Gladys Knight and the Pips! The Staple Singers! Stevie Wonder! Nina Freaking Simone! Criminally forgotten. Thank you Questlove for bringing this back to all of us. 👏👏👏👏👏👏
This documentary was remarkable. Hidden for years.
Just saw this for free on Hulu, w/30 day trail. Absolutely, blown away!! Now gonna see it in the theater to support QuestLove. Also note, nobody was killed or assaulted by the Black Panthers like the Hells Angels did at Woodstock.
This is the kind of music that my father would have me listen to. It’s really energetic, cool, and has that basic swing to it.
My dad too
This is one of favorite movies of 2021 and will always be with me! I'm trying to get as many of my friends and family to see this, so that they can do the same.
So glad that the responsibility of “fixing history” fell upon the shoulders of Questlove - a man eminently fit for the job.
I would pay a lot of money for this full concert on video. There were some amazing acts and they were smokin!
Before gentification. Looks like a good movie.
Its treat just to see some early solo David Ruffin someone needs to do a documentary or a movie on him the temptations movie was ok but one-sided there was more to David than just the temptations and his drug use motown's greatest soul singer marvin gaye was good too especially when he his ballads but when it came to gritty soul David was the best if this had came out in 1971-72 with marvin doing whats going on this it probably would have been mass Hysteria thanks to questlove for unearthing this
I agree
This was amazing omg ! Wow black harmony! Quest Love thank you!
Very cool, Quest! Have many of their records still. Nothing like them since....
As a someone who loves the broadway show Hair; I love the 5th dimension.
I'm looking forward to seeing this film!
I was raised on classic rock and soul music of the 60's and 70's. I have been buying and listening to music since 1964 and can remember, Woodstock, Monterrey Pop, Beatles at Shea Stadium, Live Aid. But I've never heard of this festival, which I find interesting. I can't wait to see this film. Bravo, Questlove.
Awesome video! I was born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii in 1954...I totally remember this on our T.V. we all watched and danced!! 😇🌈🌄🏝🤗😎
I saw this documentary over the weekend. It fills you with pride before a sense of reality reminds you of the plots and schemes to destroy such a rich culture that came soon after. The togetherness of multi-ethnic groups was something the government couldn't stand for. Their take on the moon landing was righteous...those were wasted resources. Curtis Mayfield said it best "We can deal with rockets and dreams, but reality, what does it mean"- Freddy's Dead
This is so beautiful, beyond, deep, and needs to be seen and heard! I am Italian-American and NYC is in my blood, this is in my blood! See this movie, honor the depth of the Black community, as they are our brothers and sisters!
I didn't even see Woodstock, as I had just given birth to Number Four!!!!!Was so glad for the doc on Woodstock and also this one. It is truly a miracle that the film is in one piece and was remastered. BTW: Rendezvous with Rama is being filmed as I write by Netflix which had enough money. Morgan Freeman is ecstatic!!! Mr Freeman, I wrote a lot of letters to anybody who had MONET!
I watched “Summer of Soul” on HULU yesterday. The documentary is excellent. But I need more. A mini series and/or a soundtrack of the entire concert should be done. I guarantee that it would be a hit.
My only complaint is that the film wasn’t as long as Woodstock! I would gladly watch a four hour directors cut of Summer of Soul!
Agreed.
Right, and now some of the tunes that were on UA-cam are now gone
I'm crossing my fingers too! He's just got to do it! I saw so many performers I would like to have seen like Pig Meat Markham, and not enough of the dearly departed Moms Mabley. I hope if not, DVD, I'd buy it in a heartbeat! I'm old I still got a DVD player. Lolol!
Saw this in my local cinema 3 weeks ago. Absolutely blown away and moved to tears. They always want to erase our history. Phenomenal piece of forgotten black music history💜❤️🥲
Excellent documentary. Could have gone on for another 2 hours.
Bring it back
WOW!!! GREATNESS!
Just imagine, the phenomenal and incomparable Miriam Makeba was blacklisted because she married Stokely Carmichael. The bookings and recordings evaporated instantly. Americans are yet to learn how far the gov't and their handlers have gone in an effort to subvert Black culture...
This show gave me thrills and chills. See it and you'll wish you'd been there.
I can’t wait to see this!!! Thank you!
Having calmed down a little from the euphoria of the music, the Black joy and Black potential of 1969 is what haunts me now. Must watch, but almost most reexamine after watching. It's a spine chilling piece of social commentary camouflaged with incredible music. More than 50 years have passed...
Great stuff. Love the story through so many different people.
Ruffin!
So sad...yet another moment that could have been a touchstone for blacks in America, AND for whites, kept away from sight.
Saw this movie twice last week in a theater. Just unbelievable. Bravo to all who helped this see the light of day! I could watch this once a week and not tire of it.
A 19 year old Stevie Wonder was brilliant, awesome, and surprising!
Wow! Artists I grew up with! I can't wait to see it!!!
SANTANA - Jimi - SLY and them were KICKING at WOODSTOCK ***** I'm looking 4ward to this - this music is in my DNA........
Got to see the documentary on Friday.
Utterly magnificent. BB King, Stevie, David Ruffin, Mahalia, Gladys, and the Fifth Dimension etc were fabulous. Sly Stone was in another league. 9/10
Why did it take half a century to show this wonderful footage? You know the answer.............
0:01 "1969: the year that gave us Neil Armstrong,Charles Manson, and Woodstock". CBS, I seriously think you should fire the writer who came up with that. The 3 things to remember about 1969 and one is an evil nobody who should have been forgotten. I can assure you there were many more things that were important in 1969. Do you get how sick that is?! It would be like saying 1963, the year that gave us Lee Harvey Oswald or 1968 the year that gave us Sirhan Sirhan and James Earl Ray, or 1980 the year that gave us John Lennon's killer. Do you get it now?!
Thank you Questlove. l knew about the Wattstax Concert (We had the album). l really am stunned that there was a Black Music Festival in Harlem in 1969!!! A must see documentary, for sure!! This wasn't even mentioned in a book about the History of Harlem that my family had.
Dear Lord Bless QUEST LOVE for picking up the reins on this celebration of Black music in Harlem at the time. This is so good .
Thank you Quest.
Amazing doc, all the music I love. I was a newborn baby when this went down. I have to say that Marillyn McCoo is the most beautiful woman who ever existed. My. Lord.
I will line up for a full length copy of this! I'd love to have the memories of watching it over and over. Great songs, groups history!!! Love this!
Now THAT is a festival I would have liked to have seen! That's all music I love.
black music festival on the screen 50 years after the event, woodstock on the screen soon as it could be edited, just saying like !
Just saw Hugh Masekela blowing a trumpet 🇿🇦.
Despite only being a first-time director, The Roots’ drummer Questlove has already entered rarified air as one of the nominees for the 2022 Academy Awards. he’s nominated for Best Original Documentary for his debut film, , which captured the subversive energy and vibrant performances of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. The documentary is also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Film, an impressive achievement for the veteran musician.
Capturing the Legacy of Harlem in such a significant time in Black history. Making a way out of no way has always been the soul of a people who never gave and won't give up on our value and worth that contributed to this country.
I got to say the Black Woodstock looked a lot better than the white one. And this is coming from a white guy. A lot cleaner and less stoners. Should bring it back!
This is Beautiful and I'm gladcto say I remember these Soul days. Waiting on this powerful and much needed Documentary
Celebration of 🌎 & Humanity......Additive-Free!!! I just woke up, showered, moisturized & picked my hair out, Dashiki dress, medallion/shells/beads, platforms & out the door!!!🤎❤🖤💚
I loved that documentary and I’m glad it won an Oscar for the best documentary!
Their live sound is out of this world. Thank you Quest for bringing this gem into the mainstream conciseness. I can't wait to play this for my little ones to sing and dance to and learn about American history.
This is the First Time I ever heard of Summer Of Soul!! I’m so upset that our history continue to keep keep getting hidden!!!!!! I hate that Hal Towson was trying bring attention to the Festival but no one want it ??? Love that Thompson is making it known now!! 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🔥🔥🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I just came back from watching this great film our local theater--The Rialto. It is reallllllly powerful and amazing....go see it if it's anywhere near you.....so much music and information about what was going on at the time. And--I'm embarrassed to say--I was in VISTA in Newark New Jersey that summer--not that far from Harlem--but never heard about this summer long fest....and I did go to Woodstock.....which was super, too but very different as you'll see in this film which is also a well made docoumentary look at the time of the late 60's.
It’s like a fever dream of everything you love from 1969 and music. It’s incredible nobody has seen this footage until this year. What else is hiding in someone’s vaults?
Prince's ?????
Elated and angered at the same time... Over 50 years ago and we're just NOW seeing this epic event?! Cultural erasure at its worst...