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

Having grown up during the time this was filmed, I can truly identify with the music and mood of the country at that time. Take the time to really listen and watch this movie. The performances tell you so much about how the music touched people in a positive way. One of my favorite documentaries of all time.

I did not think time travel was possible, but then I walked into Summer of Soul. I could not have picked a better first post-pandemic theater experience, and I knew it the moment people started applauding at Mavis Staples' appearance. I visited 1969, I visited Harlem, and I had my very own Summer of Soul. Don't miss this one.

I hope this movie inspires someone to put out a DVD set (or streaming) of performances from this festival. The performance clips we get are generally fantastic (do wonder if that was the only BB King tape surviving because his clip is a bit of a mess). Overall I think the interviews and historical context descriptions give great insight into the period and circumstances of the festival which deepen the film.

I haven't been so moved by a film in a long time.

Just an incredible documentary covering the Harlem Music Festival from 1969 with some great performances from some of the most famous jazz, soul, blues and gospel performers from the 60's. It uses never before seen archive footage with interviews of the musicians and attendees giving the documentary a raw and authentic feel transporting the viewer into a turbulent era marked by the Civil Rights Movement and some of the most legendary and everlasting music ever created.

Beautifully restored lost footage of one of the coolest music festivals ever, which serendipitously took place in 1969, a pivotal year in American history. Questlove brings his music mastery (particularly in his DJ-ing and drumming) to the documentary editing table. It's an impressive amount of cinematic style for a man who's admittedly a novice. Simone's performance of Young, Gifted, and Black perfectly captures the power and pureness of this social musical.