Summer of Soul

The vibrant and enlightening documentary film from 2021, Summer of Soul, is a soul-stirring mixture of music, politics, and history set against the backdrop of the late 1960s. The film stars a plethora of notable figures from the era including Dorinda Drake, Barbara Bland-Acosta, and Darryl Lewis. Directed by Questlove, the prominent drummer for the Roots and the Tonight Show band leader, Summer of Soul is a powerful piece that documents the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. Far from being just another film about a forgotten music festival, it plays a vital role in music history and showcases the cultural significance of African American and Latinx music.

The film starts taking viewers back to the tumultuous summer of 1969, where America saw the lunar landing, Woodstock, and also the Harlem Cultural Festival. The latter is often overshadowed by Woodstock despite its tremendous significance, hence the subtitle of the film: "...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised." This festival took place across six weeks and saw an incredible lineup of Black artists, including Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and many more.

The footage of the festival had been lost for about fifty years, and it was only unearthed recently. Questlove uses this previously unseen footage to take audiences on a journey back in time. Interweaved with the performances are interviews from attendees, performers, and historians to provide context and highlight the impact of the festival, the musical performances, and the period's fraught political and social climate.

Dorinda Drake, Barbara Bland-Acosta, Darryl Lewis provide insightful commentary about the festival and its significance in the Black community. These statements not only enhance the understanding of the festival's era but also underscore its relevance to contemporary issues.

Among the many memorable scenes in the film, viewers get to witness Stevie Wonder playing the drums, Nina Simone delivering a powerful speech on Black identity, and Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples in a spine-tingling gospel duet. The potent energy of these performances sweeps off the screen to engage the viewer, almost feeling as if they are experiencing the festival's electrifying atmosphere firsthand. The brilliance of the performances is so overpoweringly convincing that they manage to transport viewers back in time, creating a sense of unity and understanding between the past and the present.

However, it isn’t just the performances that capture attention. Questlove masterfully juxtaposes these performances with poignant social and political commentary of the times, portraying an authentic, multilayered narrative of Black American history. Indisputably, these events and their consequences serve as stark reminders of the struggles and intrinsic resilience of the African American community.

Summer of Soul goes beyond being a simple concert film. The documentary is imbued with an undercurrent of urgency, reflecting on the collective Black American experience as it weaves through the fabric of history, culture, and music. It highlights the importance of music as a unifying force and an avenue for resistance and resilience against social injustice.

In the process, the film reveals truths about America's racial past and present that have been swept under the carpet for too long. The Harlem Cultural Festival's significance in fostering community and affirming Black culture is brilliantly brought to life, providing much-needed recognition to an event that was almost lost in history.

In essence, Summer of Soul is a triumph. Its vibrant blend of music, history, and important sociopolitical commentary makes for a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant viewing experience. It is a passionate tribute to the power of music, a testament to Black culture's richness, and a crucial reminder of the historical events that have shaped modern America.

No matter who you are, Summer of Soul makes you feel, think, and reflect. It offers a fresh and powerful perspective, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in not only music history, but also social history and the enduring power of the human spirit. With its seamless mix of the riveting performances and the deeper narratives, Questlove reminds us that the past should never be forgotten, and instead, honored and learned from.