Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Live at the Harlem Cultural Festival, 1969]

### Summer of Soul: A Celebration of Music, Culture, and History

'Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)' is a 2021 documentary film directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, marking his directorial debut. The film chronicles the historic 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a six-week event held at Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) in Harlem, New York City. Often overshadowed by the iconic Woodstock festival held the same year, the Harlem Cultural Festival showcased the immense cultural and artistic contributions of the Black community during a time of social upheaval in America.

The festival featured performances by a stellar lineup of legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, B.B. King, The Staple Singers, and Mahalia Jackson, among others. Despite attracting over 300,000 attendees, the festival’s recordings remained largely unseen and forgotten for over 50 years. The film brings this long-buried treasure to light, combining electrifying performance footage with interviews and historical context.

'Summer of Soul' not only celebrates the music but also delves into the broader cultural and political themes of the era, exploring the intersections of Black identity, civil rights, and artistic expression. Through the voices of attendees and participants, the documentary captures the spirit of resilience and joy that defined the festival, offering an intimate glimpse into a transformative moment in history.

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2021, *Summer of Soul* won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award in the U.S. Documentary category. It received widespread critical acclaim for its compelling narrative and masterful restoration of the concert footage. The film went on to win numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2022.

With 'Summer of Soul', Questlove not only reclaims an essential piece of cultural history but also underscores the enduring power of music as a force for unity and change. The film stands as a testament to the vibrancy of Black culture and its pivotal role in shaping the American cultural landscape.