This entertainment-variety-talk show was not only a vehicle to promote African-American artistry, community and culture, but also a platform for political expression and the fight for social justice. It showcased classic live musical performances from funk, soul, jazz, and world musicians, and had in-depth, extraordinary interviews with political, sports, literary figures and more. It was the first program on WNET to be recorded with the then-new technology of videotape, and most of the shows were recorded in real-time—not live, but unedited.
Soul ran from 1968 to 1973.
* Great behind-the-scenes magazine feature on Soul! and Black Journal, from Ebony magazine, March 1972.
* See article about the show’s cancellation from Jet magazine, June 1973.
* More about Soul! from Jake Austen’s book TV a Go Go.
Thank you for allowing us to enjoy these musical treasures from an era of great Black music. What a treat to listen to Bobby Hebb singing Sunny to the accompaniment of the great Ron Carter, or to the Persuasions, led by the masterful Jerry Lawson, going through a medly of throbbing melodies. You should publish these programs as a DVD box: I’m sure soul fans around the world would be most grateful.
Wow, I’m thrilled to be seeing these again. I hope more of these will be made available. I remember seeing the program with Bobby Hebb when it first ran, and I’ve been looking for it all these years!
The Tito Puente and Willie Colón performances are among the finest I’ve seen of them in video. I like to imagine how proud they must have been to play in an African-American show, being rightly included as a part of the Afromusic continuum. Thanks for letting us see all of these shows!
I truly appreciated your bringing these shows to audiences to enjoy. I’ve not seen them all- yet- but I will. I’ve passed the message on to folks I believe will reminisce about and delight in them, too. Making them available on DVD would be great.
I agree. I must have that Rahsaan Kirk episode on DVD.
Many would absolutely LOVE to see the 11-Feb-1971 Soul episode with the late, great ANDREW HILL — the very earliest known film/video performance of Hill. AND, Woody Shaw was in that band too — and that clip would ALSO be the very earliest known film/video performance of Shaw. The full line-up of the group was Andrew Hill, Carlos Garnett, Woody Shaw, Victor Sproles, & Roy Haynes. Please, please, PLEASE make this episode available for viewing — many thanks!!!
Fantastic… Absolutely Fantastic!!! I was not even aware of the series since I was in the service overseas. I hope you will make ALL the series available on DVD. Roland Kirk, M’Boom, Willie Colon, Earth, Wind and Fire, Tito, Hector LaVoe, Ron Carter (on electric bass…WOW!!!), Bobby Hebb… All these fabulous artists and rich musical history… Priceless. I am contacting folk in my network immediately. Thank You So Much.
FINALLY what a joy it is to see SOUL back in our houses again. This is a must see for ALL ages.
SONNY/THE MANHATTANS
Thank you!!! Please keep these cultural treasures available for us and for future generations.
FANTASTIC and please please please upload the Exuma Taj Mahal show. It blew my mind and changed my life! When will that happen?
Wow, I just stumbled upon this and I can’t believe it. What amazing stuff!!! Thank you so much for making this available. I’m wondering if the premiere episode with the Bluebelles has already been posted, or either later episode with The Bluebelles or Labelle. I think my head may explode if I get to see those. Thank you!!!
If you ever decide to make the DVD’s available for sale. Put me in for the entire set !!!