Mr. SOUL! 2020

Premiereing in 1968, SOUL! marked a groundbreaking milestone as the first nationally broadcast all-Black variety show on public television. This unique program combined artists from the periphery with the post-Civil Rights Black radical thought, creating a platform that was both artistic and politically engaged. Ellis Haizlip, the visionary producer-turned-host, known for his openly gay identity and commitment to exploring uncharted aesthetic realms, brought avant-garde artistry into the mainstream by prioritizing poetry and politics.

The show introduced iconic talents like Patti LaBelle, Arsenio Hall, and Stevie Wonder, alongside early legends such as James Baldwin and earth, wind & fire, significantly influencing the cultural landscape and prompting political action from Nixon himself.

The documentary tracks the journey of SOUL! from a local entity to a national phenomenon, effectively chronicling the life and legacy of Ellis Haizlip, whose broad curatorial vision was pivotal to the show’s identity. A remarkable talent scout, Haizlip played an essential role in introducing numerous soon-to-be iconic African American artists to a wider audience. More importantly, he insisted that the series encapsulate the full spectrum of the African American experience, including gospel singers, poets, jazz artists, and even Black Panthers.

Set against a transformative cultural backdrop, SOUL! redefined the concept of being Black for an entire generation of African American viewers while simultaneously reshaping the white audience’s perception of Black culture. Notable figures like Questlove, Harry Belafonte, and poets such as Nikki Giovanni reflect on this remarkable chapter of pop culture history, sharing insights and memories from their time on the show.

With original music by Robert Glasper, the documentary offers a deep dive into these vital yet overlooked archives, providing powerful insights into Ellis Haizlip, a complex individual and often unsung hero behind the SOUL! phenomenon. “Mr. SOUL!” stands not only as a tribute to Haizlip’s dedication to championing Black culture but also serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need to tell the African-American experience in today’s world.

Mr. Soul! won the Peabody Award for Best Documentary in 2022 and received a nomination for the 2022 News & Documentary Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Craft in News and Documentary Programming. The film is currently available for streaming on Max.