Rare Performances By Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone & More Featured In New Doc

Source: David Warner Ellis / Getty

Not very far from the acclaimed Woodstock Festival in Bethel, New York, a powerful celebration of black heritage was taking place.

In the summer of 1969, The Harlem Cultural Festival, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, was home to a six-week event highlighting history, fashion and the black experience. Performers included Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips and more.

Much of the footage was never seen and largely forgotten–until now. In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents Summer of Soul. Described as “part music film, part historical record,” the documentary “shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present.”

Summer of Soul arrives on HULU and in theaters July 2.

[ione_media_gallery id=”1027443″ src=”https://blackamericaweb.com/” overlay=”true”]

The Latest:

• Happy Heavenly 60th: 10 Timeless Songs That Define Gerald Levert’s Soulful Legacy
• How nostalgia continues to drive the sports card market
• Ush Bucks Balling! Dave Chappelle's Shenanigans Completely Steal The Spotlight At Usher’s D.C. Concert
• Black Excellence Brunch Honors Beloved Icon, Culinary Queen & Songstress Supreme Patti LaBelle At Exclusively Exquisite NOLA Affair
• Birthday BaeHavior: Tia Mowry Gets Sweet 48th Bday Wishes From New Boo, Social Media Is Here For It!
• 'Not Coming Off Him!' Muni Long Declares 'Dirty Drawls' Devotion To Rapper Akeem Ali, Seemingly Confirms Coupledom After BET Awards Pop Out
• Once Again, It's The R-O-C, Baby! Jay-Z Celebrates 'The Blueprint' 25th Anniversary For 'JAY-Z 30' Night Two With Pharrell, Eminem & Slick Rick
• Diaspora Drip On Display! — 32 International It-Girls Who Repped For Their Country At FIFA World Cup 2026
• Donald Trump’s Biggest Fan, Lindsey Graham, Dead At 71, Social Media Is In Big Fendi Mode
• ‘It Hurts To See Her Dressed As The Devil’ — Rapstress-Turned-Preacher Jacki-O Blocks JT For Portraying ‘Satan’s Ex-Wife’

Rare Performances By Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone & More Featured In New HULU Doc was originally published on wzakcleveland.com