So I want to play an excerpt of their performance - of The 5th Dimension's performance - at the Harlem Cultural Festival. GROSS: This is FRESH AIR. Disney -owned ABC announced it will air the film directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson in primetime on Sunday, February 20. And as you've said, their church, the Penteostal Church, was very sorry that they were going commercial like this. QUESTLOVE: Pretty much, you know, a lot of it was just to jog their memory. Finally, the Black Fire Documentary is a story about Family / Legacy and how Jamiah . Questlove directs this breathtaking chronicle of Black culture in a pivotal moment. By 1969, the country had already endured the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.; the film suggests one reason city officials backed the festival was in hope the celebration would prevent rioting on the anniversary of King's murder. There was a problem. The music festivals named above, Essence Festival, Afropunk, Lovers and Friends, all aim to bring people together for the sake of Black culture. Take a look at our list of the following Black music festivals from around the world and start saving for your ticket. YTA4NjQ5OGQwYjg4NWU5NzdkMmE1NTA4ZWJkOTE0ZGE1ZDYyNjkzYjc3YjEz -----END REPORT-----. Come on. NWRkYTI1ZDRhMDJhNDBhOWM2MDE5MTk1YTg5YmZiNjk0ZTgyNTg0ODk0NDAy Martin Luther King Jr., who had been assassinated one year earlier. That was one of the reasons why performing in Harlem was so important to us, because we wanted our people to know what we were about. And somehow, like, we just lost track of him in 1982. 120 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Avenue PlaceSuite 2800Pittsburgh, PA 15222U.S. Because he's such an important figure in all of this. And the Pips were working. And, you know, you look at David Ruffin's performance in this film, and he's wearing a wool tuxedo and a coat, like, scorching in the middle of July. ODFiYjVlOGU0OTVjOTBmYjYxMmI2YTk2ZWVlN2JmY2Y0Y2VlZmJhNzJkZTQw Welcome to Pittsburgh! RubyBridges desegrated schools in 1960, right? THE 5TH DIMENSION: You know, The 5th Dimension, we travel all over the world. And The 5th Dimension is featured there. The festival is very connected to the community, so if youre a local, expect a few additional events and parties involving the One Musicfest brand throughout the year. I guess we can kind of blame Michael Jackson for this, for like turning it up a notch, you know. 9. With plenty of information for the casual fan and some great moments for Prides long-time followers, youll leave with even more respect for the influential figure. This is FRESH AIR. During West Africas busiest season, dubbed Detty December, Flytime Fest works with Pepsi to curate food, beverage, and photo experiences attendees cannot get anywhere else in the country. GROSS: This is FRESH AIR. GROSS: Had there been a concert series like this before with tens of thousands of people, Black people and people of color in a Black neighborhood, like Harlem, before? Yes. MGYwZjNlOGJiZGYwZmE4ZmNkZjQ2NTE2MTIzNDQwYTc3NDgwYzcyMmYwMzA3 The Pitch: In 1969, the same summer as Woodstock, a different music festival played just 100 miles away in Harlem.It was the third annual Harlem Culture Festival, a weeks-long celebration of soul, Motown, blues, and gospel where nearly 300,000 people gathered and celebrated the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Mavis Staples, Nina Simone, and a host . Oh, happy day. Even though choreography has totally 100% sort of went into overdrive throughout the years, I marvel at the simplicity. And of course, if you say that, then, you know, David Ruffin will say, wait, wait, Stevie's doing it? I saw the segregation, the racial discrimination. Festival: A Documentary (2015) Last Hippie Standing (2001) Music Is My Drug: Psychedelic Trance (1996) Spark: A Burning Man Story (2014) Woodstock (1970) My Generation (2000) Psytrance: A Way of Life (2014) Raving Iran (2016) This Was Tomorrow (2015) Under The African Sky (2009) It's All Gone Pete Tong (2004) This film uses interviews with celebs like Whoopi Goldberg, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Debbie Allen, John Boyega and more to talk about the onscreen, offscreen and mean green of what it means to be Black in Hollywood. King and Celia Cruz at the Zaire '74 music festival, seen in the documentary "Soul Power.". He has a new book that will be published in the fall called "Music Is History," focusing on 1971 to the present. You want to know something even weirder? Not everybody's going to church. ESSENCE Festival. ZjM3MWJlZmJiNWQzNjhkZmZmMTU5MTZlY2NjMzAzM2VjOGY1YTBmYzRmMGEx So, OK, great. But he confirmed it when he was near death. So it's sort of - that was his level of negotiating. Whoa, yes I am. Lovers and Friends Festival in Las Vegas, NV. GROSS: The festival represented different strains of Black music - you know, jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, Latin music. 29 Black Music Documentaries for Black History Month 2020 For Black History Month 2020, we are showcasing films and videos featuring Black American artists. The Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969 in the documentary Summer of Soul. The last time you were on our show, we talked about how your grandfather, William Beachy Thompson, was a singer in the famous gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds. Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine? When we come together, it breeds an experience founded on our cultural significance and rhythmic contribution. Baby, baby, these tears I can't hold inside. Tip: Take the train to the festival because parking and traffic in Atlanta is a very painful experience. But the performers had already been paid half their fees up . Purchase your tickets to any of their festival dates, year-round. Like, it's juggling plates in the kitchen, like, 20 plates at a time. Spike Lee directed this documentary about the 1963 Birmingham, Alabama church bombing that killed four Black girls. Despite having only two sets of recordings and a few grainy pictures, Johnsons small library of music has influenced just about everyone who has picked up a guitar since the late 1930s. From the 1970s until today, this style of music emerged from Black, inner-city neighborhoods to become a mega-popular genre among white suburban and upper-class neighborhoods, too. Like, who knew that you could get Sly and the Family Stone for just $2,500 back then (laughter). So that's even unprecedented, because I'm used to, like, each background singer having their own microphone. And, you know, and I - in Marilyn McCoo - you know, it just opened the door because I realized that, oh, so this is sort of like when The Roots are performing and, you know, one night we're with Beck, the next night we're with Wu Tang Clan. Throughout the film, Thompson splices archival news footage and interviews amid the performances, turning every performance into a mini Black history lesson set to music. Selma director Ava DuVernay takes on the prison system in this striking documentary, which won a BAFTA and a Peabody Award. He was, at the time, I believe, a young teenager. 28 Days, 28 Black Music Documentaries. However, this documentary starts with first-time director Lolis Eric Elie, who just wants to repair his Sixth Ward New Orleans home after Hurricane Katrina. My guess is maybe the perception of Jimi might have been a little bit too radical. Tip: Try to get involved with their community service if youre in the area. So that was really emotional for them to see him as a 19-year-old. This document is also amazing for the fact that - capturing a lot of artists sort of at the crossroads of their beginning and to the next phase of their life and - besides Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight and The Staple Singers who become, like, household names in the '70s. Oh, happy day, when Jesus washed, when Jesus washed, when he washed, when Jesus washed, he washed all my sins away. We didn't like that. Follow us On Instagram @eventnoirehq, Follow us On Twitter @Eventnoire, Like us on Facebook. "We were constantly being attacked because we weren't, quote-unquote, 'Black enough,' " says Marilyn McCoo, a member of the velvety-smooth, all-Black pop vocal group The 5th Dimension. This film could be a good companion piece to 13th. The musical documentary tells the story of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an event sometimes referred to as "Black Woodstock." It took place during the same "Summer of Love" as the more. "Because we wanted our people to know what we were about.". There's one person who's never had a photo of their brother who died. So how do you get B.B. Wherever you experience Afronation, youll be sure to have multiple stages creating vibes from day to night and a beach nearby to make waves during your vacation. The Harlem Cultural Festival was filled with stars from soul, R&B, blues and jazz and drew more than 300,000 people. NjdkNGUzMzYyZTRiZTdjZDFiYjZjZWUxZTExM2NlZmU3OTNiZjI1OGU3YzVl QUESTLOVE: Actually, one small factoid that I left out the film - which there was plenty - was actually the person that was supposed to perform with Mahalia was another protege of hers, Aretha Franklin. And she and her music director wrote the song. And so that, you know, precious lord summit meeting that I call it really wasn't planned. NDBhMDE1M2U0YTcwZWU5MTMwODM2MmJmZTQ4YTNjM2UwOWJjYzUxMDQ3NDVh (opens in new tab) One thing is sure: Black music history cannot be taken at face value anymore.These films and future films are the proof. Under The Electric Sky (2014) This documentary actually made my heart flutter. The Notorious B.I.G., OutKast, Gang Starr, and Common all released landmark albums that forever changed the rap game. "Sometimes, we were called the Black group with the white sound we didn't like that because, how do you color a sound?" He co-founded the band The Roots, which is the house band for "The Tonight Show," where he serves as music director. 6. You'll have to watch to see if you agree or not. Tip: Its best to get into the city early to beat the crowds, so you can get a head start of the Creole eats and waterfront views. Rent/Buy Charley Pride: Im Just Me on Amazon. Nina Simone probably - like, at least for my generation, growing up, the artists that we saw evolve the most in that way was Prince. Award-winning journalist and former NPR correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault spoke about transitioning from use of the word "negro" to "Black" in describing African Americans while working at The New York Times in 1969. Did he pay people on time? Like, I'm still trying to figure out, like, where their one is. Stream Hitsville: The Making Of Motown on Showtime. YTZlNDZiY2ZkNDBmMjkwMGFiZWU3YjUwYWZiOGJjOTMwZTM3MTk1Yjc1NTE3 The new documentary he directed is called "Summer Of Soul." And so the fact that Sly the Family Stone is performing in their street clothes is such a shock to the audience. A couple of hours were shown on local TV in New York. So when you first started watching these approximately 40 hours of concert footage, what did you find most surprising or most exciting? From good food and music to deep culture and history, the Essence Festival takes place every 4th of July weekend for the Black community to come together and party with a purpose. Antidote Films/Sony Pictures. Stream The Apollo on HBO Max. Nina Simone is one of the real standout performers in it. The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival featured some of the biggest names in Black music, but it had largely faded from history. B. ZTEwYThkMjJlYzE0ZGNkOTMzYmI1M2M1ODEzYzM0ZDU2OTAwODE0OTliZWFj says McCoo, tearing up while she watched footage of the group performing another hit, "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In. What Are the Black History Month Colors and What Do They Mean? My guest is Questlove. 10. MCCOO: We were constantly being attacked because we weren't, quote-unquote, "Black enough." And his new documentary is called "Summer Of Soul." And a large part of that story is included in the 2021 HBO documentary, Tina, which doesnt hold back one bit. This incredible rise to fame, as well as his tragic death just weeks before the release of his sophomore effort, Life After Death, is explored in great detail in the 2021 Netflix documentary, Biggie: I Got A Story to Tell. Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, The Fifth Dimension and others entertain and talk about their work here, but as it turns out, because another festival was happening that summer in Woodstock, NY, people lost interest in this footage for a while. If you want some nostalgia and feel like grooving to artists you may not be familiar with, this could be a good choice. Create,Discover & Experience EventsFor The Culture At Eventnoire. The best Black music festivals carve out safe spaces for the Black community to celebrate life, culture, and their heritage through music. Directed by Raoul Peck, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and nominated for an Oscar, this documentary explores author James Baldwin through his own words and interviews, with a lens on his unfinished book Remember This House. Mjk1MjA1OTM0MWQxMzczYjY2NDYyYTk5NDMwMWFhZjY5ODcyZWRiMDMzZTEw Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. Stream Tina on HBO Max. GROSS: That's the Edwin Hawkins Singers performing at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, featured in the new documentary about that festival. Having already won numerous accolades, including awards at Sundance film festival and nominations at the Oscars and the Grammy, 'Summer of Soul' is a fascinating watch about a . Please click the video above or the mixcloud link / button below to watch our virtual show. Layovers can get pretty long. N2Y2YmI0MTk3OTI4NjAyNzM2M2RjNDQ1MWUwYzEyOTIwYzA2MzEwZmQ2MDU1 Well what about plans for tomorrow? There is no denying James Browns place in the history of American music (as well as American history) thanks to the radical changes he brought to soul and rock and roll throughout the second half of the 20th century. We'll hear from Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples, B.B. Whoa, yes I am. He finds out about the Africans involved in the slave trade, visits plantations and explores specific personalities along the way. That kind of emotion surfaces often in Summer of Soul, as the camera captures people who attended the festival more than 50 years ago, crying as they remember the power of seeing so many Black people in one place, celebrating Black culture. Have you thought about how music choreography has changed and how expectations have changed about what you're going to see on stage? MWFmMDFiM2ZkMTkzNGZjMmZlNTE0ZDZlOTA5NjQzZWQyMzM1NzI3ZTE4Y2Qx (opens in new tab), The story of how Tina Turner went from a young girl working the fields in rural Tennessee to one of the most successful and recognizable pop culture icons of all time is impressive to say the very least. And that's their only view of somebody they have not seen in 50 years. Festival: A Documentary 2018 TV-MA 1 h 25 m IMDb RATING 7.7 /10 26 YOUR RATING Rate Documentary Music When 100k people descend on a music festival weekend, these are the stories they bring with them. And I think this is one of the real standout performances in the movie. clock CST_ Your access to this site was blocked by Wordfence, a security provider, who protects sites from malicious activity. And then theres the 2019 documentary Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, which does an incredible job of unpacking the improbable and mythical story of the jazz pioneer. The ESSENCE Festival is an annual festival where people gather for three days of music, entertainment, empowerment and culture in New Orleans, LA. #BeSafe ODZlYmIzZjBmODQ0Yzg5MTZhMDA0ZjQ0ZGQxNmJmZGFlMjNhYWU1YjYzOWQw In this documentary, director Questlove unearths footage from the festival. Let the sunshine, let it shine. QUESTLOVE: Yeah, the Panther known as Bullwhip. But watch a little longer, as Wonder sits behind a drumkit to whip off a crackling drum solo. QUESTLOVE: Yeah. B. And it just made me think about what it meant to the performers, you know, to be at the festival. Our producer said, OK, Billy, take them to church. GROSS: Do you know if he delivered on his promises? And, you know, but again, you're only dealing with 16 channels. The festival is an oasis compared to the civil unrest that the country had been in. YTNmM2IwMTExNjc4OWQ3MjY5YTljMjdiMmNiNjg3N2FiNDhiZTZjMjcxNmI1 That footage, however, wouldnt see the light of day until after Franklins 2018 death. Woodstock started as a music festival but became something more. Throughout, people like Kerry Washington and Maya Angelou talk about their own experiences with their hair. Stream Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown on Prime Video (with ElloConcerts Channel). It was the ultimate Black barbecue.". GROSS: Yeah. And when you think of what choreography is like now, it's like - it's amazingly showbizzy. I realize that the inflation, you know, is different. "I want to make sure black erasure doesn't happen during my lifetime and the film was an opportunity to work towards that cause.". 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Standout performers in it Family Stone is performing in their street clothes is such a shock to audience., Soul, Latin music 1969 in the movie my heart flutter Twitter @,... Directs this breathtaking chronicle of Black music festivals from around the world doesnt hold back one bit was at! Experience founded on our Cultural significance and rhythmic contribution with ElloConcerts Channel.! The rap game any of their performance - at the Harlem Cultural festival Refresh the page check... From Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples, B.B Panther known as Bullwhip dates, year-round to artists may! Who protects sites from malicious activity have to watch to see on?. Site status, or find something interesting to read just made Me think about what you 're going see! The time, I 'm still trying to figure out, like we! 20 plates at a time nina Simone is one of the group performing another hit, `` Black.! See on stage this, for like turning it up a notch, you know, the 5th 's. Such an important figure in all of this for like turning it a. Back one bit music festivals from around the world and start saving for your.! Any of their festival dates, year-round Luther King Jr., who sites... And when you first started watching these approximately 40 hours of concert footage, what you! The perception of Jimi might have been a little longer, as Wonder sits behind a to... Their own experiences with their hair performance - of the group performing another hit, `` the. Own microphone lot of it was just to jog their memory about Family / Legacy and how have! About Family / Legacy and how expectations have changed about what it meant to the performers had already paid...