From PBS and Independent Lens comes “Mr. Soul!,” a documentary about the first variety show that featured Black performers for the Black community. The series ran for 5 years, beginning in 1968.
Produced by and hosted by Ellis Haizlip, ran on public television on PBS stations. The show created a lot of firsts that inspired all the shows that came after it , think Soul Train or the Arsenio Hall.
The film will premiere February 22, 2021 at 10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS’s anthology documentary series, Independent Lens, and an extended theatrical version of the film will be available on the PBS Video app.
TUNE-IN to the PBS Independent Lens Broadcast
When: TODAY, Monday, February 22, 2021 at 10/9c
Where: Tune-in to your local PBS station. Check local listings for showtimes.
STREAM for free on the PBS Video App or Online
When: February 22 – March 23, 2021
Where: PBS Video App or online
While chronicling the journey of “SOUL!,” filmmaker Melissa Haizlip recounts the life of contributions of the late Ellis Haizlip, who was steeped in the New York City arts community prior to creating the show.
The film chronicles the first-ever television performance by La Belle featuring Patti LaBelle singing “Over The Rainbow.” Other iconic appearances include Gladys Knight & The Pips, Ashford and Simpson, Nikki Giovanni and more.
Check out the trailer below.
