Turmoil in the age of Aquarius

MYRNA BROWN, HOST: Today is Friday, July 9th.

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Good morning. I’m Myrna Brown.

NICK EICHER, HOST: And I’m Nick Eicher.

Coming next on The World and Everything in It: a groovy new documentary with a cultural beat that sounds very familiar these days. Here’s reviewer Sharon Dierberger.

Announcer Tony Lawrence: “Welcome to the heart of Harlem, Soulsville, USA. This is Tony Lawrence

SHARON DIERBERGER, REVIEWER: In 1969, the same summer the Woodstock concerts rocked a pasture 100 miles northwest of Manhattan, the Harlem Cultural Festival set crowds be-bopping in New York City. The Harlem event, also called the black Woodstock, isn’t as well known. But a new documentary aims to change that, using film footage buried in a basement for 50 years.

Tony Lawrence: “The Chambers Brothers!”

Summer of Soul, in theaters and streaming on Hulu, highlights leading black musicians of that era playing rhythm and blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and even a chunk of gospel music to mostly standing crowds. Children sit on parents’ shoulders, teens perch on tree branches, and bell-bottomed singles sway with the music.

MUSIC: ”Do it to it…sock it sock it to me…

The filmmakers punctuate footage of the concert with current and archival interviews that help set the scene for its cultural relevance. Some called the festival “a black consciousness revolution.” They say it gave African Americans a way to express musically what they were feeling politically. Others saw the event as a nonviolent way to celebrate their music and culture.

Puerto Rican musician Ray Baretto, born in Harlem, sings lyrics celebrating all the races in his lineage.

“I know a beautiful truth, that in my blood I got black and white, red and Puerto Rican, Indian. I’m all messed up, but I got soul.”

The film can help audiences think about what’s culturally relevant to different races. And it highlights the beauty of finding pleasure in shared joy. A performer from the Staples Singers talks about that after joining in song with gospel legend Mahalia Jackson:

“And I was honored. I’m tellin you, that is still my biggest honor, to sing on the same microphone as sister Mahalia Jackson. She remains the greatest. And when you talk about music, this black festival, is some of every kind, is some of every style--jazz, blues, gospel...all of it is good!”

The concert’s musical talent includes Stevie Wonder, then 19 years old, jamming on drums and keyboard. Other performers include B. B. King, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Sly and the Family Stone, and the 5th Dimension in their creamsicle-orange colored vests. You’ll recognize tunes like “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” “My Girl,” “Up, Up, and Away,” and this one:

5th Dimension singing: “When the moon is in the Seventh House, and Jupiter aligns with Mars. Then peace will guide the planets and love will steer the stars. This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius.”

The best songs shine during the festival’s gospel segments. Pops Staples and the Staples Singers performing “Help Me Jesus,” Mahalia Jackson belting out "Search My Heart,” and the Edwin Hawkins Singers in lime green dresses singing one that moves the crowds to praise:

Edwin Hawkins Singers singing: “Oh happy day, Oh happy day, when Jesus washed, when He washed, when Jesus washed, He washed all my sins away. Oh, that’s a happy day.…He taught me how…”

The film shows plenty of dark moments, too. The 1960s were turbulent times. Marked by protests over civil rights and the Vietnam War, increased drug use, and the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Those who think America’s racial tensions are worse now than a half-century ago might be surprised to hear performer Nina Simone reading a poem that includes these lines: “Are you ready to kill if necessary? Are you ready to smash white things? Are you ready to burn buildings?”

Another disturbing vintage clip shows a young black man spouting rhetoric that sounds familiar today.

“There is no need to go to Vietnam and shoot somebody a honky says is your enemy. We’re gonna shoot the cops who are shooting our black brothers in the back in this country.”

Such anti-authority attitudes permeated much of the country, not just black culture, during the 60’s and 70’s. Film director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s choice of interviewees suggests he wants viewers to do more than enjoy the music. He wants us to recognize cultural flashpoints that have seemingly changed little in 50 years.

The documentary is rated PG-13 for brief swearing, disturbing images, and some drug references. But older teens and adults should consider watching the film for an evening of throwback music and some timely conversation starters.

I’m Sharon Dierberger.

Musician David Ruffin: “Have to go back to the olden days" Singing: “I’ve got sunshine—on a cloudy day. Whenever it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May…” Spoken: “Can I get you to sing along with me one time?…Well” Singing: ”I guess you’d say, What can make me feel this way…my girl, my girl.

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