Independent Lens: Mr. SOUL!

Pictured: Ellis Haizlip with the J.C. White Singers on the set of SOUL!

Credit: Courtesy of Alex Harsley

Travel back in time to 1968 with Mr. SOUL! a vibrant documentary that chronicles the public television variety show “SOUL!”

This Independent Lens film takes a close look at developer and host Ellis Haizlip and the show that celebrated all facets of Black culture and earned critical praise and public support as one of the first platforms to expand the image of African Americans on television. Mr. SOUL! airs Monday, February 22 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

This documentary is part of PBS programming designed to commemorate and celebrate African American achievement. Through powerful documentaries and thought-provoking specials designed to inspire and represent the full range of the American experience, PBS remains committed to showcasing Black excellence, struggles, and triumphs this February and all year long.