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Soul! was a groundbreaking television show that was aired from 1968 to 1973. The show was produced by WNET, PBS's flagship station, and was hosted by Ellis Haizlip, who was a prominent figure in the black arts movement of the time. The show featured a variety of performances from African-American artists, including musicians, poets, actors, and dancers. Some of the notable guests included Muhammad Ali, Jerry Butler, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and James Baldwin, among others.

Throughout its five-year run, Soul! became a cultural phenomenon and was widely regarded as a significant platform for black cultural expression. The show was unique in its approach; it offered a platform that was free of censorship and allowed artists to express themselves authentically. All kinds of artistic expression were welcome, whether it was music or spoken word, Soul! celebrated the vast array of black creativity. The show also tackled important social and political issues of the time, including racism, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War.

One of the most memorable moments in Soul! was Muhammad Ali's interview in 1971. Ali was one of the most celebrated and controversial figures of his time, a man who had defied the US government by refusing to serve in the Vietnam War. Ali's interview on Soul! was a passionate and thought-provoking piece in which he spoke candidly about his experiences as a black man in America. He talked about his struggles against the Establishment and the impact of the civil rights movement on his life. It was a poignant reminder of the power of black resistance and the challenges that black people had to overcome in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Another iconic moment in the show's history was when Jerry Butler performed his hit song 'Only the Strong Survive' in 1969. Butler was one of the most popular R&B singers of the time, and his performance on Soul! was a powerful portrayal of black resilience and determination. The song's lyrics were an ode to the strength of the human spirit, and Butler's soulful voice brought the message home with conviction. The performance was a reflection of the times, as it spoke to the aspirations of the civil rights movement, which was striving to achieve equality and justice for all Americans, particularly African Americans.

Overall, Soul! was an essential cultural artifact of the late 1960s and early 1970s. It provided a platform for black artists to express themselves freely and was a crucial form of resistance against the oppressive forces of the Establishment. Through its performances and interviews with prominent figures, the show offered viewers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of black America in a rapidly changing world. Soul! was an iconic show, one that left an indelible mark on American culture, and its legacy lives on to this day.

Soul! is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between October 24, 1968 and on Shout! Factory