Soul at the Center: Legacy: Lalah Hathaway sings Donny Hathaway, The Illustrious Blacks

July 24, 2019 nycfreeconcerts_4nf0ji Damrosch Park Bandshell, Lincoln Center, Soul 0

Ellis Haizlip was the visionary creator of the public television show SOUL!, a variety-talk show featuring African American artistry, community, and culture that was also a platform for political expression and the fight for social justice. In 1972, Haizlip, together with Lincoln Center, coproduced Soul at the Center, a groundbreaking celebration of jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues with artists such as Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ike & Tina Turner, and Labelle. A milestone event, it was the first extended presentation of Black culture and art at Lincoln Center. This year, Lincoln Center Out of Doors pays respect to Haizlip—the subject of the 2018 documentary Mr. SOUL!—and his contribution to the arts by dedicating opening night to him with a celebration of Soul at the Center. Joining us is five-time Grammy Award–winner Lalah Hathaway performing classic songs by her father, the legendary Donny Hathaway, who was part of the original Soul at the Center. Queer pop duo The Illustrious Blacks start off the night on a high note with their disco-infused Afrofuturist funk.