Soul! Season 1 Episode 10 S1 E10 - Gladys Knight and the Pips

Soul! was a groundbreaking TV show in the late 1960s, featuring Black musicians, poets, and activists in performances that mixed politics, culture, and the arts. The show was hosted by the poet and playwright Amiri Baraka, and it was produced by Ellis Haizlip, who wanted to create a space where Black voices could be heard and celebrated. Soul! was broadcast nationally on PBS, and it became an important cultural touchstone for the Black community at a time of social upheaval and change.

S1 E10 - Gladys Knight and the Pips was a particularly memorable episode of Soul!, featuring one of the greatest soul singers of all time in concert. Gladys Knight and the Pips were already well-known by 1971, when this episode was taped, but Soul! gave them a platform to showcase their talents to a wider audience. The episode opens with a short film about Knight's life and career, featuring interviews with her family and friends, and footage of her performing in various venues. The film sets the stage for the main event: a live performance by Knight and the Pips.

The concert itself is a joyous celebration of soul music, featuring many of Knight's hits as well as some lesser-known gems. The setlist includes "Friendship Train," "If I Were Your Woman," "I Don't Want to Do Wrong," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," and "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)." Knight's voice is as powerful as ever, and she delivers each song with passion and conviction. The Pips provide perfect harmonies and choreography, adding to the overall impact of the performance.

Throughout the concert, the audience is shown dancing and singing along, clearly having a great time. There are also shots of Baraka and Haizlip, who are clearly moved by the music and the energy of the crowd. This is not just a concert, but a cultural event, a moment of Black pride and joy that is captured on camera for all to see.

In addition to the music, there are also some spoken-word segments in the episode. Baraka recites a poem called "When We'll Worship Jesus," which critiques the Christian church's complicity with racism and imperialism. This poem is a reminder that Soul! was not just about entertainment, but about social justice and liberation. It was a space where Black artists could express their political views and challenge the status quo.

Overall, S1 E10 - Gladys Knight and the Pips is a must-watch for fans of soul music and Black culture. It captures a moment in time when Black artists were using their art to assert their dignity and demand their rights. It is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and inspire change. And it is a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing, and that artists can and should play a role in that struggle.