Ellis Haizlip facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ellis Haizlip
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Ellis Haizlip on the set of his TV show SOUL!
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| Born | September 21, 1929 Washington, DC, U.S.
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| Died | January 25, 1991 (aged 61) Washington, DC, U.S.
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| Occupation | Television and theatre producer, broadcaster |
| Years active | 1954–1980s |
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Notable work
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Soul! |
Ellis B. Haizlip (born September 21, 1929 – died January 25, 1991) was an American producer and broadcaster. He worked in television and theatre. Ellis Haizlip was a big supporter of African American culture. He is most famous for creating, producing, and hosting the TV show SOUL!.
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Ellis Haizlip: A Life in Arts
Ellis Haizlip was born and grew up in Washington, DC. He went to Howard University. There, he produced many plays and theatre shows. He graduated from Howard University in 1954.
After college, he moved to New York City. He started producing plays with famous actors. These included Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones. He also produced shows for Alvin Ailey's dance company. Ellis Haizlip even produced shows in Europe and the Middle East. He worked on plays by writers like James Baldwin and Langston Hughes. He also helped with a concert tour for Marlene Dietrich.
Creating the SOUL! TV Show
In 1968, Ellis Haizlip created a special TV show called Soul!. He was the main producer and host. Soul! was an arts program. It became a place for many African American artists and musicians to share their talents.
Famous guests included Roberta Flack and poet Nikki Giovanni. Ellis Haizlip wanted the show to display all the different parts of Black culture. He wanted to entertain viewers. But he also wanted them to think about what Black culture meant. The show aimed to help African Americans see themselves truly on television. This was important during a time of big social changes in America.
Promoting African American Culture
Even after Soul! ended in 1973, Ellis Haizlip kept promoting African American culture. He helped organize the first Congressional Black Caucus Dinner in 1970. He also created "Soul at the Center." This was a 12-day festival of performing arts. It took place at the Lincoln Center in New York City.
He continued to work in media. He also helped coordinate work at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This center focuses on African American history and culture.
Later Life and Legacy
Ellis Haizlip faced some health issues in the 1980s. He passed away in 1991 at the age of 61.
In 2018, a documentary film was made about his life. It was called Mr. Soul!. His niece, Melissa Haizlip, wrote, directed, and produced the film. It helped share his important work with a new generation.
