While the celebrated Questlove directed documentary Summer of Soul is one of the most popular films of the year, I’m excited that it has brought so many formerly popular musicians to the forefront. Though Sly & the Family Stone and Nina Simone are still inspiring young artists with their left-of-center sounds, it was cool seeing less talked about artists such as premier percussionist Mongo Santamaria featured in the film as well. While the conga king isn’t as well-known as he should be, when he played his hit song “Watermelon Man” at the concert he connected with the audience and was electric for the cameras. “Mongo Santamaria at this festival at this time in Harlem in the ‘60s is the nexus of the Black and brown communities that make up Uptown, New York,” says Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was interviewed in the film. https://rockandrollglobe....r-of-soul/