Wattstax was a benefit concert organized by Stax Records to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the 1965 riots in the African-American community of Watts, Los Angeles. Often referred to as the “Black Woodstock,” the concert took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 20, 1972. Performers included Isaac Hayes, Albert King, Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Staple Singers, the Emotions, the Bar-Kays, and other greats of soul, R&B, and gospel — plus an appearance from a then little-known Richard Pryor. Directed by Mel Stuart, the concert film was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Documentary Film in 1974.

For more information, please visit the event website.