HOW EXCELLENT
Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago

DIRECTOR(s): Andrew N. Tyler

​PROJECT TYPE: Long Documentary
GENRE: NA

COUNTRY:  United States

RUN TIME: 00 : 1 : 45 min
CAST: NA

From the Composer of gospel classics Shabach, Perfect Praise, and Lift Him Up comes an inspiring story of faith, music, and transformation. How Excellent is a powerful feature film documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Walt Whitman, whose vision and leadership have shaped Gospel music nearly fifty years through the internationally acclaimed Soul Children of Chicago. His influence has reached generations of artists, helping pave the way for some of music’s greatest gospel and R&B’s most celebrated voices.

At the heart of the documentary are young people of Chicago, many from underserved communities who have been overlooked, underestimated, and told they would never succeed. Through The Soul Children of Chicago, they discover discipline, purpose, faith, and a powerful sense of belonging. Their voices become more than music; they become instruments of hope, resilience, and charge.
 

Featuring unforgettable performances, personal stories, and the enduring impact of one man’s mission, How Excellent is a moving portrait of how music can uplift lives, strengthen communities, and inspire generations.
 

This is more than the story of a kid’s choir. It is the story of a legacy and the
extraordinary power of believing in young people.

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DATE: Sunday, Oct 4, 2026

TIME:  5:15 PM – 7:05 PM CST

LOCATION:  R Milton and Denise Johnson Center, Belmont University