This page documents the original painting that was used as the cover of the soundtrack album for the ROOTS TV miniseries. This powerful painting, created by David Jarvis, was completed in 1977. The intricate detail and subtlety of this masterpiece is impressive and illuminates the grand sweep of this vibrant and complex American classic.

The painting is 54 inches long and 18 inches tall; acrylic and gouache on 100% rag (acid free) illustration board. It is in perfect condition and is a great piece of art depicting one of the most moving and significant stories of our time.

ROOTS, An American Television Classic based upon the phenomenal book by Alex Haley. When the history making miniseries first aired in 1976, it was watched by an amazing 130 million people. When it aired and for over twenty years, it was the most watched TV event in history. This powerful painting by award-winning artist David Jarvis is the original art for the official soundtrack album cover. The painting depicts the entire scope of the saga featuring all of the lead characters from Kunta Kinte to Chicken George and Fiddler in the artist's unique montage style of art. It also includes a portrait of Alex Haley and his African relatives.

From 30 Years in Pictures, Time/Life Books: "A Staggering 130 million viewers tuned in to the TV miniseries, ROOTS, Alex Haley's story of his family's passage from Africa to freedom. The National Urban League's Vernon Jordan called the series `The single most spectacular educational experience in race relations in America'."

USA Channel, in almost annual rebroadcasts, refers to the Miniseries and spectacular story as "The biggest event in the history of television".