Curtis Mayfield | Artist

Curtis Mayfield was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer born 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. He was one of America's most influential funk-soul musicians and voice of politically conscious African-American music. At the age of 14 Mayfield joined the vocal group The Impressions alongside Sam Gooden and Jerry Butler. As a songwriter, Mayfield became noted as one of the first musicians to bring themes of social awareness into soul music. His 1965 hit "People Get Ready" ranks at no. 24 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. After leaving the Impressions in 1970 to pursue a solo career, Mayfield released a total of 21 albums, including the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film Superfly in 1972 which ranked at no. 72 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Between 1970-75 Mayfield released seven superb albums which are among the best funk-soul works ever recorded by any artist: Curtis, Roots, Curtis/Live!, Superfly, Back to The World, Got to Find a Way and There's No Place Like America Today. Mayfield received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 and in 1999 he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Artist Website: curtismayfield.com

Featured Albums: Curtis Mayfield

Related Artists: The Impressions