Artist Profile
Curtis Mayfield
Few artists achieve iconic status in the genre of music and social awareness Curtis Mayfield was a man that decided that his gift could be used to help people as well as entertain them. As one of the most socially conscious singers of all time Curtis gave us thought provoking songs on Civil Rights, street life and issues that some artists would not touch.
Origin of an Icon
Curtis Mayfield who was born in Chicago Illinois got his start as most soul singers had done. Curtis sang in a church choir. After meeting future soul star Jerry Butler he joined a group called the The Roosters. After a short stint as that the name was changed to The Impressions. Once Butler left the group Curtis became lead singer. Already a prolific writer (having penned songs for the Impressions as well as now solo singer Jerry Butler) the Impressions began to hit their stride with songs like "People Get Ready", "It's All Right", "Keep On Pushing" and "We're a Winner"
Solo
With songs like "We're a Winner" Curtis took a decided leap in social awareness music. Mayfield's music became synonymous with 60s Civil Rights music. Curtis always the writer continued to write songs for the Impressions as well as other singers and acts. In 1970 Curtis decided to go solo. Having established Curtom Records in 1968 it was one of the first record labels OWNED by and African American recording artist.
Mayfield's first solo album was 1970's Curtis. The album featured songs like "Don't worry if there is a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go" and "Move On Up" The aforementioned "Don't Worry If there is a Hell Below..." was known for the beginning bars that start:
"Sisters, Niggers, Whiteys,
Jews,Crackers don't
worry if there
is a hell below
we're all gonna go"
Soundtracks
While his debut album did garner some acclaim. What put Curtis over the top was his writing for several movie soundtracks.His first and most groundbreaking soundtrack was for a movie that was funded by two African American dentists and directed by Gordon Parks Jr. The movie told the story of a disillusioned drug dealer trying to make one big "score" so he could get out of the life. The movie was 1972's SuperFly that starred stage actor Ron Oneal. Some of the best songs ever made detailing the struggles and fears of people in that life are on that soundtrack. Songs like "Freddy's Dead" and "Pusherman"
His next soundtrack was for a movie about a single mother trying to make ends meet, having a love life and deal with the department of Public Welfare. Mayfield did not sing on the soundtrack but wrote and produced all the songs for Gladys Night and the Pips. The movie was 1972's Claudine which starred Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones. Nevertheless Mayfield's song "Mr Welfare" gave voice to the despair of the time at a system designed to help but was the source of so much anger and pain.
He followed up that soundtrack with another in a movie about two mild mannered men who decide to fix a boxing match to get the money they need for their closing social club to buy a new building. They encounter gangsters and the police. The movie was 1975's Let's Do It Again starring Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier The movie was the 2nd in the Cosby/Poitier trilogy of movies. The most well know of the songs that he wrote for the soundtrack that featured the Staples Singers was "Let's Do It Again"
Another of the Curtis Mayfield penned soundtracks is 1976's Sparkle.The movie told the story of a a trio of sisters looking to make it in show business. The movie starred Irene Cara, Lonette Mckee and a pre Miami Vice Phillip Michael Thomas. Although the actors sang the songs in the movie the actual soundtrack featured Aretha Franklin. Two distinct songs from the soundtrack (One of whom would be covered by En Vogue) were "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" and 'Look Into Your Heart"
Legacy
Curtis continued to write and release material well into the 1990s He wrote social activist music as well as sensual and good old fashioned soul music. After a lighting accident while performing in 1990 left him paralyzed from the neck down, Curtis continued to compose and sing his music. Mayfield's final album was 1997's New World Order. Curtis sang for the recordings by lying on his back. Curtis Mayfield died on December 26,1999 at the age of 57. His music still inspires to this day.
Curtis Mayfield's musical achievements include
Grammy Legend Award
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
The Impressions Anthology 1961-1977 album is #179 on Rolling Stones list of 500
Greatest Albums of All Time
KEEP IT OLDSKOOL
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