Curtis Mayfield (June 3, 1942 — December 26, 1999) was an American soul-funk musician, composer, and producer from Chicago who co-founded The Impressions in 1958 and served as the group’s lead vocalist and musical director for twelve years. His songwriting and arrangements combined smooth vocal lines with intricate guitar work, establishing a template for politically […]
The Impressions were an American soul group from Chicago that launched the careers of Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, and Leroy Hutson. Formed in 1958, the Impressions cut five local Butler-led singles. Mayfield emerged as a singer, songwriter, and arranger on their 1961–65 hits “Gypsy Woman,” “It’s All Right,” “Keep On Pushing,” and “People Get Ready.” […]
Linda Clifford is an American soul singer from Brooklyn who released eight solo albums between 1977 and 1985; the first five on Curtom/RSO. She also made a duets album with Curtom founder Curtis Mayfield. Her best-known songs include the 1978–80 R&B/dance hits “Runaway Love,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “Don’t Give It Up,” […]
Billy Butler (June 7, 1945 — April 1, 2015) was an American soul singer from Chicago. He first emerged fronting the soul-trio Billy Butler & The Chanters, which issued five 1963–65 singles on soul-press Okeh under the auspices of writer Curtis Mayfield and arranger Johnny Pate. Between 1965 and 1967, Butler cut six solo singles […]
The Young Mods’ Forgotten Story is an album by American soul combo The Impressions, released in 1969 on Curtom. Tracklist: A1. “The Young Mods’ Forgotten Story” (2:00) A2. “Choice of Colors” (3:15) A3. “The Girl I Find” (2:37) A4. “Wherever You Leadeth Me” (2:32) A5. “Deceiving Heart” (2:49) B1. “Seven Years” (2:21) B2. “Love’s Miracle” […]
Back to the World is the fourth solo studio album by American soul/funk musician/vocalist Curtis Mayfield, released in 1973 on Curtom. Tracklist: A1. “Back to the World” (6:48) A2. “Future Shock” (5:24) A3. “Right On for the Darkness” (7:30) B1. “If I Were Only a Child Again” (2:53) B2. “Can’t Say Nothin’” (5:20) B3. “Keep […]
Curtis is the debut solo album by Chicago soul/funk musician Curtis Mayfield, released in 1970 on Curtom. Tracklist: A1. “(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below We’re All Going to Go” (7:46) A2. “The Other Side of Town” (4:00) A3. “The Makings of You” (3:40) A4. “We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue” (6:00) B1. […]
Roots is the second solo album by Chicago soul/funk musician/vocalist Curtis Mayfield, released in 1971 on Curtom. Tracklist: A1. “Get Down” (5:45) A2. “Keep On Keeping On” (5:08) A3. “Underground” (5:15) A4. “We Got to Have Peace” (4:44) B1. “Beautiful Brother of Mine” (7:23) B2. “Now You’re Gone” (6:50) B3. “Love to Keep You in My […]
