Full Name
Date of Birth
June 3, 1942
Place of Birth
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Date of Death
December 26, 1999
Place of Death
Roswell, Georgia, United States
Education
Not specified
Spouses Names
Not specified
Children Names
Not specified
Parents Names
Marion Washington, Kenneth Mayfield
Known Affiliates Names
Affiliated Organizations’ Names
Achievements
Curtis Lee Mayfield was a pioneering figure in the evolution of soul music in the 1960s and funk music in the 1970s. His contributions to the music industry were recognized with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Grammy Legend Award in 1995. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first with The Impressions in 1991, and then as a solo artist in 1999. His song “People Get Ready” was selected as one of the Top 10 Best Songs of All Time by a panel of songwriters and producers. In addition to his musical talents, Mayfield was a savvy businessman, establishing his own record label, Curtom Records, which became a leading producer of soundtrack albums for black-oriented films.
Social Contributions
Mayfield’s music was not just entertaining, but also socially impactful. His songs like “We’re A Winner” and “Choice of Colors” became anthems for the civil rights movement, serving as a voice of victory. In 1961, he founded one of the first African American-owned music publishing companies. His lyrics often addressed themes of social justice, equality, and empowerment, making his music a powerful tool for social change. His songs “Keep On Pushing” and “People Get Ready” were significant contributions to the soundtrack of the civil rights movement. Mayfield’s socially conscious music influenced other artists, impacting the works of Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott-Heron, Peter Tosh, and Bob Marley.