The influential singer/guitarist was born in Chicago on June 3, 1942, and raised in the Cabrini-Green projects as a teenager. While attending Wells High School, Mayfield met Jerry Butler and began singing with his group, The Roosters. An early manager convinced the young group that audience members might make barn animal sounds as a result of their name, so in an effort to make a strong impression on their audiences, the group changed their name to The Impressions.

From the late ’50s through the mid-’60s, the Impressions had a string of hits, but it was Mayfield’s singing, songwriting and production that was gaining the attraction of the groups peers. The Impressions 1965 hit “People Get Ready” became an anthem for the civil rights movement. He began making solo records in the late ’60s and finally left The Impressions after his monumental soundtrack to the film “Super Fly” was released.

Being self-taught, Mayfield was able to play many different instruments, though his main instrument after his voice was the electric guitar. His singing and guitar style have been huge influences for generations of guitarists weaned on the psychedelic rock stylings of Jimi Hendrix and others who were influenced by the singer.

Learn more:
Forgotten Heroes: Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield Biography