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Curtis Mayfield


Born: 1942
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Genre: R&B, Chicago Soul, Funk
Years Active: 1956 - 1999
Real Name: Curtis Mayfield
AKA: The Gentle Genius
Meaning of the Name: Real Name
Way of Working: Singular vision
Associated: The Impressions

Essential Releases

Curtis Mayfield - Curtis

Curtis (1970)

Classic debut. A soulful exploration of social and political themes.

Curtis Mayfield - Superfly Soundtrack

Superfly OST (1972)

A raw and funky soundtrack to the Blaxploitation film

Curtis Mayfield - There's No Place Like America Today

There's No Place Like
America Today (1975)

A poignant and critical look at American society.


Curtis Mayfield, a foundational figure in black music, launched his career in the late 1950s with the soul group The Impressions. Though successful, Mayfield harboured solo ambitions, realising them in 1970 with his self-titled debut, Curtis.

His solo work masterfully blended funk, soul, and gospel, creating a rich tapestry of socially conscious lyrics that deeply resonated with listeners. Beyond his powerful vocals, Mayfield was a gifted guitarist and producer, arranging his tracks with lush orchestration that included horns, brass, and even congas, to forge irresistibly funky rhythms.

Through his distinctive falsetto, Mayfield confronted the realities of urban life, tackling drug abuse, poverty, and racial injustice. Crucially, his gospel roots infused these grim subjects with an enduring optimism, always hinting at the sun behind the clouds.

Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
85

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
75

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
85

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
65

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
85

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
85

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
90

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
85

Singing

i Technical attributes.
90

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
80

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
80

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
65

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
70

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
85

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
70

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
60

Commercial & Critical Success

Awards >>>

  • Grammy Award Nominations x8: * He has two wins but they were for lifetime achievements

Certifications >>>

  • Curtis: Gold in USA
  • Super Fly: Gold in USA
  • Back to the World: Gold in USA

Charts >>>

  • Super Fly: #1 in USA

Critics >>>

  • Rolling Stone - 100 Greatest Singers of All Time: #40

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