From the 'Book of Genius' ... Singer, Songwriter and Producer Curtis Mayfield was born
in Chicago, Illinois, Mayfield started his musical career in a gospel choir. Moving to Chicago's North Side he met Jerry Butler in 1956 at the age of 14, and joined vocal group the Impressions. As a songwriter, Mayfield became noted as one of the first musicians to bring more prevalent themes of social awareness into soul music. In 1965, he wrote "People Get Ready" for the Impressions, which has been listed in the Top 30 as one of the greatest songs of all time. After leaving The Immpressions in 1970 he went on to release several solo albums including the 'iconic' SUPERFLY soundtrack and was a sought out producer charting blockbuster projects for Aretha Franklin, The Staple and Gladys Knight and The Pips.
The gifted artist taught himself how to play guitar, tuning it to the black keys of the piano, giving the guitar an open F-sharp tuning that he used throughout his career.[. He primarily sang in falsetto register, adding another flavour to his music.
Mayfield was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
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