Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield on vinyl: soul with a message

In short: Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999) from Chicago was a singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. With the Impressions he wrote songs in the sixties that became part of the civil rights movement, such as “People Get Ready”. In 1968 he founded his own label, Curtom, and from 1970 he combined soul, funk and social themes as a solo artist. The Vinyl Room currently has 6 Curtis Mayfield records.

What makes Curtis Mayfield special?

You recognise his high, gentle voice and flowing guitar at once – and his lyrics tell of hope, pride and the troubles of the big city. “Move On Up” became an anthem of optimism, “Roots” (1971) is one of his great solo albums, and on “Back To The World” (1973) the title track tells of a soldier coming home from Vietnam.

“Never Say You Can’t Survive” shows the gentler Mayfield of the late seventies, “Something To Believe In” (1980) his soul at the start of the eighties.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Curtis Mayfield

→ The Impressions · Curtom · Soul · Soul & funk on vinyl

FAQ

Which group made Curtis Mayfield famous? The Impressions, in the sixties.

What is Curtom? The label Curtis Mayfield founded in Chicago in 1968.

Which album is “Move On Up” on? His first solo album, “Curtis”, from 1970.

Which records do you have? Albums from the seventies and early eighties – 6 records in all.