Timeline
Curtis Is Born
Curtis Lee Mayfield, born in Chicago, Illinois. Father: Curtis Mayfield, A.K.A. Kenneth Washington. Mother: Marian Washington.
Curtis Finds Music
While singing with his own group, the Alphatones, he also wrote songs and sang in his paternal grandmother Anna Belle Mayfield's Traveling Soul Spiritualist Church.
Joining The Roosters
Mayfield joins The Roosters, a soul, R & B, doo-wop group started by Richard and Arthur Brooks, Sam Gooden, and later Jerry Butler.
The Impressions Begin
The Roosters change their name to The Impressions at the suggestion of manager/driver Eddie Thomas. They went on to release the record "For Your Precious Love" with Vee Jay Records. After the single goes gold, Butler leaves The Impressions, replaced by Fred Cash. Mayfield takes control of the group’s recordings but still maintains his relationship with Butler, as a songwriter, and guitarist.
First Hit Song
Mayfield signs The Impressions to New York label, ABC Paramount. "Gypsy Woman," written by Mayfield, becomes the first Impressions hit under Mayfiel's leadership (No. 2 R & B, No. 20 pop).
It's All Right
The Impressions, now back in Chicago, record Mayfield's "It's all Right,". It goes on to sell a million copies becoming one of the group's signature songs. Mayfield was also still writing, arranging, and scoring hits with Major Lance, Billy Butler, The Artistics, and others.
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act passed! The Impressions album "Keep On Pushing" becomes one of the most successful albums in the group's career with Mayfield's title song becoming part of the Civil Rights Movement. This leads to establishing his credentials as a "message" songwriter. From another hit from the album was the song "Amen," inspired by the movie "Lilies of the Field." This is the same year Mayfield meets Altheida Sims, who he will later marry.
People Get Ready
Mayfield and The Impressions release group's best-known single, People Get Ready, probably written in response to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom that took place earlier. It is a favorite of Dr. Martin Luther King. Mayfield leaves OKeh Records.
Making Of An Anthem
The Impression's "We’re a Winner" was released, written, and produced by Mayfield becoming another Civil Rights Movement anthem from the group.
Birth Of Curtom
Mayfield leaves The Impressions for his solo career and forms Curtom Records in the former RCA studios, N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Among signings: The Impressions, The Staples Singers, Mavis Staples, Baby Huey, Five Stairsteps, Leroy Hutson. He also records many of his own solo albums.
Super Fly
Mayfield kicks off his soundtrack-producing career with "Super Fly" No. 1 million-selling album. He has multiple gold singles from the album "Freddie's Dead" and "Super Fly."
Claudine
Mayfield writes, and produces the soundtrack for "Claudine," creating hits for Gladys Knight and The Pips.
Aretha's Sparkle
Mayfield helps with the relaunching of Aretha Franklin's career by writing and producing the "Sparkle" soundtrack.
Solo Hit After Hit
Mayfield provides solo hits for Mavis Staples in "Let's Do It Again" soundtrack. He also has a hit himself with "Do Do Wop Is Strong In Here," from his "Short Eyes" soundtrack.
25th Anniversary Concert Tour
Mayfield joins the 25th Anniversary Concert tour with The Impressions and Jerry Butler.
Hall Of Fame Induction
Mayfield is Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as member of The Impressions.
Second Hall Of Fame Induction
Mayfield is Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. The Georgia House of Representatives honors Mayfield –"The undisputed genius of modern music."
Greatest Of All Time
Rolling Stone Magazine places Mayfield No. 34 in the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
Honored on RockWalk
Mayfield is posthumously inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk. Hollywood's RockWalk honors artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock and Roll, Blues, and R&B.
The Tribute Concert
The "Here But I’m Gone" sold out Lincoln Center New York tribute concert honoring Curtis Mayfield, featuring The Impressions, Mavis Staples, and Sinead O’Connor.
The Curtis Mayfield Story
"It's All Right To Have A Good Time - The Curtis Mayfield Story" shows at Black Ensemble Theatre, Chicago.
Chicago's Golden Soul
Black Ensemble Theater presents Chicago's Golden Soul; a musical journey celebrating the artists who propelled Chicago to national fame in the recording industry throughout the '60s and '70s such as Curtis Mayfield, Jerry Butler, and The Impressions.
