Timeline

  • 1942 Learn More

    1942

    Curtis Lee Mayfield, born in Chicago, Illinois. Father: Curtis Mayfield. Aka Kenneth Washington. Mother: Marian Washington.

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  • 1949 Learn More

    1949

    Singing with his own group, the Alphatones, also writing songs and singing in his paternal grandmother, Anna Belle Mayfield’s Traveling Soul Spiritualist Church.

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  • 1956 Learn More

    1956

    Mayfield joins The Roosters, a soul, R & B, doo wop group started by Richard and Arthur Brooks, Sam Gooden (b. 1939) and later Jerry Butler.

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  • 1958 Learn More

    1958

    The Roosters change name, at suggestion of manager/driver Eddie Thomas to The Impressions. Record “For Your Precious Love” for Vee Jay Records with label reading Jerry Butler and The Impressions. Mayfield is a backup singer. After single goes gold, Butler leaves The Impressions, replaced by Fred Cash (b. 1940). Mayfield takes control of the group’s recording, still continues his association with Butler, as songwriter, guitarist.

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  • 1960 Learn More

    1960

    Mayfield forms his own music publishing company, Curtom.

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  • 1961 Learn More

    1961

    Mayfield signs The Impressions to New York label, ABC Paramount. “Gypsy Woman,” written by Mayfield, becomes first Impressions hit under Mayfield’s leadership (No. 2 R & B, No. 20 pop).

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  • 1963 Learn More

    1963

    The Impressions, now back in Chicago, record Mayfield’s “It’s all Right,” a million selling single, one of the group’s signature songs. Mayfield also still writing, arranging, scoring hits with Major Lance, Billy Butler, The Artistics and others.

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  • 1964 Learn More

    1964

    Civil Rights Act passed. The Impressions album “Keep On Pushing” most successful in group’s career with Mayfield’s title song becoming part of the Civil Rights Movement, establishing his credentials as a “message” songwriter. Other album hit, “Amen,” a song inspired from the movie “Lilies of the Field.” Mayfield meets Altheida Sims, who he will later marry.

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  • 1965 Learn More

    1965

    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 .

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  • 1966 Learn More

    1966

    Mayfield forms first record labels, Mayfield Records and Windy C.

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  • 1967 Learn More

    1967

    Impression’s “We’re a Winner” released, written ,produced by Mayfield, another Civil Rights Movement anthem from the group.

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  • 1968 Learn More

    1968

    Mayfield leaves The Impressions for solo career, forms Curtom Records in former RCA studios, N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Among signings: The Impressions, The Staples Singers, Mavis Staples, Baby Huey, Five Stairsteps, Leroy Hutson. Records several solo albums.

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  • 1972 Learn More

    1972

    Kicks off soundtrack producing career with “Super Fly,” No. 1 million selling album. Gold singles from album “Freddie’s Dead” and “Super Fly.”

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  • 1974 Learn More

    1974

    Mayfield writes, produces soundtrack for “Claudine,” creating hits for Gladys Knight and The Pips.

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  • 1976 Learn More

    1976

    Mayfield relaunches Aretha Franklin’s career, writing and producing “Sparkle” soundtrack.

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  • 1977 Learn More

    1977

    Mayfield provides solo hits for Mavis Staples in “Let’s Do It Again” soundtrack. Also has hit himself with “Do Do Wop Is Strong In Here,” from his “Short Eyes” soundtrack.

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  • 1983 Learn More

    1983

    Joins 25th Anniversary Concert tour with The Impressions and Jerry Butler. Unreleased recording of concerts.

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  • 1987 Learn More

    1987

    Headlines prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

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  • 1990 Learn More

    1990

    “Curtis Mayfield In Concert” video release of Germany appearances. “The Return Of Super Fly” soundtrack by Mayfield released.

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  • 1991 Learn More

    1991

    Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as member of The Impressions.

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  • 1992 Learn More

    1992

    Mayfield is paralyzed, confined to a wheelchair, following an onstage accident in Brooklyn, NY, Aug. 13, when lighting rig collapses, falls on him. En Vogue has hit covering Mayfield’s “Giving Him Something He Can Feel.”

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  • 1994 Learn More

    1994

    Grammy Awards honor Mayfield with “Living Legend Award.” Shanachie Records releases all star Mayfield tribute album including Jerry Butler. “All Men Are Brothers,” all star tribute album from Warner Bros. released featuring Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, and others.

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  • 1995 Learn More

    1995

    Grammy “Lifetime Achievement Award” presented to Mayfield.

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  • 1996 Learn More

    1996

    Mayfield records his final album, Grammy-nominated “New World Order.”

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  • 1998 Learn More

    1998

    Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as solo artist. Georgia House of Representatives honor Mayfield –“The undisputed genius of modern music.”

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  • 1999 Learn More

    1999

    Curtis Mayfield dies, Dec. 26, Roswell, Ga., aged 57. Shortly before his death Mayfield was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.

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  • 2004 Learn More

    2004

    Rolling Stone Magazine places Mayfield No. 34 in 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

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  • 2009 Learn More

    2009

    Hollywood RockWalk inducts Mayfield.

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  • 2012 Learn More

    2012

    “Here But I’m Gone” sell-out Lincoln Center New York tribute concert, featuring Impressions, Mavis Staples, Sinead O’Connor.

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  • 2013 Learn More

    2013

    Mayfield receives Best New Song Grammy nomination for “Same Love” by MacLemore and Ryan Lewis, in which “People Get Ready” is sampled, earning Mayfield co-composer credit. “It’s All Right To Have A Good Time – The Curtis Mayfield Story” opens at Black Ensemble Theatre, Chicago.

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  • 2014 Learn More

    2014

    • Screening event in 300 seat theatre.
    • Officially unveil and promote the new Curtis Mayfield Website.
    • Questions and Answers from audience to Mrs. Mayfield
    • CD signing in gift shop after event.
    • Present recognition plaque to Mrs Curtis Mayfield from Museum.

    Speakers:
    Mrs. Mayfield
    Bob Santelli, curator, Grammy Museum
    John Selvin, Music Editor Emeritus, San Francisco Chronicle

    Free event for the public.
    For more information click here!

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  • 2014 Learn More

    2014

    Now Running through March 29th. Black Ensemble Theater presents the music of:

    • Curtis Mayfield
    • Jerry Butler
    • Major Lance
    • Betty Everett
    • Billy Stewart
    • Alvin Cash
    • Gene Chandler
    • Tyrone Davis

    And many, many more!

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