Mayfield, Curtis (1942–1999)

US singer, songwriter, and producer, a prominent influence in rhythm and blues (R&B) music during the 1960s and 70s. He was the defining artist of Chicago soul, a type of R&B rivalling Motown in the 1960s. He formed the Impressions in 1957 with Jerry Butler; the group released ‘For Your Precious Love’ (1958) and went on to achieve several number one hits on both R&B and pop charts. Mayfield went solo in 1970, and achieved great success with the soundtrack to the film Superfly (1972).

Mayfield began singing with Gospel groups. He worked as the staff producer for Okeh Records, distributed by the record company Columbia, and created his own record labels, notably Curtom (1968). He was a prolific songwriter, writing for Butler, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Aretha Franklin, among others. A lighting rig fell on him during a concert in 1990 and paralyzed him from the neck down.

A range of artists, such as UB40, Rod Stewart, and En Vogue, have recorded his songs, proving his enduring appeal. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Impressions in 1991 and as a solo artist in 1999.