Curtis Mayfield
USA, 1958–1999
American singer, guitarist and producer whose work with the Impressions and as a solo artist combined soul and funk with explicitly political lyrics, notably on the Super Fly soundtrack.
MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Curtis Mayfield and 7 artists Curtis Mayfield influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Curtis Mayfield?
- Sam Cooke — Cooke's gospel-to-soul path was the direct model for Mayfield's generation of Chicago singers.
Which artists did Curtis Mayfield influence?
- Marvin Gaye — Mayfield opened the road What's Going On travelled: Curtis (September 1970) put extended social commentary at the centre of a soul album months before Gaye's.
- Bob Marley — Mayfield's blend of soul, social consciousness and spiritual uplift directly shaped Marley's lyrical vision with The Wailers.
- The O'Jays — Mayfield's socially-charged soul songwriting shaped the conscience running through the O'Jays' Gamble & Huff hits.
- Laura Nyro — Nyro was deeply influenced by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions — the gospel-soul at the heart of her songwriting.
- Sade — Curtis Mayfield is named among Sade Adu's influences.
- D'Angelo — Mayfield's high, light voice over hard rhythm is among the styles D'Angelo's records pay open homage to.
- 2Pac — Curtis Mayfield's socially conscious lyrics and smooth grooves inspired Tupac's approach to songwriting.