The Impressions

USA, 1958–now

Chicago vocal group whose lead singer and writer was Curtis Mayfield. Their close harmony and civil-rights lyrics on 'People Get Ready' and 'Keep On Pushing' were a model for Motown's vocal groups.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced The Impressions and 6 artists The Impressions influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Impressions?

• Sam Cooke — The Impressions' smooth gospel-derived harmony followed the path Cooke's Soul Stirrers had opened.

Which artists did The Impressions influence?

• The Supremes — The Impressions' refined group harmony and elegant aesthetic were key models for The Supremes.
• The Temptations — The Impressions were the model for male vocal group harmony for The Temptations.
• Four Tops — The Impressions' tight quartet harmonies were a formative influence on The Four Tops.
• The O'Jays — Curtis Mayfield's Impressions — gospel harmony with social conscience — were a direct model for the O'Jays' message-driven soul.
• Laura Nyro — The Impressions' harmony soul was central to the sound Nyro built her dramatic pop on.
• Smokey Robinson — The Impressions' conscious soul songwriting influenced Smokey Robinson's more introspective work.