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| Curtis
Mayfield is often heralded as one of soul's great architects, but remains
largely unknown by mainstream music fans. His music is cited as inspiration
to modern R&B hit makers. He was among the first wave of soul artists
to write songs that address political and social issues in a popular
music framework. His gospel-tinged songs with the Impressions and the
civil rights advocacy of his solo work laid the foundation for Marvin
Gaye's "What's Going On" and Stevie Wonder's "Talking
Book" and "Innervisions" among others. His songs covered
many topics, but he had only one message: love and faith will get us
to the Promised Land.
While his peaks were staggering, his consistency is unmatched. Creating compilations of is music is nearly impossible. There are so many amazing songs, that no collection can adequately showcase his musical gifts. His albums are short, usually consisting of fewer than 10 tracks and lasting just over 30 minutes. But the strength of his songwriting and the consistent musicianship are ultimately satisfying.
His early songwriting was poetic and classically themed ("Minstrel And Queen," "Romancing To The Folk Song," "Readings In Astrology"). His partner in the Impressions, soul great Jerry Butler, suggested he start writing music that people can relate to. While Bulter's contributions to soul music are numerous, none had greater impact than nudging Mayfiled onto a path that would change the face of soul music forever. Mayfield began writing about the world he knew, hoping others could identify with it. He wrote about spirituality so that anyone believing in a higher power, Christian or otherwise, could find inspiration. Mayfield also started writing about our segregated society and the racial injustices that surrounded him. This included the overt and subtle racism towards African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native-Americans and Asian-Americans. In the mid/late 1970s, he became a Black Panther sympathizer. While he didn't advocate violence as means to equality, he knew drastic action would be required to break down the curtain of separation. Many of his songs were adopted as anthems of the civil rights movement. Ultimately, Mayfield's pleas for peace outlasted the Black Panther's militant revolution. His songs reflected the society he knew. He wasn't afraid to talk about he dark underside of his environment. His songs about the ghetto were immediately recognizable to those who lived it. His songs educated those with no experience with that lifestyle.
While his uplifting songs of the spirit and civil rights movement inspired musicians and music lovers, he was at his best writing about love. He captured the tenderness of intimate moments in his voice, lyrics and music. His melodies sound immediately familiar. His stories of heartbreak reminded us of the pain that accompanies intimacy. His delicate falsetto conveyed intimacy, sincerity and honesty. His voice was perfectly suited to convey the subtleties and complexities of love's emotional spectrum: beautiful, timeless, universal, unique... When he sings about love lost, your heart aches. when he sings about love found, your spirit rejoices.
See Also... Curtis on
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Maybe
that's why white audiences have never fully accepted Mayfield as a
voice of the times as they have embraced Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder
and others. Mayfield's descriptions of the under-privileged black
world were too vivid. It's easy to pretend the world is a perfect
place if you never have to acknowledge the imperfections. The irony
is Curtis told of these imperfections in ways that inspired hope.
For all the misfortune surrounding us, Curtis told us to stay strong,
believe in the Lord, love your neighbor and "Move On Up."