Curtis Mayfield

The R&B funkster Curtis Mayfield was born on this day in 1942. He was a pioneer of funk and of politically conscious soul music, as well as an multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, bass, piano, drums, and saxophone.

Mayfield’s Number 1 Soul hit, “We’re a Winner,” became an anthem of the black pride movement in 1967, as was his “Keep on Pushing“, with his group The Impressions, had been an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.

His 1972 album Super Fly, the soundtrack to the film of the same name, was one of the most important albums of the time. Along with Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On and Stevie Wonder’s works, this album was instrumental in bringing about a new socially conscious, funky style of music.

Keep On Pushing

Move On Up

Superfly

People Get Ready