Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield

Deceased · Born: Jun 3, 1942 · Died: Dec 26, 1999

Personal Details

BornJun 3, 1942 Chicago, Illinois, USA

Biography

A legendary rhythm and blues performer and songwriter, renowned for his pivotal role in shaping the iconic 1960s Chicago sound through his chart-topping hits such as "It's All Right" and "Gypsy Woman". His distinctive style has had a profound influence on a diverse range of artists, transcending genres from pop to hip hop.

Tragically, a life-altering event occurred in 1990 when he was struck by a lightning rig during an outdoor concert in New York, leaving him a quadriplegic. Despite this challenge, his remarkable talent and contributions to the music industry have been recognized with a prestigious place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

One of his most notable achievements is the 1968 hit single "We're A Winner", which has become an enduring civil rights anthem. His impressive accolades also include two Grammy Awards, with the soundtrack to "Superfly" selling an impressive four million copies.