Album of the Day

As one of the founders of '60s hitmakers The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield was instrumental in the development of soul, giving the music both a hauntingly sweet voice and a deep spirituality. He went solo in 1970, and songs from Mayfield's self-titled debut including “(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below We're All Going To Go” and such Impressions classics as “People Get Ready” and “Gypsy Woman” are brilliantly reinterpreted on CURTIS/LIVE! Cut at New York City's Bitter End club in 1971 (a year before SUPERFLY), this double album is one of the best R&B concert recordings ever, and shows how masterfully Curtis could work an audience. In 1991, this day was declared "Curtis Mayfield Day" by the city of Los Angeles, though the magnificent CURTIS/LIVE! gives good reason to remember the singer/songwriter every day.