Album of the Day

Though it's often overshadowed by his classic soundtrack to the film Superfly, Curtis Mayfield's ROOTS is equally noteworthy. The 1971 studio album, the singer-songwriter's second after leaving pioneering soul group The Impressions, finds Mayfield pairing insightful and compassionate lyrics with music that is both sweet and funky. Produced by Curtis and originally issued on his own Curtom label, the collection reflects the issues of its day without feeling dated; such anthems as "We Got To Have Peace" and "Beautiful Brother Of Mine" still strike a chord. A Top 10 R&B hit, ROOTS is one of the finest soul albums of the '70s, and an ideal way to remember Curtis Mayfield, who passed away on this day in 1999.