Curtis Mayfield - People Get Ready - #8

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Happy Birthday to Mr. Curtis Lee Mayfield born on June 3, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Mayfield grew up in the famed [now demolished] Cabrini Green Housing projects in Chicago. Despite his humble beginnings, he rose to international fame as a singer, songwriter, producer, and all around entertainer. He is better know as the lead singer for the singing trio, The Impressions. He also known for his contribution to the Blaxploitation cinema of the 1970s.

On August 13, 1999 Mayfield was injured and paralyzed after lighting equipment fell on him during an outside concert in Wingate Field, Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York. The accident left him unable to play guitar and he was confined to a wheelchair. Nevertheless, Mayfield continued to write and make music until his death on December 26, 1999 due to complications from his paralysis. He was living in the Atlanta metro area at the time of his death. Curtis Lee Mayfield kept on pushing until the very end. His music and voice are legendary, and he will be remembered by many as a true soul man. Enjoy the video and take heed to his words. Peace~

Comments

get zapped said…
I love Curtis and his songwriting is top notch. I had no idea his life ended so tragically. This saddens me, and though I hold on to his message.

Peace.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011 11:07:00 AM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Zapped, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, and many other storytellers I grew up listening to were true artist. I love his music and the connection he had with his audience. I love his music.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011 11:33:00 AM
get zapped said…
Yep, Stevie too. I've been really digging Songs in the Key of Life on my iPod lately :)
Tuesday, June 07, 2011 3:27:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
I'll say it again -- it is because of Mr. Wonder that I don't mind my family calling me Stevie. He is a great man -- a living legend since day one.
Friday, June 10, 2011 12:11:00 PM
christina said…
they call you stevie? you know im smiling, right? ; )

you took me back with this post. those cabrini green projects are in my blood.

; ) xo
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 7:10:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
@Christina - Yes, they still call me Stevie on both sides of the family. My father used to send me checks in college signed "Stevie Bess." :)
Yes, the famous Cabrini Green. I saw those projects before they took them away. There are so many stories [great and small] out that project.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 4:30:00 PM
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