On this date in 1942 Curtis Mayfield was born in Chicago, Illinois. Mayfield is highly regarded as a pioneer of funk and of politically conscious black music. Many of his recordings with the Impressions became anthems of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. He was a multi-instrumentalist who played the guitar, bass, piano, saxophone, and drums. His most famous album, Super Fly, is regarded as one of all-time great albums regardless of genre.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrHezTLex2s&hl=en&fs=1]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQqTxK7VhSk&hl=en&fs=1]