2019 marks the 50th anniversary of Mayfield’s prolific solo career start, and to celebrate Rhino will release newly remastered versions of the first four studio albums the legendary artist recorded between 1970 and 1974.
Curtis Mayfield recorded a string of hits with The Impressions before leaving the influential soul-gospel group to embark upon a solo career that began 50 years ago and produced some of his greatest work. Known as the ‘Gentle Genius’, Mayfield has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – first as a member of The Impressions and later as a solo artist.
Rhino will spotlight Mayfield’s early solo career in a collection that includes newly remastered versions of his first four studio albums: Curtis (1970), Roots (1971), Back To The World (1973) and Sweet Exorcist (1974). Keep On Keeping On: Curtis Mayfield Studio Albums 1970-1974 will be available on 22 February on four CDs and four LPs. The music can be downloaded digitally and will also be available via streaming services. While supplies last, all orders placed via Rhino.com will include a 12×12 print as an exclusive gift with purchase.
Last year, in his honour, The Curtis Mayfield Foundation launched a series of music education scholarship programs including a collaboration with the Songwriters Hall of Fame and performing arts high schools in Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The Foundation is a nonprofit entity founded by the Curtis Mayfield family to promote the Grammy Award-winning songwriter-singer’s 60-year legacy in the civil rights movement and music, as both a lead singer and solo artist, and to support music education in high schools across the country through scholarship programs, publications, music study guides, and recordings.
Pre-order Keep On Keeping On and see the full track-listing here.