Curtis Mayfield might best be remembered for producing the Super Fly soundtrack but the incomparable soul singer/multi-instrumentalist/composer never eclipsed the musical and songwriting genius of 1970’s groundbreaking Curtis. Released shortly after he departed the Impressions, a vocal group that he’d already taken in socially conscious directions, Mayfield’s self-titled solo debut set new standards in areas of production, songwriting, and musical fusion.

A gripping statement that fearlessly confronted the controversial issues consuming America and urban life, it served as an influential precursor to Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On and remains an inextricable part of the R&B landscape. Seldom has an album registered with so many audiences and groups.