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Curtis Mayfield Discusses his Life and Career.

Curtis Mayfield. He's been called "the thinking man's soul man." He's known for his floating falsetto voice, gospel sound, and social commentary. He was with the group, "The Impressions" for 12 years recording such classics as "Gypsy Woman," "I'm so Proud," and "People Get Ready." After that he went solo. His score for "Superfly," was considered a musical breakthrough, and has inspired many of today's hip-hop performers. Mayfield was preparing for a comeback, with the release of "Return of Superfly," in 1990, when a freak stage accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. (REBROADCAST FROM 3-23-93).

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Other segments from the episode on September 10, 1993

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 10, 1993: Interview with Curtis Mayfield; Interviews with Richard Lewis and Robert Townsend; Review of the album "Sweet Relief."
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06:18

Tribute to a Musicians' Musician.

Ken Tucker reviews the new benefit album organized to help singer/songwriter Victoria Williams, who is afflicted with multiple sclerosis: "Sweet Relief". The album features Lou Reed, Pearl Jam, Matthew Sweet and others performing her songs.

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Soul Musician Curtis Mayfield Looks Back on His Career

Mayfield has been called "the thinking man's soul man." He's known for his floating falsetto voice, gospel sound, and social commentary. He was with the group, "The Impressions" for 12 years recording such classics as "Gypsy Woman," "I'm so Proud," and "People Get Ready." His score for "Superfly," was considered a musical breakthrough, and has inspired many of today's hip-hop performers.

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