Question 1

True or false: Mayfield began his career as a member of The Impressions.

Accepted Answer

True. He co-founded The Impressions in the late 1950s, writing hits like 'People Get Ready' and 'It's All Right.'

Question 2

True or false: He wrote the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film 'Shaft.'

Accepted Answer

False. Isaac Hayes composed the 'Shaft' soundtrack; Mayfield wrote the iconic score for 'Super Fly' instead.

Question 3

True or false: Curtis Mayfield was a classically trained pianist from childhood.

Accepted Answer

False. He was largely self-taught on guitar, learning by listening to records, and never had formal classical training.

Question 4

True or false: Curtis Mayfield was blinded in a stage accident involving lighting equipment.

Accepted Answer

True. In 1990, a lighting rig fell on him during an outdoor concert in Brooklyn, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down and blind.

Question 5

True or false: Mayfield's song 'Move On Up' was later sampled by Kanye West.

Accepted Answer

False. Kanye West sampled Mayfield's 'Move On Up' for his song 'Touch the Sky,' but that's a common mix-up—he actually used a different Mayfield sample.

Question 6

True or false: His album 'Curtis' was one of the first major soul concept albums.

Accepted Answer

True. Released in 1970, 'Curtis' tackled social issues like racism and poverty, pioneering the concept album in soul music.

Question 7

True or false: Mayfield refused to play segregated venues during the 1960s.

Accepted Answer

True. He insisted on integrated audiences for Impressions shows, a bold stance that sometimes led to canceled concerts.

Question 8

True or false: He won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1973.

Accepted Answer

False. Mayfield never won a Grammy for that category; his accolades came later, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.

Curtis Mayfield Trivia Questions