THE IMPRESSIONS pioneered soul music and have been called by their peers Legends of Soul. Drawing inspiration from church, their songs reflected the country's social and political concerns of the time, capturing the mood and aspirations of America like no others during the extraordinary decade of the 60's. They introduced America to rock'n roll and blues music and it was no surprise that in January of 1991, The IMPRESSIONS were recognized for their timeless musical contributions and inducted into the Rock'n Roll Hall Of Fame.
Originating in Chicago's north side in 1958, their landmark record "For Your Precious Love" was their first release reaching the Top of the R&B charts and climbed the Pop Charts to number 11. In 1961 Fred Cash, Sam Gooden and Curtis Mayfield hit again with Mayfield's "Gypsy Woman". They hit their stride with chart toppers like the milestone hit "It's All Right", followed by "Amen", "Keep On Pushing", "People Get Ready", "Choice Of Colors", "Talking About My Baby", "I'm So Proud", "You Must Believe Me", and many more. Generating sixteen Top 20 R&B hits and seventeen Top 40 Pop hits between 1958 -1969, they placed six albums in the Top 10 of Billboard's R&B Charts, and 1964's "Keep On Pushing", was a Top 10 album. Continuing their string of hits into the 70's with "Finally Got Myself Together", "Check Out Your Mind", "Ain't Got Time", "Turn On To Me", and "Sooner Or Later", they released 27 albums, scored 42 chart singles and sold over 15 million records.
While being honored by their peers at "Save The Rain Forest", benefit performance in NY city, Eric Clapton met The Impressions for the first time and asked to perform "I've Been Trying", with them . Clapton stated : "a dream come true to perform with The Impressions”...”what more could I want". In 2001 Clapton asked The Impressions to record & tour Europe and the USA with him. With rejuvenated interest in oldies music, The IMPRESSIONS have been discovered by a new audience and they continue to delight their devoted fans. The music of The IMPRESSIONS has always reflected the consciousness of the people and continues to leave a lasting impression. Their Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame induction only confirm this fact.
The Impressions became a powerhouse group of the Soulful Sixties, with a consistent string of chart hits crafted and tailored by Curtis Mayfield. He was a major part of The Impressions success and played a pivotal role in soul music. Mayfield’s ability to voice hard truths through funky, uplifting music has rendered him one of the great soul icons.
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