No. 4 Curtis Mayfield
Both as a member of the Impressions and as a solo artist, Mayfield elevated soul music sonically and thematically. From his 60s anthems to the fiery funk of his classic 70s work, Mayfield’s place in music history is indisputable.
Notable songs: “People Get Ready,” “It’s Alright” (The Impressions), “Let’s Do It Again” (The Staple Singers), “Something He Can Feel” (Aretha Franklin), “On and On” (Gladys Knight & the Pips)
