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Traveling Soul: The Life of Curtis Mayfield
Society of Midland Authors Literary Award Nominee
Curtis Mayfield was one of the seminal vocalists and most talented guitarists of his era. But perhaps more important is his role as a social critic, and the vital influence his music had on the civil rights movement. "People Get Ready" is the black anthem of the 1960s, and on his soundtrack to the 1972 movie Super Fly, rather than glorifying the blaxploitation imagery of the film, Mayfield wrote and sang one of the most incisive audio portraits of black America on record.
In Traveling Soul , Todd Mayfield tells his famously private father’s story in riveting detail. Born into dire poverty, raised in the slums of Chicago, Curtis became a musical prodigy, not only singing like a dream but also growing into a brilliant songwriter. In the 1960s he became a pioneer, opening his own label and production company and working with many other top artists, including the Staple Singers. Curtis’s life was famously cut short by an accident that left him paralyzed, but in his declining health he received the long-awaited recognition of the music industry.
Passionate, illuminating, vivid, and absorbing, Traveling Soul will doubtlessly take its place among the classics of music biography.
Curtis Mayfield was one of the seminal vocalists and most talented guitarists of his era. But perhaps more important is his role as a social critic, and the vital influence his music had on the civil rights movement. "People Get Ready" is the black anthem of the 1960s, and on his soundtrack to the 1972 movie Super Fly, rather than glorifying the blaxploitation imagery of the film, Mayfield wrote and sang one of the most incisive audio portraits of black America on record.
In Traveling Soul , Todd Mayfield tells his famously private father’s story in riveting detail. Born into dire poverty, raised in the slums of Chicago, Curtis became a musical prodigy, not only singing like a dream but also growing into a brilliant songwriter. In the 1960s he became a pioneer, opening his own label and production company and working with many other top artists, including the Staple Singers. Curtis’s life was famously cut short by an accident that left him paralyzed, but in his declining health he received the long-awaited recognition of the music industry.
Passionate, illuminating, vivid, and absorbing, Traveling Soul will doubtlessly take its place among the classics of music biography.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2016
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517 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 27, 2016
Traveling Soul: The Life of Curtis Mayfield by Todd Mayfield is an early review NetGalley ebook that I was provided in exchange for an honest review.
To me, some of the best biographies are those told by someone who was actually with the person, and saw them as they really were, such as a family member. To us, Curtis Mayfield was a superstar, a velvet voice, whose music spanned decades of time. To Todd Mayfield, he was dad, plain and simple. Traveling Soul has accomplished its mission in linking the bridge between Curtis Mayfield’s personal life, and his musician life. The story is sturdy, real, raw, and gritty. I found myself going back in time, thinking back to when I was a little girl, listening to the music with my parents, and it made me pull out my old music to listen as I read.
I personally feel that Traveling Soul is a well written book, enjoyable, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys music, biographies, or just looking for a good read. A special thank you to Todd Mayfield for sharing your dad’s story with us.
To me, some of the best biographies are those told by someone who was actually with the person, and saw them as they really were, such as a family member. To us, Curtis Mayfield was a superstar, a velvet voice, whose music spanned decades of time. To Todd Mayfield, he was dad, plain and simple. Traveling Soul has accomplished its mission in linking the bridge between Curtis Mayfield’s personal life, and his musician life. The story is sturdy, real, raw, and gritty. I found myself going back in time, thinking back to when I was a little girl, listening to the music with my parents, and it made me pull out my old music to listen as I read.
I personally feel that Traveling Soul is a well written book, enjoyable, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys music, biographies, or just looking for a good read. A special thank you to Todd Mayfield for sharing your dad’s story with us.
January 29, 2017
Curtis Mayfield was a seminal force in the development of what is now called Soul Music or R&B. These terms have become almost irrelevant to me because, like the word "jazz", they mean different things to different people. For me they are only useful when I am talking to somebody who's on the same page as me. And in reality it's all music and is either good music or bad music.
I was aware of and was listening to Curtis Mayfield since he first appeared on the national scene. I loved his music. His song writing, singing and guitar playing were all superb and were a big influence on what came after him in all three of the above mentioned talents. I was unable to pass this book up when I became aware of it. I was glad to find that Todd Mayfield (Curtis's son) is a gifted writer and is knowledgeable about writing about the intricacies of the music business and music itself. He did a great job.
I was aware of and was listening to Curtis Mayfield since he first appeared on the national scene. I loved his music. His song writing, singing and guitar playing were all superb and were a big influence on what came after him in all three of the above mentioned talents. I was unable to pass this book up when I became aware of it. I was glad to find that Todd Mayfield (Curtis's son) is a gifted writer and is knowledgeable about writing about the intricacies of the music business and music itself. He did a great job.
June 28, 2020
Oftentimes, when we think of the voices of revolution, political leaders like MLK or Malcolm X come to mind. The work these men did is irreplaceable and their legacies should be immortalized. Their brilliance organizing their communities and courage in the face of history's most brutal institutions is truly an inspiration. However, let's not forget those that inspired these leaders and their constituents, including those who provided the soundtrack for the movement. Mayfield embodies this power, with a vast discography filled to its brim with honest but hopeful anthems for the downtrodden. While Curtis was far from the only artist making socially conscious music during his time, his message was the most consistent, precise, and poignant. He was also the longest lasting, releasing socially conscious music from 1964, when his single "Keep On Pushing" was MLK'S go to song for demonstrations, until his unfortunate passing in 1999.
This book, written by Curtis' son, Todd Mayfield, is an honest look into the life, legacy, and impact of one of history's greatest musicians. Todd's not a writer by trade, but articulates his father's experience exceptionally well. From his humble beginnings, to the obsessive work ethic and controlling nature which allowed him to excel beyond them; Curtis' life was one filled with feats we should aspire toward, along with faults we should be weary of. Curtis was far from perfect, the very spirit which created such beauty In his career, led to horrific abuse in his relationships. However, there is certainly something to be said for the brilliance, dedication, and insight which allowed a poor kid from Chicago to become one of the greatest musicians of all time. From the way Curtis tuned his guitar, to the fact he slept with it; this book is overflowing with lessons on innovation,work ethic, and passion. I'd recommend it to any aspiring artist, activist, or anyone who admires greatness. This was a compelling and inspirational read and I'm very glad I gave it a chance.
This book, written by Curtis' son, Todd Mayfield, is an honest look into the life, legacy, and impact of one of history's greatest musicians. Todd's not a writer by trade, but articulates his father's experience exceptionally well. From his humble beginnings, to the obsessive work ethic and controlling nature which allowed him to excel beyond them; Curtis' life was one filled with feats we should aspire toward, along with faults we should be weary of. Curtis was far from perfect, the very spirit which created such beauty In his career, led to horrific abuse in his relationships. However, there is certainly something to be said for the brilliance, dedication, and insight which allowed a poor kid from Chicago to become one of the greatest musicians of all time. From the way Curtis tuned his guitar, to the fact he slept with it; this book is overflowing with lessons on innovation,work ethic, and passion. I'd recommend it to any aspiring artist, activist, or anyone who admires greatness. This was a compelling and inspirational read and I'm very glad I gave it a chance.
October 3, 2023
In Innovator Who Helped Build Soul, Rock And What Came After
Curtis Mayfield grew up on Chicago’s tough South Side. I’m a white guy who grew up in the 1950s-60s at a Southern California beach town. Strange bedfellows, right? But music connected me to him, not that I knew it then.
Freshman year in college and I went to see The Chambers Brothers at Winterland in San Francisco. The band of black brothers had a white drummer, proving in our minds that black and white can not just get along, but flourish, when they find a commonality, like playing music.
The Chambers Brothers always covered Mayfield’s “People Get Ready.” That song spoke to me and my respect for Mayfield was born. He was not my favorite black player, but even this white boy could see he was pushing boundaries.
This book by a son really opens the door to understanding the man.
It hits a lot of emotions, not all of them positive, but Mayfield’s musical chops are undeniable.
It’s a worthy read for those who respect the power of music.
Curtis Mayfield grew up on Chicago’s tough South Side. I’m a white guy who grew up in the 1950s-60s at a Southern California beach town. Strange bedfellows, right? But music connected me to him, not that I knew it then.
Freshman year in college and I went to see The Chambers Brothers at Winterland in San Francisco. The band of black brothers had a white drummer, proving in our minds that black and white can not just get along, but flourish, when they find a commonality, like playing music.
The Chambers Brothers always covered Mayfield’s “People Get Ready.” That song spoke to me and my respect for Mayfield was born. He was not my favorite black player, but even this white boy could see he was pushing boundaries.
This book by a son really opens the door to understanding the man.
It hits a lot of emotions, not all of them positive, but Mayfield’s musical chops are undeniable.
It’s a worthy read for those who respect the power of music.
May 27, 2019
Right on for Curtis Mayfield!
Traveling Soul is one of the best biographies I've read. It is a great book and a wonderful tribute to the life and legacy of one of the most important and underappreciated (in my opinion) musicians that ever lived. The word genius gets tossed around a lot, but Curtis Mayfield was a visionary, a poetic mastermind, and a creative genius. You can hear his musical DNA in so much of today's Soul/R&B and Hip-Hop. The production on Superfly alone helped create a million rap songs. The man's influence and creative legacy is powerful and this book pulls no punches in telling the history of a gifted and brilliant , but sometimes conflicted and frustrating musical icon.
Traveling Soul is one of the best biographies I've read. It is a great book and a wonderful tribute to the life and legacy of one of the most important and underappreciated (in my opinion) musicians that ever lived. The word genius gets tossed around a lot, but Curtis Mayfield was a visionary, a poetic mastermind, and a creative genius. You can hear his musical DNA in so much of today's Soul/R&B and Hip-Hop. The production on Superfly alone helped create a million rap songs. The man's influence and creative legacy is powerful and this book pulls no punches in telling the history of a gifted and brilliant , but sometimes conflicted and frustrating musical icon.
June 10, 2020
The end of Mayfield's life was, as expected, quite the downer. Really, the last 25 years of his life were pretty depressing and a huge fall from his 60's/70's glory days, but his son does a nice job of thoroughly examining Mayfield's creative process and singular style of working. The man covered so much ground in such a short time - owning his own label, so many great songs, being a key voice in the civil rights movement. I appreciated that Mayfield (the son) did include the warts and darker side of Curtis's personality. Yes, he was mild-mannered, but the domestic abuse and the way he treated his kids occasionally was pretty substandard. Overall, this shed a lot of light on a pretty incredible life.
January 15, 2019
My knowledge of Curtis Mayfield didn't go much beyond a greatest hits album, until this wonderful book, but now I know so much more, and came to realize how much I already knew, like from The Impressions, and the artists that he influenced, from Hendrix to rap and R&B stars of today. Often when it's a family member writing a book, the dirt and scandal is shied away from, but fortunately this is not the case with Traveling Soul. Todd Mayfield writes about his father, warts and all, with honesty and love.
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July 25, 2021Thank You
A very revealing book and as I read it with breaks in between I learned that one of my heroes touched more music then I knew. As I watched a movie on the late Queen of Soul this book spoke opposite of Mayfield period of her music then what that movie showed. Especially how they tried to put a riff between sisters. Thanks to this book I knew it was Hollywood BS. Having recently losing my father I know the transition you spoke of very well. Once again thank you for this important to me book!!!
A very revealing book and as I read it with breaks in between I learned that one of my heroes touched more music then I knew. As I watched a movie on the late Queen of Soul this book spoke opposite of Mayfield period of her music then what that movie showed. Especially how they tried to put a riff between sisters. Thanks to this book I knew it was Hollywood BS. Having recently losing my father I know the transition you spoke of very well. Once again thank you for this important to me book!!!
February 22, 2024
An outstanding biography that covers not just the music of Curtis Mayfield but his work in the civil rights movement. I thought I would enjoy reading about the man and his music, and I did, but I think I actually liked reading about Mayfield’s work with the movement more. Highly recommend this one.
December 18, 2017
This is the story of Curtis Mayfield, written by one of his sons.
Recommended only for hardcore fans and musos.
Recommended only for hardcore fans and musos.
July 20, 2019
incredible life with a tragic end. it made me revisit the incredible catalog and want to pick up the guitar!
April 16, 2020
Good read
Great book brought back memories. I learned a lot about his music & life.
We can't forget these pioneers in music.
Great book brought back memories. I learned a lot about his music & life.
We can't forget these pioneers in music.
June 10, 2020
Life of a legend
Outstanding read on the life and times of a musical genius. Curtis Mayfield 's story is both sad and glorious. Written by his son, Todd.
Outstanding read on the life and times of a musical genius. Curtis Mayfield 's story is both sad and glorious. Written by his son, Todd.
October 3, 2024
Understanding Curtis
This was a great book about Cut Mayfield’s journey. I really felt like I was living in the experience with Curtis.
This was a great book about Cut Mayfield’s journey. I really felt like I was living in the experience with Curtis.
February 23, 2025
Very interesting book written by his son
I love Curtis Mayfield
I love Curtis Mayfield
July 10, 2020
Si quieres que cante, la gallina por delante.
February 13, 2020
This book shows the artist and the man himself, through the eyes of his son Todd. It shows the genius of the soul artist, who was very influential on a musical and societal level. It also reveals Curtis' limitations as a husband, father and friend. It's a great read, but it's hard for me to reconcile the two sides of Curtis. Read this book if you can handle some thruth!
September 28, 2016
Curtis Mayfield was one of the seminal vocalists and most talented guitarists of his era, and his music played a vital role in the civil rights movement: "People Get Ready" was the black anthem of the time. In Traveling Soul, Todd Mayfield tells his famously private father's story in riveting detail. Born into dire poverty, raised in the slums of Chicago, Curtis became a musical prodigy, not only singing like a dream but growing into a brilliant songwriter. In the 1960s he opened his own label and production company and worked with many other top artists, including the Staple Singers. Curtis's life was famously cut short by an accident that left him paralyzed, but in his declining health he received the long-awaited recognition of the music industry. Passionate, illuminating, vivid, and absorbing, Traveling Soul will doubtlessly take its place among the classics of music biography.
Excellent read! I enjoyed this book very much. What an incredible man, and a gift to us musically.
Excellent read! I enjoyed this book very much. What an incredible man, and a gift to us musically.
March 16, 2019
Todd Mayfield does an excellent job of putting his father's music in the context of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements and other events of his times. We see Curtis for better or worse in his personal, familial, social and political worlds. A weakness of this book (shared with many musicians' biographies by non musicians) is a shallow engagement with the music itself. Guitarists will learn nothing of the equipment that produced Curtis's sound and song writers will find little insight into Curtis's craft.
January 28, 2018
I received Traveling Soul from Goodreads. I collect music autobiographies and this is a book that I am happy to add to my collection!
Todd Mayfield told a story of the tribulations his father goes thru in the music world. It took me back to my younger years when music was soulful and real. I am glad Todd shared his father's story.
Todd Mayfield told a story of the tribulations his father goes thru in the music world. It took me back to my younger years when music was soulful and real. I am glad Todd shared his father's story.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews