Curtis by Curtis Mayfield (1970) — a VG+ original pressing is worth £35–£60. The pressing to own, and the case for № 75: Curtis Mayfield leaves the Impressions and immediately releases the most musically ambitious solo soul album of the era. Falsetto over conga, conscience over groove.
Estimated market value of an original pressing of Curtis by Curtis Mayfield, by sleeve and media condition on the Goldmine grading scale.
The pressing to look for: 1970 US, Curtom CRS 8005 (first pressing). Catalogue number CRS 8005.
Researched market ranges for the original pressing; condition, completeness of inserts and pressing variant all move the figure. The Lead-In values every record against live marketplace data — value your own shelf for a current, condition-matched figure.
Eight tracks in 45 minutes. Recorded at RCA Studios Chicago, summer 1970. Curtis Mayfield's solo debut after twelve years with the Impressions. The album that consolidated socially-conscious soul as a sustained album-statement form.
Eight tracks in 45 minutes. Recorded at RCA Studios Chicago, summer 1970. Curtis Mayfield's solo debut after twelve years with the Impressions. The album that consolidated socially-conscious soul as a sustained album-statement form.
Curtis Mayfield in spring 1970 was twenty-eight years old, having spent twelve years as a member of the Impressions. He had founded Curtom Records in 1968 as a vehicle for his solo work and Impressions productions.
Recording extended summer 1970 at RCA Studios Chicago. Mayfield produced, played guitar, and sang.
The album consolidated socially-conscious soul as a sustained album-statement form. Mayfield's deliberately-political register and deliberately-funk-influenced production established the founding template for political soul.
Curtom released the album in September 1970. The album peaked at US #19 and R&B #1; RIAA Gold by 1972.
Curtis belongs at #75 because it consolidated socially-conscious soul as a sustained album-statement form.
Original 1970 US pressing on Curtom Records, catalog CRS-8005, a stereo LP in a gatefold sleeve, exclusively distributed by Buddah Records (1650 Broadway, NYC) as printed on the jacket. Two recognized first-press plant variants circulate, distinguished by their runout stamps. The gatefold and the Buddah-distribution credit are reliable markers of an original over later issues.
© The Lead-In · an independent, reader-supported music publication.
