Photo: Putland/Retna

Born June 3rd, 1942 (died December 26th, 1999) Key Tracks "People Get Ready," "Superfly" "I'm So Proud" Influenced Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman, Jimi Hendrix

Curtis Mayfield was actually proud of his ability to silence a crowd: "They could just be screaming and hollering and getting down, but when the Impressions came out, they would respectfully be quiet." Mayfield's self-described "soft, little voice" brought a new level of intimacy and intensity to soul music, from the tenderness of "I'm So Proud" to the outrage of "(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go." He never lost the spirituality of the Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers, whom he sang with as a teenager in Chicago, on songs such as the churchy, uplifting "Keep on Pushing." "His register was soft and gentle, yet powerful," says Mavis Staples. "His love songs made you fall in love, and his message songs made you want to go out and do something good for the world."

1. People Get Ready
2. Superfly
3. I'm So Proud
4. Pusherman
5. Move On Up
6.Freddie's Dead
7. The Makings of You
8. (Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go
9. Little Child Runnin' Wild
10. We People Who Are Darker Than Blue

• View List: The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time
• Listen: The Ultimate Singers Playlist
• The Ballots: View Handwritten Votes
• Legends at Work: In the Studio Photos
• Voters & Methodology