This Is My Country

Impressions

Although the Impressions will forever be associated with Curtis Mayfield, they were an important stand-alone musical entity both with Mayfield and without. The original incarnation of the group, formed in the late 1950s, was led by the deep-voiced Jerry Butler; however, the group truly made its mark under the guidance of Mayfield. Infusing their light harmonies and gentle, soulful swing with a fiery urgency born out of the struggle for civil rights, the Impressions became arguably the most important soul group of the '60s. Mayfield's political vision reached its pinnacle in his solo work in the '70s, but no other ensemble has ever mixed artistry and social commentary as flawlessly as the Impressions.