Net Worth Ranker
What Is Curtis Mayfield’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on December 26, 1999, Curtis Mayfield, the influential American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, had a net worth of $4 million. When adjusted for inflation, this is approximately equivalent to $7 million in today’s dollars (2025).
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Curtis Lee Mayfield was born on June 3, 1942, in Chicago’s Cook County Hospital, to Kenneth Mayfield and Marion (Washington) Mayfield. His early life was marked by his father’s departure when he was just five years old, which led to frequent moves around different public housing projects with his mother and siblings. At the age of seven, Curtis began his musical journey, performing live at church with the Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers. He further honed his talents by singing in the gospel choir.
In 1956, the Mayfield family relocated to the north side of Chicago, where Curtis attended William H. Wells Community Academy High School. However, he dropped out after two years. That same year, he acquired his first guitar, taught himself how to play, and initiated a musical group called the Alphatones, showcasing his early entrepreneurial spirit and passion for music.
The Impressions and Rise to Fame
In 1957, a pivotal moment occurred when Curtis Mayfield befriended Jerry Butler. This friendship led to the formation of The Roosters, which initially included brothers Arthur and Richard Brooks. By 1958, the group had evolved into The Impressions, with the addition of Sam Gooden. Later, Fred Cash replaced Jerry Butler after Butler’s departure, solidifying the lineup.
The Impressions significantly impacted the civil rights movement of the 1960s through their music. One of their most iconic songs, “People Get Ready,” written by Mayfield in 1965 for the album of the same name, reached number three on the Billboard R&B chart and number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100. This track became their signature hit. Rolling Stone magazine ranked “People Get Ready” at number 24 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. In 1998, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its legacy.
Mayfield remained a vital member of The Impressions until 1970, when he decided to pursue a solo career. The Impressions were later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, acknowledging their significant contribution to music history.
Solo Career and Soundtrack Success
In 1970, Curtis Mayfield embarked on his solo journey, releasing his debut album, “Curtis,” which quickly ascended into the top 20 charts. His talent extended beyond solo work as he contributed to soundtracks with renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples. He also showcased his versatility by writing and arranging music for other artists, including Walter Jackson and Jan Bradley. These collaborations demonstrated his influence and appeal across different genres and audiences.
A significant highlight of his solo career was writing the soundtrack for the 1972 American crime drama film “Super Fly.” This soundtrack, which Rolling Stone magazine ranked at number 72 on its list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, sold over 12 million copies. Two of the album’s songs, “Freddie’s Dead” and “Super Fly,” each sold over one million copies and received gold certifications. The “Super Fly” soundtrack not only demonstrated Mayfield’s musical prowess but also significantly impacted the cultural landscape by addressing social issues prevalent during that era.
In 1973, Mayfield released “Back to the World,” an album that explored the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The album reached number one on the R&B album charts. This further solidified his status as a socially conscious artist.
In 1982, Mayfield made a significant decision to relocate to Atlanta with his family. This move prompted him to close down his recording studio in Chicago, which housed his record labels: Mayfield, Windy C, and Curtom. This closure marked the end of an era in Chicago’s music scene and the beginning of a new chapter in Mayfield’s life.
Tragic Accident and Continued Creativity
On August 13, 1990, a devastating accident altered the course of Curtis Mayfield’s life. During a sound check for a live concert at Wingate Field in Brooklyn, New York, a gust of wind caused a stage light to fall. As Curtis Mayfield was being introduced, the light struck him from behind. He was knocked to the ground and pinned beneath the rigging, resulting in severe injuries, including a broken neck and a crushed spine in three places. This accident left him permanently paralyzed from the neck down.
Despite the paralysis, Mayfield’s determination and passion for music remained undeterred. He discovered that he could still sing while lying down, as gravity helped support his chest and lungs. This allowed him to continue composing and recording music in a reclining position. His final album, “New World Order,” released in 1996, was a testament to his resilience and creativity. The album was recorded line by line with Mayfield lying on his back, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Accolades and Recognition
Curtis Mayfield’s contributions to music have been widely recognized through numerous accolades and honors.
In 1994, he received a Grammy Legend Award, and in 1995, he was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his lasting impact on the music industry.
In 1999, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, marking his second induction, the first being with The Impressions. This recognition highlighted his successful solo career and influential role in shaping the landscape of rock and roll.
His song “People Get Ready” was selected as one of the Top 10 Best Songs of All Time by Mojo magazine, and in 2019, “Super Fly” was chosen by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. These selections acknowledged the enduring influence and impact of his music on society and culture.
Shortly before his death, Mayfield was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most talented and influential songwriters of his time.
Legacy and Philanthropy
Curtis Mayfield’s legacy extends beyond his musical achievements through the Curtis Mayfield Scholarship, awarded annually to one graduating senior at the Chicago High School for the Arts and one graduating senior at the DeKalb School for the Arts in Atlanta, Georgia. These $3,000 scholarships, provided by the BMI Foundation, are awarded based on need and musical merit, with preference given to students pursuing college majors in performance, composition, and songwriting. This philanthropic effort supports the next generation of musicians.
Personal Life and Family
Curtis Mayfield was married twice and had ten children. He had two children with his first wife, Helen, two children with a companion named Diane, and six children with his second wife, Altheida Marie (Sims), who passed away in 2021 after a two-year battle with cancer. Seventeen years before her death, Altheida Mayfield established the Curtis Mayfield Foundation in honor of her late husband. The foundation’s mission was to assist less fortunate students in obtaining music scholarships.
In 1998, Curtis underwent the amputation of his right leg due to complications from diabetes. He died on December 26, 1999, at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia, due to complications from type 2 diabetes.
