SXSW 2025: The Makings of Curtis Mayfield

In another life, I was a publicist in the record industry and one of our clients I had the pleasure of working with were the R&B Divas – En Vogue. “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” had the most talked about video of that time starring all the up and coming Black male movie and television stars.

Yet, for my generation, that same song from the classic cult film “Sparkle,” was pure fire due mostly to the musical genius of Curtis Mayfield.

The Makings of Curtis Mayfield, directed by Grammy and Oscar winner H.E.R. (in her directorial debut) gives us a musical love letter documentary of a genius, who in many ways was ahead of his time. This uniquely personal and music-forward documentary delves into Mayfield’s groundbreaking songwriting, innovative guitar techniques and iconic film soundtracks, while elevating the legacy of singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and entrepreneur Curtis Mayfield.

Having the choice to enlist in the Army or become a member of the The Impressions (alongside popular R&B balladeer Jerry Butler), Mayfield’s sound was a psychedelic musical diary of activism that rang loudly during a time of social and political unrest for Blacks in America.

Artists like Mary J. Blige, Maxwell,  Prince, John Legend and Michael Jackson are known for having amazing falsettos or perfectly imperfect vocal techniques that in one way or another emulate the same sound that made Mayfield unique in a sea of similar voices.

Watching some of the aforementioned artists, along with H.E.R. chop it up dissecting his chords, musical runs, lyrics and talk singing techniques will make any music nerd giddy.  Learning of Mayfield’s life from his own mouth and those closest to him make this documentary unique while breaking traditional format archival footage and talking heads.

The bookend footage of how his life began in entertainment and the brief segue to the light tower on stage broke his neck leaving the virtuoso paralyzed feels a little clunky, but in no way takes away from the beautifully unique manner the director has chosen to honor Mayfield’s musical legacy.

A personal deep dive from one of his biggest fans leaving the audience with the desire to jump down the rabbit hole of Mayfield’s soundtracks, lyrics and musical catalog encouraging all to be wrapped in The Makings of Curtis Mayfield for new generations to come.