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The Impressions

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Impressions were an American group, formed in 1958, with gospel, R&B, doo-wop and soul in their repertoire. They began as The Roosters, formed by Sam Gooden and the brothers Richard and Arthur Brooks from Chattanooga. In Chicago Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield joined, who knew each other from a church choir. At first the group was called Jerry Butler & the Impressions, and their first hit, For Your Precious Love in 1958, reached number 3 on the R&B chart. When Butler left, Mayfield became the group's lead singer and writer.

Music and breakthrough

At ABC-Paramount they had a big hit in 1961 with Gypsy Woman. With producer Johnny Pate a fuller soul sound then emerged, which can be heard on It's All Right (1963). In 1964 came Keep on Pushing, the first of Mayfield's songs about black pride, and in 1965 People Get Ready, their best-known song, with a lot of gospel in it. Their songs became inspiring anthems of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1968 We're a Winner reached number one on the R&B chart.

Influence

Mayfield left in 1970 for a solo career, with among other things the music for Super Fly. The group continued with new singers and in 1974 had another number one with Finally Got Myself Together. The Impressions were an example for The Wailers, who took their harmony singing as a model. In 1991 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2018 the group stopped after more than sixty years.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to People Get Ready and notice the harmony singing and the gospel-like atmosphere. Can you hear how this song sounds like a word of encouragement?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: Artists