From very humble beginnings of poverty in Chicago, Curtis Mayfield, a self-taught musician, joined his first

Curtis Mayfield

band at the age of nine, and developed into a songwriter, arranger, guitarist and one of the cornerstones of soul music.

 

A Man Like Curtis is a tribute to Curtis Mayfield, hosted by Lenny Kravitz, for whom Curtis was a major musical influence.  With commentary from many fellow artists and family members, we learn how, despite his accomplishments as a prodigious writer and arranger of his generation, Mayfield remained a humble soul for the entirety of his life.

 

His ability to musically express the aspirations of  black people during the Civil Rights era made him beloved throughout the community.  In addition to leading his group, of The Impressions for decades, followed by a successful solo career, Curtis Mayfield wrote songs for many soul artists including Jerry Butler, Major Lance, Gene Chandler, The Five Stair Steps, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, the Staple Singers and more.  He was an unassuming giant of American music.

 

A Man Like Curtis is a well-crafted music documentary created by BBC Producer Sue Clark. It's the story of a beautiful soul with an awesome gift, who wrote music that remains an indelible part of the American cultural psyche. Two 1-hour Segments

 

 

 

Donny Hathaway was a songwriter, vocalist, pianist, and arranger with a passionate sound that was unique,

Donny Hathaway

and instantly recognizable to this day.  His ability to express powerful emotions through music was awe inspiring. His peers considered him a genius.  

 

The AAPRC Network is pleased to present Where is the Love: The Donny Hathaway Story, told by his fellow Howard University alum, artistic collaborator and dear friend, Roberta Flack.  Through music and voice clips from his family, fellow musicians, radio personalities and recording executives, Roberta takes us through Hathaway's meteoric rise, up to the tragic end of his brief life. 

 

Donny Hathaway released only three albums, and several iconic duets with Roberta Flack.  Yet, countless artists across generations and ethnicities cite him as a major influence in their careers. 

 

The small body of work that Donny Hathaway left behind is considered iconic.  Our sincere thanks to U.K. Producer Sue Clark for bringing the story of this deeply cherished artist to public radio. 1-Hour

 

 

The presentation of these two great music documentaries was made possible by the following public radio stations: WNCU Durham NC, WJSU Jackson MS, WURC Holly Springs MS, WSNC Winston-Salem NC, KTSU Houston TX, WNAA Greensboro NC and KCEP Las Vegas NV.