Soul legend Curtis Mayfield, who died on December 26th 1999 at the age of 57, was perhaps one of the most important performers to have an influence on Jamaican music.

A young Bob Marley was heavily influenced by Mayfield's songwriting, and covered a number of his tunes, including People Get Ready (as part of his own One Love composition), Talking About My Baby (re-worked as Diamond Girl) and Another Dance.

The Mayfield stamp can also be clearly heard on Jamaican vocalists such as Pat Kelly, Cornell Campbell, and the late, great Slim Smith, all who enjoyed success in the soulful, rocksteady era. Gypsy Woman was covered by Smith, Kelly led the Techniques on a sublime version of Queen Majesty, and Campbell followed with the similar Queen Of The Minstrel.

The Wailers also covered the uptempo gospel Amen, and Bunny Wailer betrayed a distinct Mayfield influence on tracks such as Dancing Shoes and I Need You.

Curtis Mayfield's influence was not restricted to the ska and rocksteady era. The Mighty Diamonds also covered Gypsy Woman, and Junior Murvin's Police & Thieves owes more than a little to Mayfield's technique.

Mayfield himself was an innovoative writer and producer. Following his gospel influenced soul hits as a member of the Impressions, he was at the forefront of the civil rights movement, and an early pioneer of the fledgling funk sound.

In the early 70's he enjoyed success with the film soundtrack Superfly, and dented the UK charts for the first time with Move On Up. He also found time to produce hits for the Staples Singers, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.

In 1990, a tragic accident left him paralysed from the neck down when a lighting rig collapsed on him during a live performance in Brooklyn. His health deteriorated, and in 1998 diabetes led to the amputation of his right leg.

Curtis Mayfield leaves widow, Altheida, and 10 children. He also leaves behind one of the most impressive song catalogues of the 20th century.