#312Soul Celebrates Chicago’s Black Music History: Week Two (1967 –1976)

Throughout the month of February – in celebration of Black History Month and in conjunction with 2020 being named the “Year of Chicago Music” – #312Soul celebrates Chicago’s Black Music History from 1955 through 1990 with a four-week, four-part multimedia online showcase that includes original video essays, interviews, playlists, artifacts and more.

Week Two (1967 – 1976) will highlight a new generation of innovative black Chicago artists such as The Impressions’ Willie Henderson, The Staples Singers, The Chi-Lites, Baby Huey and Curtis Mayfield. Mayfield’s 1970 hit “Move on Up,” became a classic of the Chicago Soul sound. Eddie Thomas, who in partnership with Mayfield formed Curtom Records, is interviewed.

“Chicago music has been at the forefront of music culture for the last 50 years,” explained Chicago music impresario Vince Lawrence. “Almost every relevant culture shift in black music has stemmed from Chicago as of late, changing the face of music as we know it. Chicago has given birth to some of the greatest artists of all time who have in turn had profound influence on other artists around the world. Just consider the impact of Chicago’s Curtis Mayfield, Etta James, Kanye West, Chaka Khan, Chance the Rapper, Earth Wind and Fire, Lupe Fiasco, Ramsey Lewis and the list goes on.”