ABOUT
The Impressions were a highly acclaimed and veteran R&B/soul group with smooth harmonies and a great deal of crossover appeal that became famous during the 1960s and early 1970s. They debuted in 1958 on both the R&B and Pop/Rock charts with "For Your Precious Love," which became their first million-seller. Best known for the powerful, gospel-influenced "People Get Ready" (1965), which Martin Luther King Jr. named as the unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, The Impressions' many other signature songs include such classics as "It's All Right" (1963), "Talking About My Baby" (1964), "Keep On Pushing" (1964), "Amen" (1964), "We're A Winner" (1968), "Choice Of Colors" (1969), and "Finally Got Myself Together (I'm A Changed Man)" (1974).
Formed in 1958 in Chicago, Illinois and first known as The Roosters, the original hitmaking lineup, then known as Jerry Butler & The Impressions, consisted of lead singer/baritone Jerry Butler (December 8, 1939 - February 20, 2025), tenor/guitarist Curtis Mayfield (June 3, 1942 - December 26, 1999), bassist Sam Gooden (September 2, 1934 - August 4, 2022), 1st tenor Richard Brooks (May 13, 1940 - November 12, 2023), and 2nd tenor Arthur Brooks (d. November 22, 2015, age 82). Butler left in 1960 to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Fred Cash. Brothers Richard and Arthur Brooks left in 1962, leaving Mayfield as the trio's leader. Mayfield also served as the group's main songwriter until leaving in 1970 for a solo career and was replaced by lead singer Leroy Huston. In 1973, Huston left and was replaced by lead singer Ralph Johnson (October 6, 1949 - December 4, 2016) and 1st tenor Reggie Torian (d. May 4, 2016, age 65). Over the years, The Impressions had many other personnel changes and replacements through their retirement in 2018.
The Impressions' numerous honors and accolades include the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award (2000) and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1991) and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2003). "People Get Ready" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2015.
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SONGS
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The Impressions
- Amen 1964
(This song later also became a hit for Otis Redding (1968).) - Check Out Your Mind 1970
- Choice Of Colors 1969
- Finally Got Myself Together (I'm A Changed Man) 1974
- Fool For You 1968
- Gypsy Woman 1961
(This song later also became a hit for Brian Hyland (1970).) - I'm So Proud 1964
(This song later also became a hit for Main Ingredient (1971).) - It's All Right 1963
- Keep On Pushing 1964
- People Get Ready 1965
(This song later also became a hit for Jeff Beck & Rod Stewart (1985).) - Talking About My Baby 1964
- This Is My Country 1968
- We're A Winner 1967
- Woman's Got Soul 1965
- You Must Believe Me 1964
- You've Been Cheatin' 1965
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