“There would be no ’90s R&B without Curtis Mayfield” —H.E.R.
Facts on top of facts. Within the landscape of recently released biopics about R&B music artists, we’ve learned a lot about not only their history but also how their influence has shaped ours. Dawn Porter’s Never Too Much shed light on Luther Vandross’ impact on love and relationships. There was a wealth of history unveiled in that documentary that it still resonates long after viewing it. And most recently Questlove’s biopic on Sly and the Family Stone’s Sly Lives! (AKA The Burden of Black Genius) illustrated how much Sly Stone’s music permeates through so much of today’s contemporary R&B. Sly was a force to be reckoned with and truly iconic.
The same can be said for Curtis Mayfield. His music set the tone for the culture of R&B and struck a chord both figuratively and literally with so many artists of his genre. Curtis Mayfield was more than just a musician — he was a poet, a prophet, and a pioneering force in soul, funk, and political music.
In the documentary The Makings of Curtis Mayfield, Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist H.E.R. crafts a heartfelt and deeply personal tribute to his legacy. While the film presents itself as a retrospective, it’s a bit more than that. It’s an intimate, immersive, and a music-forward journey into the genius of Mayfield, told with the reverence and passion of an artist who has clearly felt his influence firsthand.
H.E.R. brings a conversational and deeply-engaged perspective to the film, seamlessly blending archival footage, expert analysis, and moving performances that highlight Mayfield’s singular voice in music history. From his early days with the Impressions to his groundbreaking solo work and legendary film soundtracks (Super Fly remains a towering achievement), the film explores how Mayfield shaped the sound of a generation while pushing the boundaries of soul, funk, and political songwriting.
One of the documentary’s greatest strengths is how it emphasizes Mayfield’s multifaceted genius. As a songwriter, he had an unparalleled ability to craft lyrics that were both socially conscious and deeply personal.
What makes The Makings of Curtis Mayfield particularly special is its emphasis on Mayfield’s ability to write from multiple perspectives. His music wasn’t just personal, it was revolutionary. Whether through empowering civil rights anthems like “People Get Ready” or the raw honesty of “The Makings of You,” Mayfield had a way of capturing the human experience in all its depth. The documentary highlights this not only through his own words but also through testimonials from some of today’s most influential artists, who speak to his lasting impact on their work. It doesn’t shy away from the challenges he faced, including the tragic 1990 stage accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Yet, even in the face of adversity, Mayfield’s spirit remained unbroken, and his later work stands as a testament to his resilience.
Visually, the film embraces warmth and nostalgia, interspersing rare behind-the-scenes moments with electrifying live performances that remind us why Mayfield’s voice remains timeless. Interviews from musical heavyweights such as Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Dr. Dre and more are featured in the documentary.
H.E.R.’s touch is evident throughout, making the film feel less like a traditional documentary and more like an intimate conversation between musical generations. You can tell that this was personal for her. A love letter to Curtis from her, for being a musical inspiration and her special way of saying thank you for the impact he made in her musical career. The documentary reminds us of the power of storytelling through song, of the ability of an artist to shape culture and inspire generations. H.E.R. has created a film that is both intimate and expansive, honoring Mayfield’s legacy while making a compelling case for why his music still matters.
Ultimately, The Makings of Curtis Mayfield is a triumphant celebration of an artist who never stopped pushing boundaries. This film delivers a moving, beautifully crafted homage that cements Mayfield’s influence not just in music, but in the culture itself. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his work, this documentary is an essential watch, and a powerful reminder of how music can inspire, heal, and truly transform the world.
It’s always a beautiful thing to go back and revisit history, and the Curtis Mayfield biopic is another lovely addition to compelling music documentaries that have released these past few years profiling Black artists. I look forward to seeing more of these in the near future. In the meantime, The Makings of Curtis Mayfield is screening at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival.
You can see more showtime information about screenings here.
