Lionel Richie set to produce Curtis Mayfield biopic
The pop superstar will pay tribute to his soul hero in a new film
Pop sensation Lionel Richie has won the rights to produce a new biopic telling the life story of soul legend Curtis Mayfield, according the US website Deadline. Richie's film company will be working with with Altheida Mayfield (his widow), Cheaa Mayfield (his son) and the Curtis Mayfield Estate to create the new film.
Mayfield remains one of the most influential soul musicians of all time, who found fame with his band The Impressions in the 1950’s and 60’s. He scored dozens of hits including ‘Superfly’, ‘Move On Up’ ‘People Get Ready’ and ‘Pusherman’. His work as a civil rights campaigner was well recognised – he was a pioneering voice in the black pride movement. Tragically, he was paralysed in 1990 when some staging fell on him, and he later lost a leg to diabetes.
No details have emerged so far about this movie’s cast or direction, but Richie has said he "couldn't be happier to be moving forward on this amazing project about a one-of-a-kind music genius".