The Impressions provided a critical link between Fifties rhythm & blues and Sixties soul. They pioneered and epitomized the sound of Chicago soul, a marriage of gospel and pop influences with a timely conscience. From the beginning, leader Curtis Mayfield was an innovative songwriter and producer whose work with the Impressions was typified by sophisticated yet celebratory grooves, elaborately detailed vocal arrangements, and lyrics that addressed and advanced the black freedom movement of the Sixties. On the strength of such indelible songs of striving and transcendence as "People Get Ready," "Keep On Pushing," and "We're a Winner," Mayfield has been credited with authoring "the soundtrack to the civil-rights movement."