Momma Didn’t Lie

Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999)

Curtis Mayfield met Jerry Butler of the Impressions, and joined the group at age 14. He wrote their biggest hit, “People Get Ready”, in 1965. He went solo in 1970 and composed the music for “Super Fly” in 1972. Jan Bradley, who recorded “Momma Didn’t Lie”, had previously recorded a small number of Curtis Mayfield songs, but this was the one big hit of her career. Because of a publishing disagreement, Bradley and Mayfield didn’t subsequently work together. She started writing her own songs and had a few minor hits before retiring in the early ‘70s. She became a social worker, then a grandmother. She still sings in the church choir. I’ve loved this perfect song since the first time I heard it. Early ‘60s rhythm and blues is one of my all-time favorite styles. Sure wish I could write some songs like those. Still working on it.