The Impressions

The Impressions, formed in the United States in 1958, are a vocal group rooted in gospel-inflected soul and rhythm and blues, noted for smooth, close harmonies and a polished Chicago soul sound. The group is closely associated with Curtis Mayfield, who contributed songwriting, guitar, and distinctive high-tenor vocals, and their repertoire moved from romantic and gospel-tinged material toward more socially conscious themes in the late 1960s. They are regarded as influential in the development of soul vocal groups and the Chicago soul style.