The Impressions – People Get Ready (1965) | ABC-Paramount ABCS-505
updated 10/19/2026
ABC-Paramount records 1965 – ABCS-505
Description:
Released in 1965 on ABC-Paramount, People Get Ready is an
essential album in the history of Chicago soul. Featuring the
unmistakable falsetto and expressive lead vocals of Curtis Mayfield,
alongside the rich harmonies of Fred Cash and Sam Gooden,
the album showcases The Impressions at the height of their creative powers.
Blending gospel-inspired melodies, sophisticated vocal arrangements,
smooth rhythms, and socially conscious songwriting, the album captures
the distinctive sound that made The Impressions one of the most
influential vocal groups of the 1960s.
The title track, "People Get Ready," written by Curtis Mayfield, stands as
one of the greatest soul recordings of its era. Its message of faith, hope,
unity, and spiritual perseverance resonated deeply with the American
civil rights movement and continues to inspire listeners across generations.
The album also features outstanding soul recordings, including "Woman's Got Soul,"
"Emotions," "Sometimes I Wonder," "We're in Love,"
"Just Another Dance," and "You Must Believe Me."
Under the musical direction and production of Johnny Pate, the album
combines gospel-rooted vocal harmonies with carefully arranged instrumentation,
creating a timeless sound that bridges traditional gospel,
Chicago soul, and contemporary R&B.
credits:
The classic mid-1960s lineup featured three distinctive vocalists:
Curtis Mayfield – Lead vocals, guitar, songwriting
Fred Cash – Vocals and backing harmonies
Sam Gooden – Vocals and backing harmonies
The Funk Brothers – Instrumentation, as credited in published album personnel listings
Recording Period: March 22, 1962 – October 26, 1964,
Recording Locations: Chicago, Illinois, and New York, New York
Producer: Johnny Pate
Arranger: Johnny Pate
trackslit:
Written-By – C. Mayfield
A1 Woman's Got Soul 2:23
A2 Emotions 2:47
A3 Sometimes I Wonder 2:59
A4 We're In Love 2:30
A5 Just Another Dance 2:49
A6 Can't Work No Longer 2:21
B1 People Get Ready 2:37
B2 I've Found That I've Lost 2:50
B3 Hard To Believe 2:26
B4 See The Real Me 2:25
B5 Get Up And Move 2:14
B6 You Must Believe Me 2:30
Curtis Mayfield – Lead vocals, guitar, songwriting
Fred Cash – Vocals and backing harmonies
Sam Gooden – Vocals and backing harmonies
The Funk Brothers – Instrumentation, as credited in published album personnel listings
Recording Period: March 22, 1962 – October 26, 1964,
Recording Locations: Chicago, Illinois, and New York, New York
Producer: Johnny Pate
Arranger: Johnny Pate
trackslit:
Written-By – C. Mayfield
A1 Woman's Got Soul 2:23
A2 Emotions 2:47
A3 Sometimes I Wonder 2:59
A4 We're In Love 2:30
A5 Just Another Dance 2:49
A6 Can't Work No Longer 2:21
B1 People Get Ready 2:37
B2 I've Found That I've Lost 2:50
B3 Hard To Believe 2:26
B4 See The Real Me 2:25
B5 Get Up And Move 2:14
B6 You Must Believe Me 2:30