Lionel Richie has been granted the rights to produce a biopic based on the life of the legendary Curtis Mayfield.
The American Idol judge was granted the rights by the Curtis Mayfield Estate.
Mayfield has written more than 1,900 songs, including the Impressions’ hits “People Get Ready” and “Keep on Pushin’” reflecting his awareness of political and social concerns among black people.
“It’s time to celebrate and re-evaluate Curtis’ legacy,” added Altheida Mayfield, the singer’s widow. “For years, too many others have tried to claim what he alone did. He was a genius, always stood on his own.”
After an acclaimed four-decade career, Mayfield died in 1999 at 57.