Clapton, Hill & Wonder Pay Tribute To Curtis Mayfield

02/22/2000 8:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Craig Rosen

(2/22/00, 8 p.m. ET) - Stars and fans came out to pay tribute to Curtis Mayfield today (Feb. 22) in Los Angeles. In a public service at the First AME Church, musicians including Stevie Wonder , Eric Clapton , Lauryn Hill , and Mayfield's old band the The Impressions celebrated Mayfield's life in song, while several other people spoke movingly about their old friend.

The Impressions and Clapton joined together for a rendition of "I've Been Trying," Hill sang "Makings Of You," and Wonder did "Gypsy Woman." Additionally, Wonder partnered with the church's choir on "It's All Right."

Besides the performances, the two-hour event also featured actor Danny Glover, Mayfield's wife Altheda, manager Marv Heiman, and others, all of whom spoke to the packed congregation about Mayfield, his life, and his legacy. Others in attendance were Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White, singer-songwriter Carole King , and Rohan Marley, the son of Bob Marley .

At the ceremony, a Curtis Mayfield scholarship was also announced. It's being administered through the United Negro College Fund, and it's expected that the funds will primarily go towards music students, to keep Mayfield's legacy alive.

Curtis Mayfield died on Dec. 26 at the age of 57.