It's All Right - Single Version

An early Impressions song, "It's All Right" was written by group leader Curtis Mayfield and was a big hit for the group, giving them their first of six #1 hits on the R&B chart and their highest-ever entry on the Hot 100 at #4. It's an uplifting song where Mayfield compels us to leave our troubles behind and have a good time. We can achieve this through music: just clap your hands and listen to the beat - he knows you've got soul.

With an arrangement by the Chicago jazz man Johnny Pate and the gospel-tinged voice of Curtis Mayfield, this song made a big impression in the world of R&B and set the table for the group's later success. The group had switched labels, moving from Vee-Jay to ABC Paramount, which made "It's All Right" the title track of their first album with the company. (They released one album with Vee-Jay, billed as "The Impressions with Jerry Butler"). Over the next few years, the group landed a number of hits, including "I'm So Proud," "Choice Of Colors" and "Woman's Got Soul." Many of these songs explored social issues of the day, particularly "People Get Ready."

A conversation between lead singer Curtis Mayfield, baritone Sam Gooden, and tenor Fred Cash in between performances in Nashville served as inspiration for the song. The trio had recently teamed up with producer Johnny Pate and were excitedly talking about future possibilities for The Impressions when Fred Cash exclaimed that "it's all right!" Mayfield picked up on the phrase and wrote this tune.