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Joe Biden-Kamala Harris speech ends with Curtis Mayfield's 'Move on Up', here are interesting facts about the song

The song is believed to reflect Mayfield’s struggles as he navigated his way through America in the 1960s. However, the deep lyrics have inspired people across the world and singers who created music based off on Mayfield’s original song.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his Vice-Presidential pick Kamala Harris made their first in-person joint appearance at Greenville’s A.I. du Pont High School on Wednesday, August 12. After entering the building, Harris and Biden took to the podium to deliver their speech.

Talking about his VP pick, Biden said, "This morning," Biden said, "all across the nation, little girls woke up, especially Black and Brown girls who so often fell undervalued in their communities. Today, maybe, just maybe, they’re seeing themselves for the first time in a new way, as the stuff of president and vice presidents." As they exited after the speech Curtis Mayfield’s ‘Move On Up’ played in the background.

Their first in-person speech followed by the song made for a powerful moment, thanks to the lyrics of the classic, which has become an icon in its own rights. The track was created by Mayfield for his debut album, ‘Curtis’, in 1970. The song is nearly nine minutes long. The lyrics read, “Hush now, child. And don't you cry. Your folks might understand you. By and by. Just move on up. Toward your destination.Though you may find. from time to time, complication”.

The song is believed to reflect Mayfield’s struggles as he navigated his way through America in the 1960s. However, the deep lyrics have inspired people across the world and singers who created music based off on Mayfield’s original song. Although the singer passed away in 1999, his song has become quite an anthem, representing many voices. 

‘Move On Up’ was initially released in the US as a single. It failed to make it to the chart. However, an edited version of the same song ranked in the top 50 of the UK single charts for about 10 weeks in 1971 peaking at #12. 

The track has taken the shape of a classic over the years. The disco trio Destination recorded a medley incorporating ‘Move On Up’ and  ‘Keep on Pushing’ from 1964 by The Impressions, which was also written by Mayfield. ‘Move On Up’ was at number one on the disco chart for a month and eighty-six on the soul singles chart. Mayfield’s sog is frequently covered by Kentucky-based band My Morning Jacket during their live shows. 

Kanye West’s single ‘Touch the Sky’ from 2006 is also said to be sampled by Just Blaze using ‘Move On Up’. Football club Arsenal adopted the song as their anthem at Emirates Stadium. ‘Move On Up’ has been used as the soundtrack in the British film ‘Bend it like Beckham’. 

Several Internet users seem to be impressed with the idea of playing Mayfield’s song at the end of political speeches. One user wrote, “For 20 years I've suggested campaigns use Curtis Mayfield for music at the end of the speech. Today was the first time I've ever heard it used. Just one more cool thing about the dem nominee for VP.” 

Meanwhile, some remembered the iconic musician and paid tribute to him on seeing his track trend on Twitter. “Love hearing Cornel West on #CNN passionately sharing the greatness of Curtis Mayfield, an R&B giant who left indelible Impressions on so many of us kids of the Sixties and Seventies,” tweeted a fan.