Jerry Butler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jerry Butler
Butler in 1998
Member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from the 3rd district
In office 1994–2018
Preceded by	constituency established
Succeeded by	Bill Lowry
Member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from Chicago
In office 1986–1994
Personal details
Born	(1939-12-08)December 8, 1939 Sunflower, Mississippi, U.S.
Died	February 20, 2025(2025-02-20) (aged 85) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Annette Butler ​ ​ (m. 1959; died 2019)​
Occupation	Singer songwriter record producer multi-instrumentalist politician
Awards	Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991)
Musical career
Also known as	The Ice Man
Genres	Chicago soul Philadelphia soul soul R&B
Instruments	Vocals guitar bass piano saxophone drums
Years active	1958–2018
Labels	Abner Vee-Jay Mercury Motown Rhino
Associated acts	The Impressions Curtis Mayfield

Jerry Butler Jr. (born December 8, 1939 – died February 20, 2025) was an amazing American singer, songwriter, and musician. He was also a politician. He was the first lead singer of a rhythm and blues (R&B) music group called The Impressions. This group was added to the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

After leaving The Impressions in 1960, Jerry Butler became a very successful solo artist. He had more than 55 hit songs on the Billboard Pop and R&B music charts. Some of his most famous songs include "He Will Break Your Heart", "Let It Be Me", and "Only the Strong Survive". In 2015, he was also added to the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

Besides his music career, Jerry Butler served as a Commissioner for Cook County, Illinois. He held this public office from 1985 until 2018. As a commissioner, he helped make important decisions for the county.

Jerry Butler's Life Story

Jerry Butler in 1970

Growing Up

Jerry Butler was born in Sunflower, Mississippi, in 1939. When he was three years old, his family moved to Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a place called Cabrini–Green.

In the mid-1950s, music became a big part of Jerry's life. He sang in a church choir with his friend Curtis Mayfield. As a teenager, Jerry and Curtis were part of a gospel singing group called Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers. Later, Curtis Mayfield played guitar for their new group, The Roosters. This group eventually became known as The Impressions. Jerry and his friends were inspired by famous singers like Sam Cooke. They knew they wanted to be in the music industry.

Jerry's younger brother, Billy Butler, also became a musician. He played guitar in Jerry's band for many years. Billy passed away in 2015.

Starting His Music Career

Jerry Butler helped write a very famous song called "For Your Precious Love". This song is even on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. He wanted to record it.

The Impressions, which included Jerry, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, and brothers Arthur and Richard Brooks, tried out for different record companies. They finally signed with Vee-Jay Records. In 1958, they released "For Your Precious Love". It became The Impressions' first big hit and earned a gold record. This means it sold a lot of copies!

Becoming a Solo Star

A radio DJ in Philadelphia, Georgie Woods, gave Jerry Butler the nickname "Iceman". This happened while Jerry was performing in a theater.

In 1960, Jerry released his first solo song, "He Will Break Your Heart". It became a Top 10 hit. Jerry also helped write Otis Redding's famous song "I've Been Loving You Too Long" in 1965.

Jerry Butler had many hit songs as a solo artist. Some of these include "Find Another Girl", "Moon River", and "Make It Easy on Yourself". He also sang "Let It Be Me" with Betty Everett. His 1969 song "Only the Strong Survive" sold over a million copies.

He released two popular albums, The Ice Man Cometh (1968) and Ice on Ice (1969). Jerry often worked with the songwriting team Gamble and Huff on his successful songs. In 1972, he had a small part in a movie called The Thing With Two Heads.

Later, in 1975, the group Tony Orlando and Dawn made "He Will Break Your Heart" famous again. They changed the title to "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)". Their version went to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Later Years and Public Service

Jerry Butler continued to perform music while also working as a Cook County Board Commissioner. He retired from his public office in 2018. As a commissioner, he helped lead important committees.

He also hosted TV music specials for PBS, like Doo Wop 50 and Soul Spectacular: 40 years of R&B. He was also the chairman of the board for the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

In 1991, Jerry Butler and the other original members of The Impressions were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was a huge honor! Jerry released another album called Time & Faith in 1992.

Other bands have covered Jerry Butler's songs. The Hives covered "Find Another Girl" in 2000. The Black Keys covered "Never Give You Up" in 2010.

Family and Legacy

Jerry Butler's wife, Annette, used to be one of his backup singers. She passed away in 2019.

Many music experts believe Jerry Butler should also be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. This is because of his very successful career after leaving The Impressions.

Jerry Butler passed away at his home in Chicago on February 20, 2025, at the age of 85. He had Parkinson's disease.

Discography

Singles

See also

In Spanish: Jerry Butler para niños

• R&B number-one hits of 1960 (USA)
• R&B number-one hits of 1961 (USA)
• R&B number-one hits of 1968 (USA)
• R&B number-one hits of 1969 (USA)
• List of soul musicians