It is frightfully ironic that I just pulled up Jerry Butler’s music yesterday to find a song I loved as a kid, “Walk Easy My Son.” The song was written by Jerry and Curtis Mayfield. After checking this song out (below) I also revisited classics like “Let It Be Me,” “I Stand Accused”—later re-recorded as a masterpiece by the late Isaac Hayes—and “Brand New Me,” which Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield also recorded.
Then, just a day later, I learned of his passing at the age of 85 from Parkinsons. Although I never met him, Butler stood apart from the typical industry singer persona that often chases legacy until the end; whereas he consistently reinvented himself in ways that many of his contemporaries failed to, feared or were simply unable to do.
Butler’s Vocal Classification: A Tenor with Amazing Range
- Tenor: This classification covers male voices with a range typically from about C3 (the C below middle C) to C5 (the C above middle C), allowing for powerful singing of melodies.
- Lyric Tenor: A lyric tenor possesses a warm, bright quality with a focus on melodic lines, which aligns well with Butler’s smooth and soulful tone.
- Dramatic Tenor: While Butler’s primary style may not fit strictly into this category, those with dramatic tenor qualities often have powerful voices that can project well in larger settings and deliver emotional intensity.
Early Career and The Impressions
Jerry Butler leaves behind a remarkable legacy as an influential American soul singer-songwriter, producer, and political figure. Butler was a founding member and the original lead singer of The Impressions, a group recognized as one of the pioneers of Chicago soul.
The Impressions rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits like “For Your Precious Love” (1958), which showcased Butler’s smooth vocal style. His contributions to the group were significant, but he eventually embarked on a successful solo career.
Transition to a Solo Artist and Curtom Records
After leaving The Impressions in the mid-1960s, Butler sought a new direction for his music, driven by a desire for artistic freedom. He left the group and was replaced by Sam Gooden and he signed with Curtom Records, a label ironically founded by his former Impressions bandmate Curtis Mayfield.
This partnership allowed Butler to continue producing music that addressed social themes and reflected the cultural landscape of the time. At Curtom, he released several notable hits, including “Only the Strong Survive” and “Hey, Western Union Man,” which solidified his reputation as a solo artist.
The Iceman Persona
Throughout his career, Butler earned the nickname “The Iceman,” a moniker reflecting his smooth and cool persona as a performer, as well as his emotional delivery in his music. This nickname was popularized partly due to his hit song “Ice Cold,” released in the late 1960s, further establishing his identity in the soul genre.
Political Career
In addition to his music career, Jerry Butler had a significant foray into politics. He served as a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Illinois from 1985 to 1993. During his tenure, Butler was involved in various initiatives that aimed to improve the lives of his constituents, particularly in areas related to education, housing, and social services. His commitment to public service reflected his deep-rooted desire to effect positive change in society, paralleling the themes found in his music.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout his career, Butler was recognized for his artistic contributions, receiving three Grammy nominations and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. His influence extended beyond performance; as a songwriter, he co-wrote much of his iconic music and mentored younger artists. Many of his songs have been covered by prominent musicians, including “Never Gonna Give You Up,” which came out in 1968 and showcased his ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape while maintaining his soulful roots.
Butler’s music often reflected social issues, addressing matters that resonated with the African American community during the civil rights movement. Throughout his career, he addressed themes of love and resilience, making his work relevant to the struggles and aspirations of his listeners.
Personal Life and Final Thoughts
Jerry Butler was married multiple times. He was married to his first wife, Margo Butler, for several years. They had a son together named Jerry Butler Jr.
Later in life, he married Lenore McDonald in 1999. Details about his marriages and personal life were generally kept private, but he shared some experiences about his relationships, particularly the impact of loss in his family.
Butler’s personal life was marked by the loss of his son, who worked in the industry for several labels, including Luke Records in Miami, and passed away about 20 years ago. Despite personal challenges, Butler remained a respected figure in the music community until his passing.
Jerry Butler’s legacy is characterized by his pioneering contributions to soul music, his ability to navigate changes in the industry, and his commitment to addressing social issues through his art.
His enduring impact on the genre, coupled with his work in politics and influence on subsequent generations of artists, will continue to be felt long after his passing. Jerry Butler’s artistry and innovation have left a lasting mark on the music industry, ensuring that his contributions will not be forgotten.
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 I also revisited classics like “Let It Be Me,” “I Stand Accused”—){kind=link}