Only the Strong Survive!!

Top of the weekend my friends! “Only the Strong Survive”and he did!

We have lost another great to the celestial choir this week. The Iceman "Jerry Butler" has died, a victim of Parkinson’s disease. He was 85 years old.

The Iceman and I met at the White House! Along with President Jimmy Carter, Chuck Berry and my table host jazz great Billy Eckstine. For the inauguration bash for Black Music Month back in June of 1979. Hey that night even the wait staff was getting their party on!

Anyway, this native of Sunflower Mississippi came from humble beginnings! Born December 8, 1939 his family would move to Chicago, Illinois at the age of three. He grew up in an area known as the Cabrini-Green Housing Projects. (Some of you been there)

Influenced by the Civil Rights movement, Jerry was first elected to public office in 1985. As the Cook County Commissioner, where he served three four-year terms. Butler was married to his bride of 60 years, Annette who died in 2019. They were parents to twin sons.

According to the Chicago Sun, back in 1953. A 13-year-old Jerry Butler visited the Traveling Souls Spiritualist Church of the Rev. Annabelle Mayfield. He joined her gospel group, the Northern Jubilee Singers, and met her grandson, who had “a great tenor voice.” That was Curtis Mayfield. For you R&B lovers this began the foundation for the 60’s superstars “The Impressions.”

Their musical journey together would include songs like “He will Break Your Heart”, "It’s Alright", and "People Get Ready". Also add from the Gamble and Huff family “Never Gonna Give you Up”, “Hey Western Union Man” and the classic “Only the Strong Survive”!

Arguably his best song was the one he pinned with Otis Redding? “I’ve Been Loving You too Long” Oh my Lord Jesus now that’s music!!!

He was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1991. Recently this longtime Chicago resident, was a former Cook County board commissioner who would still perform on weekends.

Do you know how he got the nickname Jerry “The Ice Man” Butler”? If I remember the story correctly, Legendary Philly announcer Georgie Woods (the man with the goods) gave Jerry Butler the title. Here's the skinny:

Woods was hosting an event in the city of brotherly love! Where Jerry was the featured vocalist. A serious fight broke out at the club that night between two rival factions. A sho nuff for real rumble! Butler kept singing!! So much so the fight finally calmed down.

The next day on the air at WDAS. Georgie commented how he kept his cool! He was “Cold as ice”! And as they say the rest is showbiz history! Later when asked how Jerry kept his composure? His response was classic “I wanted to make sure I got paid!” I know that’s right!

Proof positive “Only the Strong Survive”! Jerry “The Iceman” Butler good people and was one of the really great entertainers in our industry. Donut ever forget it!