Jerry Butler - Sadness

 


Jerry Butler died yesterday at the age of 85.   I have been saddened today, having learned this afternoon of his death.   I have loved his music for a long time.



Butler had dementia and physical ailments in recent years.   Prior that he was an active worker.

The Bronzeville resident went on to a 32-year political career as a member of the Cook County Board, helped by backing from Mayor Harold Washington.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2025/02/21/jerry-butler-iceman-impressions-curtis-mayfield-rock-roll-hall-fame-cook-county-board

The obituaries are pouring in.   “The Iceman” – drew the deep views of many women, and he was much, much, much more than that.

“For Your Precious Love” – was the first hit in 1958.   Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield – The Impressions – and incredible, incredible group – One can listen to this song at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFYqz1yv0WM

The story of Jerry Butler and his support of Betty Everett – is most visibly heard and seen perhaps at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RJSTBCPWYk&list=RD7RJSTBCPWYk&start_radio=1 – in a live appearance of their song:  “Let it Be Me” .

I recall my days as a claims representative at the Janesville, WI Social Security Office and what a fellow claims rep told to me.   Betty Everett (1939 – 2001) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Everett - had a challenging life.   Everett had a hit song in 1964 with “The Shoop Shoop Song” (It’s In His Kiss) – visible here – lip synced here – on American Bandstand no doubt:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scJGn-BPVSU .   After the success of this song, Everett’s life got much, much more difficult for her.   She ended up living in Beloit, Wisconsin and was on SSI.  The claims rep told me that when she received royalties from her music, she faithfully came into the Social Security Office reporting her (not that large) royalties, resulting in a reduction of what she received, beyond the first $20 (I believe) for the month.

Jerry Butler clearly respected Everett and helped promote her as best he could, avoiding making her look “bad”, while his life and career were much, much, much more successful.

Butler’s singing of: “Moon River” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlZ_83_seJc – is one of my favorites!    The beauty of his baritone voice is – self-evident here!

“He Will Break Your Heart” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlW1O35qBxc – is a another classic!

“I Stand Accused” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVuqj4dDWhQ – is wonderful, as his words stretch out – deep beauty.

I’m crying (I cry a lot) – thinking of the wonderful memories – I have – of hearing his music – mostly on the MP3 players I’ve had in recent times.  I never saw him play – didn’t get attached to his music – until he was working on the Cook County Board and performing relatively little.

“Never Give You Up” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7WJLPGKOwM – is another classic!

His songs were – well-crafted – well arranged – and performed beautifully on the records of the day(s).

While Curtis Mayfield got far more attend than Jerry Butler, I always felt a deeper connection to Butler’s music.

For the facts of Butler’s 85 year life, anyone interested can, of course, read another obit – which no doubt can explain/share things better than I can.

A few years ago (when living in Chicago)– I made small efforts – to get others to try to help Jerry Butler get recognition in Chicago such as at Chicago’s annual Blues Festival – near Lake Michigan – in The Loop.   No one – heard my words – or perhaps no one saw things my way.   The recognition – prior to death – even, when ailing, seems more suitable to me than (only) acknowledging his greatness in the Obituary.


Sadness and Gladness!   Jerry Butler was a wonderful musician who made great music.   I will enjoy his music as long – as I continue listening (to music).


Thanks!


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