By Frank “Smokin” Truatt
Another great artist from our past has left us. Although not a superstar, Jerry Butler, the original lead singer of the Impressions passed away last Thursday at the age of 85. He is another of those artists who set the soundtrack for the early days of rock and roll. He was big enough to get a nickname. A DJ in Philadelphia in 1959 called him “The Ice Man” because he performed on stage in a very dignified way. Jerry’s original songs may be almost forgotten today, but for kids growing up in the 1960’s, his music made it onto our favorite radio stations. Jerry helped write “For Your Precious Love” while a founding member of the Impressions along with Curtis Mayfield, which became their first hit. The group would receive a gold record for the song in 1958. He began a solo career with the song “He Will Break Your Heart” in 1960. Fans of Tony Orlando and Dawn remember a song called “He Don’t Love You, (Like I Love You).” It was a big hit for them in 1975 and one of the few remakes that charted with a completely different title. It was a remake of Jerry Butler’s “He Will Break Your Heart.” I always thought that Jerry’s version of “Moon River” was great. It was released a year earlier than Andy William’s version, the song that would become his signature song.
Another Jerry Butler hit was “Hey, Western Union Man.” That song was written by Philadelphia greats Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. “Let It Be Me” was a hit as a duet with Betty Everett. My favorite was a song from his early days called “Make It Easy on Yourself.” His low voice and lush instrumentation takes me to a different place. All of this music made up a part of what shaped the music world of the 1960’s. He was recognized along with the Impressions with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
When you think of the thousands of artists who have charted over the years, each one has played a part in shaping music into where it is today. It’s sad to see that many artists fade away and eventually pass away with little or no recognition. Beyond the music, Jerry would join public office as a County Board Commissioner in the Chicago area. He hosted television music specials on Public Television. So, when you get a chance, download some Jerry Butler songs and see how it was done back in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. Great music will last a lifetime, and many times, well beyond that.
