Jerry Butler: The Ice Man Has Died At Age 85: R.I.P.
Soul singer Jerry Butler has died age 85. Butler began his career in the late 1950s when he formed The Impressions with Curtis Mayfield. He went on to score solo hits like Only The Strong Survive, Make It Easy On Yourself and Moody Woman.
Known as The Ice Man, Butler was known for his cool, sophisticated style and deep, rich baritone voice. After writing and singing The Impression’s first hit, For Your Precious Love in 1958, Butler went on to become a trailblazing solo artist defining the Chicago sound with hits like He Will Break Your Heart, Moon River and Make It Easy On Yourself before moving over to the Philadelphia sound, working with producers Gamble & Huff and hitting with songs like Hey, Western Union Man and Only The Strong Survive.
The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to Jerry Butler back in 1983 about his days forging the Chicago and Philadelphia Sound and working with Curtis Mayfield.
Listen to that conversation here:
Click here to read more about the life and legacy of Jerry Butler
