Jerry Butler
PMP Network Presents
Jerry Butler is a legendary singer, known for his work with The Impressions and his hit song "Only the Strong Survive." He also serves as a county commissioner in the Midwest. He discusses his book, which explores both his musical journey and the racial history of the United States.
Jerry Butler
Singer Click Here for Jerry's Bio
About Jerry Butler
Jerry Butler was a soul singer-songwriter who rose to fame as lead singer of The Impressions before launching a successful solo career with over 55 Billboard chart hits. Known as "The Iceman," he was best known for "For Your Precious Love" and "Only the Strong Survive." Butler served as a Cook County Board Commissioner from 1985 to 2018, chairing the Health and Hospitals Committee. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
In this interview
- Discusses his autobiography exploring both his musical journey and racial history of America
- Recalls how Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole broke barriers for hotel accommodations
- Notes enormous change from the 1960s when few Black performers had television shows
- Credits Bill Cosby for opening doors for Black performers to have their own shows
“I was hoping that people would see it as more than just a discography”— Jerry Butler, in this interview
Since this interview
Butler was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015 and retired from the Cook County Board in 2018. Bruce Springsteen covered two of his songs on a 2022 album of soul covers. Butler died on February 20, 2025, at age 85 at his home in Chicago.
