Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jerry Butler

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

Discover the career path of Jerry Butler, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jerry Butler Jr. was a highly successful American soul singer, songwriter, producer, and politician. He began his career as the lead singer of The Impressions, a prominent R&B group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Leaving the group in 1960, Butler embarked on a prolific solo career, achieving over 55 hits on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts, including iconic songs like "He Will Break Your Heart" and "Only the Strong Survive." His contributions to music were further recognized with his induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1958: "For Your Precious Love" Release

In 1958, The Impressions released "For Your Precious Love" with Vee-Jay Records. It became their first hit and gold record.

1960: Leaves The Impressions

In 1960, Jerry Butler left The Impressions and began a successful solo career.

1960: "He Will Break Your Heart" Release

In 1960, Jerry Butler released the single "He Will Break Your Heart," which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard pop chart.

1965: Co-Wrote "I've Been Loving You Too Long"

In 1965, Jerry Butler co-wrote "I've Been Loving You Too Long" with Otis Redding.

1968: The Ice Man Cometh Album Release

In 1968, Jerry Butler released the album "The Ice Man Cometh".

1969: "Moody Woman" Release

In 1969, Jerry Butler released "Moody Woman" which became a Northern Soul favorite.

1972: Role in "The Thing With Two Heads"

In 1972, Jerry Butler had a small role as a prison guard in the film "The Thing With Two Heads".

1975: "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)" Revival

In 1975, Tony Orlando and Dawn revived "He Will Break Your Heart" with a new title, "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)". It went to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.

1976: Produced "Suite for the Single Girl"

In 1976, Jerry Butler produced and co-produced the album "Suite for the Single Girl" with Paul David Wilson with Motown.

1977: Produced "It All Comes Out in My Song"

In 1977, Jerry Butler produced and co-produced the album "It All Comes Out in My Song" with Paul David Wilson with Motown.

1981: Produced album with Dee Dee Sharp-Gamble

In 1981, Jerry Butler and P.D. Wilson produced an album with Dee Dee Sharp-Gamble on Philadelphia International Records. "Breaking and Entering" / "Easy Money" was released from Sharp-Gamble's album Dee Dee.