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.
On December 8, 1939, Jerry Butler Jr. was born. He would become an American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician, and politician.
In 1958, The Impressions released "For Your Precious Love" with Vee-Jay Records. It became their first hit and gold record.
In 1960, Jerry Butler left The Impressions and began a successful solo career.
In 1960, Jerry Butler released the single "He Will Break Your Heart," which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard pop chart.
In 1965, Jerry Butler co-wrote "I've Been Loving You Too Long" with Otis Redding.
In 1968, Jerry Butler released the album "The Ice Man Cometh".
In 1969, Jerry Butler released "Moody Woman" which became a Northern Soul favorite.
In 1972, Jerry Butler had a small role as a prison guard in the film "The Thing With Two Heads".
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.
In 1976, Jerry Butler produced and co-produced the album "Suite for the Single Girl" with Paul David Wilson with Motown.
In 1977, Jerry Butler produced and co-produced the album "It All Comes Out in My Song" with Paul David Wilson with Motown.
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.
From 1985, Jerry Butler continued to perform while serving as a Cook County Board Commissioner.
In 1985, Butler began his service as a Commissioner for Cook County, Illinois.
After Jerry Butler's 1991 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Impressions, some writers and critics advocated for his solo induction.
In 1991, Jerry Butler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the original lead singer of The Impressions.
In 1992, Jerry Butler released the album "Time & Faith".
In 2000, The Hives covered "Find Another Girl" on their album Veni Vidi Vicious.
In 2008, as Cook County Commissioner, Jerry Butler voted to uphold a historic Cook County sales tax increase.
In 2010, The Black Keys covered "Never Give You Up" on their album Brothers.
In 2010, The Chicago Tribune encouraged people to vote against Jerry Butler in the elections due to his vote to uphold a historic sales tax increase.
In March 2014, Jerry Butler won reelection to the Cook County Board with over 80 percent of the vote.
In 2015, Jerry Butler was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
In 2015, Jerry Butler's younger brother, Billy Butler, passed away. Billy also had a career in the music industry.
In 2018, Butler retired from his position as a Commissioner for Cook County, Illinois.
In 2018, Jerry Butler retired from public office as Cook County Board Commissioner.
In 2019, Jerry Butler's wife Annette, who was originally one of his backup singers, passed away.
On February 20, 2025, Jerry Butler passed away. He was known as an American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician and politician.
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