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.
December 8, 1939: Jerry Butler Jr. Born
On December 8, 1939, Jerry Butler Jr. was born. He would become an American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician, and politician.
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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.
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1960: Leaves The Impressions
In 1960, Jerry Butler left The Impressions and began a successful solo career.
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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.
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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.
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1968: The Ice Man Cometh Album Release
In 1968, Jerry Butler released the album "The Ice Man Cometh".
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1969: "Moody Woman" Release
In 1969, Jerry Butler released "Moody Woman" which became a Northern Soul favorite.
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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".
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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1985: Continued Performing as Commissioner
From 1985, Jerry Butler continued to perform while serving as a Cook County Board Commissioner.
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1985: Commissioner for Cook County
In 1985, Butler began his service as a Commissioner for Cook County, Illinois.
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1991: Call for a Second Hall of Fame Induction
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.
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1991: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1991, Jerry Butler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the original lead singer of The Impressions.
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1991: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1991, Jerry Butler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the original members of The Impressions.
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1992: Time & Faith Album Release
In 1992, Jerry Butler released the album "Time & Faith".
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2000: "Find Another Girl" Cover
In 2000, The Hives covered "Find Another Girl" on their album Veni Vidi Vicious.
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2008: Voted to Uphold Sales Tax Increase
In 2008, as Cook County Commissioner, Jerry Butler voted to uphold a historic Cook County sales tax increase.
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2010: "Never Give You Up" Cover
In 2010, The Black Keys covered "Never Give You Up" on their album Brothers.
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2010: Chicago Tribune Encouraged Voters Against Reelection
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.
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March 2014: Reelection to Cook County Board
In March 2014, Jerry Butler won reelection to the Cook County Board with over 80 percent of the vote.
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2015: Induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame
In 2015, Jerry Butler was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
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2015: Death of Billy Butler
In 2015, Jerry Butler's younger brother, Billy Butler, passed away. Billy also had a career in the music industry.
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2018: Retirement from Cook County Board
In 2018, Butler retired from his position as a Commissioner for Cook County, Illinois.
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2018: Retirement from Public Office
In 2018, Jerry Butler retired from public office as Cook County Board Commissioner.
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2019: Death of Wife Annette
In 2019, Jerry Butler's wife Annette, who was originally one of his backup singers, passed away.
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February 20, 2025: Jerry Butler's Death
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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