The Butler Did It

The soulful Jerry Butler departs the stage

Singer Jerry Butler, known for hits such as “He Will Break Your Heart” and “For Your Precious Love,” has died at the age of 85. Butler got his start with The Impressions and as a solo artist became a regular on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand.” Here is Jerry on that show performing “You Walked Into My Life” and “I Dig You Baby.”

Butler and Betty Everett harmonized beautifully on “Let it Be Me.” As fans should know, that tune, also performed by the Everly Brothers, is a cover of “Je T’Appartiens,” by Gilbert Bécaud. In similar style, “Don’t You Know,” by Della Reese, is straight out of Puccini’s opera La Bohème. The popular music of the 1950s had many tributaries.

Jerry carried on with “Only the Strong Survive,” “Ain’t Understanding Mellow,” and such, all performed with no stage antics or studio tricks. In 1991 Butler earned a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As reaction videos confirm, Jerry leaves behind a new generation of fans.

Impressions partner Curtis Mayfield, heard here on “It’s All Right,” departed in 1999. Betty Everett, who scored hits with “You’re No Good,” and “It’s In His Kiss,” died in 2001. Compare Betty with lesser known Gloria Lynne (1929-2013) as she performs “I Wish You Love.” And just for fun, compare Jerry Butler with Freddie Scott, known for “Hey Girl.”

Scott departed in 2007 and Chuck Jackson, known for “Any Day Now,” passed away in 2023, same year as the tune’s composer, Burt Bacharach. Burt is survived by Dionne Warwick, who performed many of his compositions including “Don’t Make Me Over.” All you great ones, thanks for the memories.