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- Lorne
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- From: Toronto, Ontario
- Registered: December 30, 2018
- Posts: 1,407
Jerry Butler dead at 85; singer also had a long career in politics
His first hit came as lead singer of The Impressions in 1958 with "For Your Precious Love", and he subsequently displayed an imprressive ability to move with the times as a solo artist -- first charting in 1960 with “He Will Break Your Heart”, and continuing to do so on into the 1980s. Always loved his wonderfully smooth voice.
- Scotty
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- Registered: December 30, 2018
- Posts: 78
Re: Jerry Butler dead at 85; singer also had a long career in politics
One of the all time great voices. Saw somewhere that he was actually the first artist to ever record Moon River.
- Little Rich
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- From: Juneau, Alaska
- Registered: December 31, 2018
- Posts: 365
Re: Jerry Butler dead at 85; singer also had a long career in politics
Thanks Lorne, what a loss. I wasn't aware of his political ambitions/accomplishments but his baritone was as smooth as silk and evocative.- pure unadulterated Soul! For Your Precious Love is great and my favorites were Let It Be Me, a duet with Betty Everett and his cover of Moon River. Wow! Great vocals!!
I don't how I did this, but as I was going through Butler's portfolio, I can't believe I missed this one - Mr. Dream Merchant. His Best of Best - he co-authored that with Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, Jerry Ross & Larry Weiss and recorded it himself, in 1967, charting #38; however, I would put it up at #1. Really well-done - super melody and very meaningful lyrics.
He was appreciated by our Canadian neighbors as well - He was listed in the RPM 100 as charting #45:
Last edited by Little Rich (February 21, 2025 5:28 pm)
- Jim Southern
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- Registered: December 30, 2018
- Posts: 247
Re: Jerry Butler dead at 85; singer also had a long career in politics
I enjoyed his work on all the "Doo Wop Specials" back at the turn of the century. He had just the right mixture of genuine soul and class that gave the music of those days the right spotlight! Thank you, Jerry, R.I.P.
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