Jerry “The Iceman” Butler: Only The Strong Survive

Known as “The Iceman,” Jerry Butler perfected a smooth, delicate baritone that has captivated music fans of many different backgrounds over his five decades of performing and recording. He was credited as “one of the architects of R&B” by Ebony magazine. As both a solo artist and during his long partnership with Curtis Mayfield, Butler forged new styles that grew from his own musical background of gospel/doo-wop and helped propel African American popular music to a new level of general appeal.