Jerry Butler started singing in church choirs in Chicago, then joined the doo-wop group The Impressions as a teenager. He went solo in 1960 and recorded 'For Your Precious Love' for Vee-Jay Records, which became his breakthrough hit. That song's emotional delivery helped establish him as a soul singer with a distinctive voice.
He worked with Curtis Mayfield and arranger Johnny Pate on material like 'Never Give You Up' and 'Only The Strong Survive.' Butler also recorded versions of 'Moon River' and '(They Long To Be) Close To You,' showing his range with both original songs and interpretations of popular standards.
His career continued through the 1960s with a series of albums and singles. While he faced some personal difficulties, he kept recording and performing. The music from that period remains what people know him for today.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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