Betty Everett and Jerry Butler
Betty Everett and Jerry Butler were influential Chicago soul singers, known for their powerful voices, chart success, and iconic duets like "Let It Be Me," blending gospel roots with secular R&B, with Everett achieving solo fame with "The Shoop Shoop Song" and Butler becoming "The Iceman" of soul before entering Chicago politics, leaving behind legacies of smooth vocals and enduring hits.
Betty Everett (1939-2001):
Born in Mississippi, she moved to Chicago at 18, starting her career singing the blues and performing with Muddy Waters before signing with Vee-Jay Records. Her signature hit was 1964's "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)," a million-seller later covered by Cher. Other hits included "You're No Good" and "There'll Come a Time".
She recorded several successful duets with Jerry Butler, most famously "Let It Be Me," which also hit the Top 10 in 1964, and the album Delicious Together. Everett retired from secular music in the 70s, focusing on church choirs in Beloit, Wisconsin, where she passed away in 2001.
Jerry Butler (1939-2025):
Born in Mississippi, Butler moved to Chicago, met Curtis Mayfield, and became the original lead singer of The Impressions. He earned the nickname "The Iceman" for his cool baritone voice. After leaving The Impressions, he launched a prolific solo career with hits like "He Will Break Your Heart," "Only the Strong Survive," and "Hey, Western Union Man".
He frequently collaborated with Betty Everett, including "Let It Be Me," and also had hits with Brenda Lee Eager. Butler successfully transitioned into politics, serving as a Cook County Commissioner in Chicago for many years before retiring in 2018. He passed away in early 2025.
Both artists emerged from Chicago's vibrant soul scene, sharing roots in gospel and blues, and became iconic figures for Vee-Jay Records. Their duets, especially "Let It Be Me," remain beloved classics, showcasing their complementary styles and smooth harmonies.
Delicious Together
Written-By – C. Becaud, M. Curtis, P. Delanoe
A2 Love Is Strange
Written-By – E. Smith, M. Baker
A3 Just Be True
Written-By – C. Mayfield
A4 Since I Don't Have You
Written-By – J. Rock
A5 It's All Right
Written-By – C. Mayfield
A6 Our Day Will Come
Written-By – A. Brooks, G. Regney
B1 Ain't That Loving You Baby
Written-By – Jimmy Reed
B2 I Can't Stand It
Written-By – S. McAllister
B3 The Way You Do The Things You Do
Written-By – Rogers, Robinson
B4 Let The Good Times Roll
Written-By – L. Lee
B5 Fever
Written By – Pearl
Label: Vee Jay Records – VJLP-1099
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1964
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Rhythm & Blues
The 1964 album Delicious Together by Betty Everett & Jerry Butler is a well-regarded classic soul/R&B duet album, praised for its "naive, innocent pop/R&B" sound and the effective pairing of the artists' voices.
According to Dusty Groove, the album successfully matches Jerry Butler's smooth "Iceman" vocals with Betty Everett's warmer, younger approach, creating an engaging blend.
The album is considered an "overlooked gem" by some reviewers on RateYourMusic, who compare the appeal of their duets to those of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. It is described as enjoyable, "sunny day music" that, while not particularly deep or innovative, excels at what it sets out to do.
The album features their major hit, the cover of the Everly Brothers' song "Let It Be Me", which reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Johnny Pate arranged the album, contributing to its cohesive and strong energy.
In essence, Delicious Together is a must-have for R&B fans, highlighting a perfect pairing of vocalists on an album rich in heartfelt performances and unforgettable tunes from the golden era of soul music.