Jerry Butler
Jerry Butler was an influential American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician, and politician, born on December 8, 1939, in Sunflower, Mississippi. He began his musical journey at the young age of 18, moving to Chicago where he teamed up with his friend Curtis Mayfield to form the iconic singing group The Impressions. This group was pivotal in the development of the Chicago soul sound, and Butler's compelling voice helped to establish their early fame.
He achieved his first significant success in 1958 with The Impressions, where he served as the lead singer. Butler's contributions to the soul music genre were not limited to his vocal performances; he was also an accomplished songwriter and producer, helping to craft many of the hits that defined the era. Over the years, he released numerous solo hits, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in R&B and soul music.
In addition to his music career, Jerry Butler ventured into politics and served as an elected official, showcasing his commitment to his community and the social issues of his time. His impact on music and his contributions beyond the stage illustrate his multifaceted talent and dedication.
Jerry Butler's life was marked by a continued presence in the music industry until the 2010s, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and music lovers alike. Sadly, he passed away on February 20, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, but his contributions to soul music remain enduring and celebrated.
It All Comes Out In My Song
Written-By – Alice Sanderson, Keith Echols
4:26
A2 (I Love To See You) Dancin'
Written-By – Zane Grey, Len Ron Hanks
4:10
A3 (When I'm With You) Everything's Cool
Written-By – Anthony Miller, Keith Echols, Larry Tate
4:14
A4 Just You And Me Forever
Soloist, Saxophone – Ronald Wilson
Vocals [Duet With] – Pat Henley
Written-By – Eric Robinson, Victor Orsborn
3:52
B1 That Train
Written-By – Bobby Martin, Floyd Butler
4:03
B2 I'm Music, I'm Your Friend
Written-By – Brian Talbert, Homer Talbert III, Jerry Butler
4:25
B3 (I Remember) How It Used To Feel
Written-By – Paul David Wilson
4:36
B4 I've Got To Make It On My Own
Written-By – Eric Robinson, Victor Orsborn
3:47
B5 It All Comes Out In My Song
Written-By – Paul David Wilson
3:12
Label: Motown – M6-892S1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Offering The Spice Of Life
Written-By – Gamble & Huff
3:25
A2 A Prayer
Written-By – J. Butler, S.F. Brown III
3:24
A3 Get On The Case
Written-By – C. Carter, J. Blumenberg, J.D. Jones
5:21
B4 So Far Away
Written-By – C. King
5:06
B1 I Need You
Written-By – J. Peters
5:55
B2 (They Long To Be) Close To You
Featuring – Brenda Lee Eager
Written-By – Bacharach & David
4:13
B3 Don't Rip Me Off
Written-By – D. Sherman
4:01
B4 All Kinds Of People
Written-By – Bacharach & David
4:53
Label: Mercury – SRM 2 7502
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Jerry Butler's Spice of Life (1972) is highly regarded as a sophisticated Chicago soul masterpiece, praised for its rich baroque arrangements, blend of jazz and soul, and strong production by Samuel F. Brown III. Reviews highlight its standout tracks like "A Prayer," "That's The Way It Was," and solos featuring Brenda Lee Eager, showcasing Butler's mature vocals and a departure from his earlier work, making it a top album from his Mercury years.
The album features intricate arrangements and production by Samuel F. Brown III, creating a "sophisticated mix of soul, jazz, and studio imagination". Butler moves beyond his Gamble & Huff era into the vibrant Chicago scene of the late 60s/early 70s.
Considered one of Butler's greatest 70s records, with high ratings on collector sites like Discogs. In essence, Spice of Life is celebrated as a pivotal, polished soul album that solidified Jerry Butler's status with its elegant production and deep, emotive performances.
The Best Love
Producer – Gamble & Huff
Written-By – Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff
4:04
A2 Would You Mind
Producer – Jerry Butler, John L. Usry, Jr.
Written-By – Jerry Butler, John L. Usry, Jr.
4:59
A3 Don't Be An Island
Producer – Dexter Wansel, Jerry Butler
Written-By – Keith Echols
4:39
A4 Tell Me Girl (Why It Has To End)
Producer – David Williams, Dennis Williams
Written-By – Dennis Williams, D. McClure, J. Perricone
5:02
B1 Reach Out For Me
Producer – Jerry Butler, John L. Usry, Jr.
Written-By – Bacharach And David
4:01
B2 We've Got This Feeling Again
Producer – Dexter Wansel
Written-By – Cynthia Biggs, Dexter Wansel
5:08
B3 Angel Face
Producer – Gamble & Huff
Written-By – Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff
3:45
B4 The Best Love I Ever Had (Slow Version)
Producer – Gamble & Huff
Written-By – Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff
4:04
Label: Philadelphia International Records – JZ 36413
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Philly, Disco
The Sagittarius Movement
Written-By – Charles Jackson
2:55
A2 Simple Country Girl
Written-By – Skip Scarborough
2:57
A3 Said A Mother Said A Father
Written-By – Herscholt Polk, Homer Talbert
2:40
A4 Let Me Be
Written-By – Skip Scarborough
3:00
A5 Sail Away
Written-By – Billy Butler, Larry Wade, Terrence Callier
3:30
B1 Windy City Soul
Written-By – Larry Wade, Terrence Callier
3:05
B2 Ain´t Understanding Mellow
Featuring – Brenda Lee Eager
Written-By – Herscholt Polk, Homer Talbert
4:25
B3 True Love Don`t Come Easy
Written-By – Charles Jackson
3:40
B4 The Girl In His Mind
Written-By – Charles Jones
3:11
Label: Mercury – SR 61347
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The Soul Goes On
Written-By – Gamble, Huff, Butler
2:56
A2 Chain Gang
Written-By – C. Cooke, S. Cooke
2:43
A3 Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay
Written-By – O. Redding, S. Cropper
2:50
A4 Respect
Written-By – O. Redding
2:10
A5 You Send Me
Written-By – L.C. Cooke
2:16
A6 Ain't That Good News
Written-By – S. Cooke
3:05
B1 Yes, My Goodness, Yes
Written-By – B. Womack, J. Butler, J. Holiday
2:58
B2 These Arms Of Mine
Written-By – O. Redding
2:30
B3 A Change Is Gonna Come
Written-By – S. Cooke
3:14
B4 Guess Who
Written-By – J. Belvin
2:13
B5 Goodnight My Love
Written-By – Matola, Marascalco
3:18
B6 I've Been Loving You Too Long
Written-By – J. Butler, O. Redding
3:18
Label: Mercury – SR 61171
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul