Only the Strong Survive

by Butler, Jerry

• ISBN13: 9780253337962
• ISBN10: 0253337968
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-09-01
• Publisher: Indiana Univ Pr

Summary

Jerry Butler's Only the Strong Survive presents a portrait of a remarkable performer, as well as an up-close and personal look at the world of rhythm-and-blues. Filled with intimate anecdotes about such R& B legends as Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, Patti LaBelle, Sam Cook, and Dionne Warwick, Butler's compelling, sometimes hilarious, narrative is told against the backdrop of 1960s America. Only the Strong Survive, as told to Earl Smith, is an autobiography; but more than that, it is history. Drawing on countless conversations and interviews with Butler and others, Smith chronicles the "Iceman's" journey from rural Mississippi to Chicago, and the founding and eventual breakup of the legendary Impressions vocal group.Currently serving his fourth term on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Butler also gives us a glimpse inside the world of Chicago politics. He shares stories of Harold Washington, Chicago's first African American mayor, and others, including Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.Only the Strong Survive is an entertaining, moving chronicle of one of America's music pioneers.

Author Biography

An award-winning performer, producer, and composer, and one of the architects of Rhythm-and-Blues, Jerry "The Iceman" Butler has enjoyed a musical career spanning more than 40 years that produced over 50 albums, numerous hit songs, and three Grammy Award nominations. Butler is now in his fifth term as a Cook County Commissioner in Chicago, Illinois.

Earl Smith, a veteran journalist and Chicago resident, has worked for the Associated Press, Jet magazine, and the Chicago Defender. He is also the founder and editor of Today's Traveler magazine.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction	xiii
Prologue	xv
Part I. The Early Years
The Beginning	3	(8)
Starting Over in Sweet Home Chicago	11	(5)
Learning the Basics	16	(8)
Reality Sets In	24	(25)
Part II. The Vee Jay Years
What's in a Name?	49	(21)
Coming Apart	70	(5)
Picking Up the Pieces	75	(9)
Learning Experiences	84	(11)
Making My Mark	95	(23)
A Little Help from My Friends	118	(29)
Part III. The Mercury Years
The Producers	147	(10)
``Kill or Be Killed''	157	(6)
Changing the World with a Song	163	(24)
Part IV. The Motown Years and Beyond
You've Got What It Takes	187	(26)
Part V. The Political Years
Summing Up	213	(26)
Epilogue	234	(5)
Notes	239	(6)
Bibliography	245	(2)
Discography	247	(8)
Index	255