Jerry Butler--Only the Strong Survive (1969)

     From his first hit with The Impressions in 1958 to his last charting song in 1972, Jerry Butler has had a career that never was in the spotlight for very long at a time, but was consistently a part of the 60's R&B scene. He co-wrote hits for Otis Redding and Curtis Mayfield as well as recording 14 top 40 hits of his own. His best known song is probably, "He Will Break Your Heart" in 1960, which was covered by Tony Orlando and Dawn in 1975 under the title, "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)", and for a bit of trivia, his version of "Moon River" in 1961 sold higher than the better known version by Andy Williams..     
     His album, "The Iceman Cometh" received three Grammy nominations in 1968, and garnered Butler his highest charting song, "Only the Strong Survive"reaching #4 in the spring of 1969. The song was covered by Elvis in 1969, and Billy Paul in 1977. In the mid-80's Butler, who was still touring, ran for the County Commissioner of Cook County Illinois and today still serves in that position while touring from time to time.