Curtis Mayfield (June 3, 1942 — December 26, 1999) was an American soul-funk musician, composer, and producer from Chicago who co-founded The Impressions in 1958 and served as the group’s lead vocalist and musical director for twelve years. His songwriting and arrangements combined smooth vocal lines with intricate guitar work, establishing a template for politically […]
The Impressions were an American soul group from Chicago that launched the careers of Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, and Leroy Hutson. Formed in 1958, the Impressions cut five local Butler-led singles. Mayfield emerged as a singer, songwriter, and arranger on their 1961–65 hits “Gypsy Woman,” “It’s All Right,” “Keep On Pushing,” and “People Get Ready.” […]
Jerry Butler (December 8, 1939 — February 19, 2025) was an American soul singer who first fronted The Impressions, which he co-founded in 1958 with Curtis Mayfield. After three Impressions singles, he went solo and scored his first hit with the 1960 R&B No. 1 “He Will Break Your Heart.” Butler made four albums between […]
Billy Butler (June 7, 1945 — April 1, 2015) was an American soul singer from Chicago. He first emerged fronting the soul-trio Billy Butler & The Chanters, which issued five 1963–65 singles on soul-press Okeh under the auspices of writer Curtis Mayfield and arranger Johnny Pate. Between 1965 and 1967, Butler cut six solo singles […]
The Ice Man Cometh is an album by American soul singer Jerry Butler, released in 1968 on Mercury. Tracklist: A1. “Hey Western Union Man” (2:37) A2. “Can’t Forget About You, Baby” (2:36) A3. “Only the Strong Survive” (2:35) A4. “How Can I Get in Touch With You” (2:26) A5. “Just Because I Really Love You” […]
Suite for the Single Girl is an album by American soul singer Jerry Butler, released in 1977 on Motown. Tracklist: A1. “Suite for the Single Girl” (3:41) A2. “I Wanna Do It to You” (3:40) A3. “Ms. Fine” (3:08) A4. “What a Pleasant Surprise” (3:08) A5. “Chalk It Up” (6:06) B1. “Music in Her Dreams […]
