Only the Strong Survive: Memoirs of a Soul Survivor

by Jerry Butler, Earl Smith

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.

Genres: Music, Memoir

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Jerry Butler Jr. was an American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician and politician. He was the original lead singer of the R&B vocal group the Impressions, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. After leaving the group in 1960, Butler achieved over 55 Billboard Pop and R&B Chart hits as a solo artist including "He Will Break Your Heart", "Let It Be Me" and "Only the Strong Survive". He was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015.
Butler served as a Commissioner for Cook County, Illinois, from 1985 to 2018. As a member of this 17-member county board, he chaired the Health and Hospitals Committee and served as Vice Chair of the Construction Committee.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jerry Butler has probably my favorite voice and I got to see him sing live at LATIN QUARTER in Detroit. He made it out of Cabrini Green but never forgot his roots. Rhythm and Blues does not get enough support in the United States. Because I'm a fan, I enjoyed his telling of his story. He does not discuss Buddhism although I know he was active with the Soka Gakai. I'm in the last quarter of my life, I've gotten to where I'm reading 8 books at once. I'm grateful that Jerry Butler wrote a memoir. He grabbed my interest and now, to get caught up, there are seven books to go.