Jerry Butler, the iconic soul singer known for his smooth baritone and classic hits like “For Your Precious Love,” “Only the Strong Survive,” and “Make It Easy on Yourself,” has passed away at the age of 85.

A Voice That Defined Soul Music

Butler’s niece, Yolanda Goff, confirmed that he died on Thursday at his home in Chicago after battling Parkinson’s disease. A long-time Chicago resident, Butler not only left his mark in the music industry but also served as a Cook County Board Commissioner while continuing to perform on weekends. He was famously known as Jerry “Ice Man” Butler, a nickname reflecting his cool, effortless singing style.

A Soul Pioneer in Chicago and Philadelphia

As a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy nominee, Butler played a significant role in shaping the sounds of both Chicago and Philadelphia soul music. He co-founded The Impressions alongside childhood friend Curtis Mayfield, singing lead on their breakout 1958 hit “For Your Precious Love.” The song’s gospel-infused depth turned Butler into a star before he even turned 20.

By the late ‘60s, Butler collaborated with the Philadelphia-based production duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, crafting hits like “Only the Strong Survive” and “Hey Western Union Man.” His albums, “Ice on Ice” and “The Ice Man Cometh,” helped lay the foundation for the lush, danceable Sound of Philadelphia.

A Gifted Songwriter

Beyond performing, Butler was also a talented songwriter. He co-wrote:
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” – a signature ballad for Otis Redding
“Only the Strong Survive” – later covered by Elvis Presley
“He Will Break Your Heart” – inspired by the heartache of forgotten lovers on the road

Reflecting on his career in a 1969 interview with Rolling Stone, Butler humorously shared the inspiration behind “He Will Break Your Heart“:
“You go into a town, meet a girl for one night, but you never stop to think—she already has someone waiting for her at home.”

From Mississippi to Music Stardom

Born to Mississippi sharecroppers in 1939, Butler moved to Chicago at age 3 as part of the Great Migration. His love for music began in church, where he met Curtis Mayfield at the Traveling Souls Spiritualist Church. Their friendship led to the formation of The Impressions, and in 1958, they recorded “For Your Precious Love” for Vee-Jay Records.

However, when the label promoted the song under “Jerry Butler & The Impressions,” tensions arose, leading Butler to pursue a solo career.

“Fame didn’t change me as much as it changed the people around me,” he later reflected in his memoir, “Only the Strong Survive“ (2000).

A Career of Highs and Lows

In 1961, Butler became the first artist to chart with “Moon River,” the Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme song. However, when Andy Williams was chosen to perform it at the Academy Awards, Butler felt snubbed.

By 1967, with musical trends shifting, Butler sought fresh inspiration in Philadelphia. His collaboration with Gamble and Huff was electric—he recalled in Ebony magazine that they wrote “Only the Strong Survive” in less than an hour.

“We lock ourselves in a room, create stories about lovers, compose the music, then write the lyrics to match,” he said.

A Second Act in Politics

As the 1980s approached, Butler’s music career slowed, and he turned to politics. Inspired by the election of Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington, he ran for the Cook County Board in 1985—and won. He was re-elected multiple times, even after backing a controversial sales tax hike in 2009, and served until his retirement in 2018.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Married for 60 years to Annette Smith (who passed in 2019), Butler was a devoted husband and father to twin sons.

Unlike many musicians of his era who faced financial hardships, Butler worked to protect artists’ rights. As chairman of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, he fought for medical and retirement benefits for musicians.

While he passed on the opportunity to own part of Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia International Records, Butler had no regrets.

“Did I make 40, 50 million dollars? No. Did I keep one or two? Yes,” he told the Chicago Reader in 2011. “It’s not how much you make. It’s how much you keep.”

Rest in Power, “Ice Man”

Jerry Butler’s soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and commitment to helping others leave behind an unmatched legacy. Whether through his timeless music or his years in public service, Butler’s impact will be felt for generations to come.

Source

The post Jerry Butler, Singer of ‘Only the Strong Survive,’ Passes Away at 85 appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A Legendary Life in Music

Sam Moore, the soaring voice of the 1960s soul duo Sam & Dave, passed away on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, at the age of 89. His publicist, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that Moore died from complications while recovering from surgery.

As part of the Grammy-winning duo Sam & Dave, Moore left an indelible mark on soul music with timeless hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’.” Alongside Dave Prater, Moore was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, cementing their legacy as pioneers of soul music.

Tributes from Music Icons

Musicians and fans mourned Moore’s passing. Bruce Springsteen shared on Instagram:

“He was filled with stories of the halcyon days of soul music, and to the end had that edge of deep authenticity in his voice I could only wonder at.”

Steve Van Zandt, Springsteen’s longtime collaborator, reflected on Moore’s influence, writing on X (formerly Twitter):

“Sam Moore and Dave Prater were the inspiration for me and Johnny to start Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An important righteous wonderful man.”

The Rise of Sam & Dave

Formed in 1961 after a chance meeting in Miami, Sam & Dave became known for their electrifying live performances and their mastery of the gospel-inspired “call and response” style. Signed to Atlantic Records and working with Stax Records in Memphis, the duo delivered hits such as:

• “You Don’t Know Like I Know”
• “When Something Is Wrong with My Baby”
• “I Thank You”

Their music was shaped by the legendary team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, with backing from Stax’s house band, Booker T. & the MGs. One of the duo’s iconic moments came in “Soul Man” with the famous shout-out, “Play it, Steve,” to guitarist Steve Cropper.

Challenges and Comebacks

Despite their success, Sam & Dave’s partnership was turbulent. Frequent arguments and personal struggles, including Moore’s battle with addiction, contributed to their split in 1970. Prater’s attempts to tour as “The New Sam & Dave” led to legal battles, and he tragically died in a car crash in 1988.

Moore faced additional struggles, including lawsuits over unpaid royalties. In 1994, he revealed that despite his million-selling records, his pension amounted to just $2,285. He fought for fair treatment alongside other artists, famously saying:

“If you’re making a profit off of me, give me some too. Don’t give me cornbread and tell me it’s biscuits.”

A Legacy Beyond the Hits

Sam Moore remained active in music and politics. He performed at President Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities in 2017 and objected to Barack Obama’s use of “Hold On, I’m Comin’” during the 2008 presidential campaign. Moore also collaborated with Springsteen, calling him one of his closest friends, and continued performing at prestigious events like the Kennedy Center Honors.

A Life Saved by Love

In 1982, Moore married his wife, Joyce, who played a pivotal role in helping him overcome addiction. Her support led him to recovery, allowing him to rebuild his life and career. Reflecting on his struggles, Moore once said:

“You keep your mouth shut, you get up there, and you sing as hard and perform as hard as you can… At that time, man, it was really serious.”

Enduring Influence

Moore’s music experienced a revival when The Blues Brothers (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) recorded “Soul Man” in the late 1970s, though Moore expressed mixed feelings about younger audiences associating the song with the comedy duo.

In 2008, Moore lost a lawsuit over the film “Soul Men,” which he argued bore too close a resemblance to Sam & Dave’s story.

Survived by Family

Sam Moore is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Michell; and two grandchildren.

A Voice That Defined Soul

From church choirs in Miami to stages worldwide, Sam Moore’s voice captured the essence of soul music. His legacy endures through the timeless songs that continue to inspire and move generations.

Rest in peace, Sam Moore—America’s unforgettable “Soul Man.”

Source

The post Iconic Soul Singer Sam Moore Passes Away at 89 appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Brenton Wood, the soul icon celebrated for timeless hits like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign”, has passed away at the age of 83. His manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, confirmed that Wood died of natural causes, surrounded by family at his home in Moreno Valley, California.

In a touching tribute, Gallegos shared Wood’s final words to his fans: “Catch you on the rebound,” a heartfelt nod to his 1967 hit of the same name.

From Shreveport Roots to Soul Stardom

Born Alfred Jesse Smith on July 26, 1940, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood’s musical journey began after his family relocated to San Pedro, California. He later attended Compton College, where he discovered his passion for songwriting and playing the piano.

Adopting the stage name Brenton Wood—a tribute to his home county—he drew inspiration from legendary artists such as Sam Cooke and Jesse Belvin, shaping his signature blend of smooth vocals and infectious rhythms.

Chart-Topping Hits and a Legacy of Music

Wood’s breakthrough came in 1967 when he signed with Double Shot Records and released “The Oogum Boogum Song”. The track peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts, captivating audiences with its quirky charm. Later that year, “Gimme Little Sign” soared even higher, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Pop charts.

In 1972, Wood founded Prophesy Records and continued releasing music for decades on his Mr. Wood Records label. His talent for crafting soulful melodies earned him a devoted fanbase across generations.

Cultural Impact and Farewell Tour

Wood’s music transcended time, finding new audiences through appearances in films and TV shows. “The Oogum Boogum Song” was featured in productions like “The Umbrella Academy”, “Almost Famous”, and “Don’t Worry Darling”. His 1972 single “Great Big Bundle of Love” also gained recognition in the second season of “Big Little Lies”.

In early 2023, Wood embarked on his farewell tour, Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour. However, the tour was paused due to health concerns after he was hospitalized.

Remembering Brenton Wood

Brenton Wood’s contributions to soul music have left an indelible mark on the industry. From his catchy hooks to his heartfelt lyrics, his songs continue to resonate with fans old and new.

As we reflect on his remarkable career, we honor a man whose music will live on as a testament to the golden era of soul.

Rest in peace, Brenton Wood.

Source

The post Soul Legend Brenton Wood, Singer of “The Oogum Boogum Song,” Dies at 83 appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.