Jerry Butler

His 1969 hit, "Only the Strong Survive," is a rhythm and blues classic. His 2000 autobiography is called: Only the Strong Survive: Memoirs of a Soul Survivor. Butler founded the vocal group The Impressions and also had a successful solo career. He's now serving his fourth term on the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Chicago.

We hear from two former members of the vocal group The Impressions who went on to have their own successful solo careers. First, singer Jerry Butler, aka The Iceman. His 1969 hit, –Only the Strong Survive,— is a rhythm and blues classic, and also the title of his autobiography: Only the Strong Survive: Memoirs of a Soul Survivor. (Indiana University Press) Butler founded The Impressions. His awareness of civil rights led him to politics, and he is serving his fourth term on the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Chicago.

Singer Jerry Butler, aka The Iceman. His 1969 hit, “Only the Strong Survive,” is a rhythm and blues classic, and also the title of his new autobiography: “Only the Strong Survive: Memoirs of a Soul Survivor” (Indiana University Press) Butler founded the vocal group The Impressions as well as having a successful solo career. His awareness of civil rights led him to politics, and he is serving his fourth term on the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Chicago. The book was written with Earl Smith, Butler’s brother-in-law and a journalist.

Fresh Air's rock historian considers the intertwined fates of the Impressions' Jerry Butler, and his brother, Chicago soul singer Billy Butler.