On one of Jerry Butler's more recent performance in the metropolitan area I
shared a unique treat with my Aunt Katie, in fact you can say the experience
was motivated by her enthusiasm. She has been a fan of Jerry Butler since his
release of the landmark recording "Your Precious Love" in 1958. So when she
saw a poster announcing his performance, there was no doubt what we would be
doing that Saturday night.
I had heard of "The Ice Man" often enough, but at 60 with a 42-year career in
the music business, he was truly a performer of another era. Imagine my
surprise when during his absolutely wonderful performance I was able to keep
pace with my Aunt, as we accompanied Butler on one classic after another.
Butler lived up to his reputation as a smooth crooner par excellence. His
suave and effortless delivery was only matched by his humor and his easy
rapport with the appreciative crowd.
Butler has since release his biography "Only the Strong Survive" and he has
more than a few stories to tell. Not only has he had a celebrated music
career but the smooth operator has accomplished much outside of music. He is
serving his fourth four-year term as Cook County (Chicago) Commissioner and
his second term as President of the North East (Illinois) Planning Commission
and returned to college at the ripe young age of 52.
On July 7 Jerry Butler will be in concert with The Jewels at Carter Barron
Amphitheatre (Rock Creek Park 16th Street and Colorado Avenue, NW). Showtime:
7:30 p.m. Admission: $18-$20. Advance tickets available at Ticketmaster
outlets. Tickets available at Carter Barron Box Office day of the
performance, Noon - 8 p.m. Call 202-426-0486. To comment on this or any other article written by Avonie Brown email
avonie@metroconnection.info. |