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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-17
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
February 5, 2013
To recognize Jerry “Iceman” Butler for his 35 years of performing at the Blues Alley Jazz Club, and to declare February 14, 2013, as “Jerry “Iceman” Butler Day” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Jerry “Iceman” Butler’s career spans over 6 decades, and his smooth, cool, and effortless voice has made its mark on a variety of American music styles, including gospel, doo-wop, funk, blues, and soul music;
WHEREAS, February 14, 2013 marks the 35th anniversary of Jerry “Iceman” Butler’s continuous and yearly performance at Blues Alley for its annual Valentine’s Week concerts;
WHEREAS, over the last 35 years, Blues Alley’s Valentine Week performances with Jerry “Iceman” Butler has become one of the most popular, highly anticipated, and sought after events at the club;
WHEREAS, every year since 1978, Jerry “Iceman” Butler has help to rekindle love, romance, and memories, for citizens throughout the Greater Washington, D.C. area;
WHEREAS, Jerry Butler, born Jerry Butler, Jr. on December 8, 1939 in Sunflower, Mississippi, began singing in his church choir in Chicago, where he met his childhood friend and future music collaborator Curtis Mayfield, who together would have a lasting impact on African American and American popular music;
WHEREAS, Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield began singing together in a R & B group called the Roosters, which in 1957 later became Jerry Butler and the Impressions, and are credited with giving birth to the “Soul” music style of R & B music;
WHEREAS, Jerry Butler’s ability to write hit songs began at the age of 16, when, in 1958, he wrote “For Your Precious Love” for the Impressions;
WHEREAS, Jerry Butler’s songwriting continued throughout his career, with hits such as: “He Will Break Your Heart,” “Find Another Girl,” “Hey – Western Union Man,” “Only the Strong Survive,” “Ain’t Understanding Mellow,” “One Night Affair,” and many, many others;
WHEREAS, Jerry Butler has recorded over 50 albums, written, produced, and sung hundreds of songs with many topping the R & B and Top 40’s charts; hosted several music specials for the Public Broadcast Service, including, “Doo Wop 50 and 51, Rock Rhythm and Doo Wop, and Soul Spectacular: 40 years of R&B;
WHEREAS, Mr. Butler continues to actively be involved in issues and organizations that concern him, and has served as the Chairman of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, been a strong supporter of Harold Washington - Chicago’s first African American Mayor; and since 1985 has served as the Commissioner of Cook County, IL - the 2nd largest county in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Jerry “Iceman” Butler is being honored on February 14, 2013 by management and staff of Blues Alley, family, friends, citizens, and fans of the Greater Washington, D.C. area.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler Day Recognition Resolution of 2013”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the many years of R & B recordings and concert performances, and declares February 14, 2013, as “Jerry “Iceman” Butler Day” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
