Jerry Butler net worth is something many music fans are curious about. He is known for his smooth voice and classic soul hits. As a singer and songwriter, he helped shape R&B music. Over the years, he built a career with hit songs, album sales, and live performances. He also worked in politics and other areas that added to his success.
So, let’s take a closer look at how he made his money and what helped him build his wealth.
Jerry Butler in Brief
| Full Name | Jerry Butler |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Sunflower, Mississippi, United States |
| Occupation | Singer, Actor |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Spouse | Annette Smith (m. 1959–2019) |
| Children | Randy Butler, Tony Butler |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
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What Jerry Butler Net Worth?
Jerry Butler was an American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician, and politician with an estimated net worth of $20 million. His wealth comes from his long career in the music industry, songwriting royalties, and public service work. He made millions from record sales, concerts, and licensing deals for his hit songs.
His biggest commercial success came from timeless hits like For Your Precious Love, Only the Strong Survive, and He Will Break Your Heart. These songs became classics and continue to generate royalties through streaming and radio play.
Butler also earned money from his work as a politician and music rights advocate. His ability to expand beyond music helped him maintain financial stability throughout his career.
Early Life
Jerry Butler was born on December 8, 1939, in Sunflower, Mississippi. At three years old, his family moved to Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Cabrini–Green housing projects. In the mid-1950s, Jerry’s life changed. He sang in a church choir with Curtis Mayfield.
As a teenager, he was part of the Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers, a gospel group, with Mayfield. Curtis Mayfield later became a guitarist for the group that would become The Impressions.
Jerry was inspired by artists like Sam Cooke, The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, and The Pilgrim Travelers. This led him to pursue a music career. Jerry’s younger brother, Billy Butler, also worked in the music industry. Billy played guitar with Jerry’s band until his passing in 2015.
Career
Jerry Butler co-wrote the song For Your Precious Love in 1958, which became a hit and the first gold record for The Impressions. The group, originally made up of Butler, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, and brothers Arthur and Richard Brooks, recorded for Vee-Jay Records.
In his solo career, Butler had many hits. His song He Will Break Your Heart reached No. 7 on the Billboard pop chart in 1960. He also co-wrote I’ve Been Loving You Too Long with Otis Redding in 1965. Other popular songs included Only the Strong Survive, Make It Easy on Yourself, Let It Be Me with Betty Everett, and Never Give You Up. Butler’s albums, The Ice Man Cometh 1968 and Ice on Ice 1969, were also successful.
In 1972, Butler appeared in the movie The Thing With Two Heads as a prison guard. He later worked with Motown, producing albums like Suite for the Single Girl 1976 and It All Comes Out in My Song 1977. In 1975, Tony Orlando and Dawn’s cover of He Will Break Your Heart became even more popular, reaching number one.
Jerry Butler continued his career in music and public service. He was a Cook County Commissioner from 1985 until 2018. As a commissioner, he voted for a big sales tax increase in 2008, which led to mixed reactions. However, he won reelection in 2014 with over 80% of the vote. He also hosted PBS music specials and was a leader of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
In 1991, Butler and the original Impressions were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His 1992 album Time & Faith was another milestone in his career. His music has been covered by bands like The Hives (Find Another Girl) and The Black Keys (Never Give You Up).
Personal life
His wife, Annette, was one of his backup singers. She passed away in 2019.
In 1991, Butler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Impressions. Some critics and writers later said Butler should also be inducted as a solo artist. His career as a singer and songwriter after leaving the group was very successful.
Death
Jerry Butler passes away on February 20, 2025, at the age of 85. He died from Parkinson’s disease in his home in Chicago.