Over the years I have met, performed with and became friends with most of my music heroes … this past week we lost one of the greatest of our time … Mr. Jerry Butler … the “ICE MAN!” Watching your favorite entertainers from behind stage is one of the most memorable. I have worked with the Ice Man on a few occasions and one of my favorite moments was watching the great Jerry Butler in action. He had such a commanding effect on his audience … here is a perfect example. Most people in the audience get so involved when listening to their favorite entertainers and at times get over involved singing along. I watched Mr. Butler handle those singing loudly in his audience by slowly walking away from his microphone making it a bit more difficult to hear him … as the audience backed off their singing, Jerry would slowly walk back up to the microphone … what a way of respecting his audience without saying hey, I’m singing here. I remember watching Jerry’s stage manager from backstage especially when Mr. Butler would sing “Moon River”. It was amazing, as Jerry set up the song his manager would slowly bring down the stage lights and a blue pin spot would focus on the Ice Man and a mellowing blue haze would gently light the stage … Mr. Butler with his charm and grace would begin to sing the song as only the Ice Man could! Jerry Butler was a true gentleman when off stage and presented himself like Music Icon Royalty should. I also had the honors of interviewing Mr. Butler on my radio show … he had such a calming effect when he talked. This Sunday night on my Heavenly Soul Show, I will be spotlighting the early sounds of Mr. Butler and playing an interview I did with him years ago. You can listen in by downloading the internet radio app … jukinoldies.com on Sunday Night at 8:00 PM (EST). It’s hard to say goodbye to the Ice Man but, we have so many great musical memories of the Chi-town giant. We will miss you Jerry Butler … but will always remember the joy you left us in your music!