I listened to the "Iceman" set again last night and marveled anew at his talent. He was far more urbane in tone than the other soul men of that era; cool, calm and collected as opposed to passionate. But the message still got across.
And he was a superb songwriter, having a hand in the majority of his own hits, as well as contributing to the oeuvre of others. He and Otis Redding wrote "I've Been Loving You Too Long" when they were both stuck in Buffalo, NY during a snowstorm, and much to Jerry's surprise, Otis recorded it almost immediately, and it became his first Top 40 pop hit. (When Otis died, Jerry cut his own version of "Loving You" that is a mannered and sophisticated contrast to the barely restrained three-alarm fire Otis cut.)
He somehow managed to dodge the alcohol and drug addictions his peers often had, but Parkinson's took him out just as it did Muhammad Ali. But, in contrast to what he sang, he will never break my heart. Instead, I will never give him up.
(P.S. Universal Music Group currently owns the Mercury catalogue, so it would be up to them to reissue "Gene And Jerry". I would love a CD copy of that.)
Well put! And yes, I’m kind of shocked that Gene & Jerry has never had a digital release. Not that it would be a big seller - it certain wasn’t at the time - but I think a lot of classic soul fans would scoop it up.
DE effectively dj's a great two-day run... Had a re-arrange all around the apartment fitting in the stuff I brought back from the ol' man's house and I had Curtis' boxed set of his amazing first five albums I mentioned to ya the other day - it was symmetry man, remarkably my 30+ year old Denon 5-disc carousel player still works and I blissfully let that revolve around and around all day.
Now this great post with Jerry, way to sum it up. As an added benefit, you helped me correct an error of youth, I realized I didn't pull off "Only The Strong Survive" from Elvis' Essential 60's Masters, From Nashville to Memphis killer box set for my own highly organized Elvis chronological career-spanning collection of choice cuts.
Love Terry Callier coming up in the story! Admittedly, I got on to Terry via the album cover art of his great "What Color is Love Album," with the beautiful woman curled up in the old chair with a cigarette, what a rich story his is.
Great "Power Pop" post too! Love it when I don't have to figure out what I want to play all by myself!
Love Jerry Butler - thanks for sending off the Iceman in a way befitting his regal stature.
Thanks, Robert! Glad you dug it!
I listened to the "Iceman" set again last night and marveled anew at his talent. He was far more urbane in tone than the other soul men of that era; cool, calm and collected as opposed to passionate. But the message still got across.
And he was a superb songwriter, having a hand in the majority of his own hits, as well as contributing to the oeuvre of others. He and Otis Redding wrote "I've Been Loving You Too Long" when they were both stuck in Buffalo, NY during a snowstorm, and much to Jerry's surprise, Otis recorded it almost immediately, and it became his first Top 40 pop hit. (When Otis died, Jerry cut his own version of "Loving You" that is a mannered and sophisticated contrast to the barely restrained three-alarm fire Otis cut.)
He somehow managed to dodge the alcohol and drug addictions his peers often had, but Parkinson's took him out just as it did Muhammad Ali. But, in contrast to what he sang, he will never break my heart. Instead, I will never give him up.
(P.S. Universal Music Group currently owns the Mercury catalogue, so it would be up to them to reissue "Gene And Jerry". I would love a CD copy of that.)
Well put! And yes, I’m kind of shocked that Gene & Jerry has never had a digital release. Not that it would be a big seller - it certain wasn’t at the time - but I think a lot of classic soul fans would scoop it up.
Nice tribute and playlist, Dan.
Thanks, Mickey!
As my old lead tech, Clifton Alexander used to say, "Man, that was sweet."
Thanks, Richard!
DE effectively dj's a great two-day run... Had a re-arrange all around the apartment fitting in the stuff I brought back from the ol' man's house and I had Curtis' boxed set of his amazing first five albums I mentioned to ya the other day - it was symmetry man, remarkably my 30+ year old Denon 5-disc carousel player still works and I blissfully let that revolve around and around all day.
Now this great post with Jerry, way to sum it up. As an added benefit, you helped me correct an error of youth, I realized I didn't pull off "Only The Strong Survive" from Elvis' Essential 60's Masters, From Nashville to Memphis killer box set for my own highly organized Elvis chronological career-spanning collection of choice cuts.
Love Terry Callier coming up in the story! Admittedly, I got on to Terry via the album cover art of his great "What Color is Love Album," with the beautiful woman curled up in the old chair with a cigarette, what a rich story his is.
Great "Power Pop" post too! Love it when I don't have to figure out what I want to play all by myself!
Haha, that's what I'm here for! But yeah, What Color Is Love is an incredible record — and that cover ain't too shabby either!
Thanks so much Dan. I have been a strong Iceman fan since 68 or so. I love your idea how he influenced later Elvis. Yes.
Wonderful homage, Dan. I hope you don't mind if I link to it in my post listing February losses.
Thank you, Ellen! I’d be honored.