This group have performed with The Impressions, had many R&B hits, been in movies like Clear and Present Danger, American Graffiti, and TV such as M*A*S*H and Laverne and Shirley, played drums for the British band The Jam, and has received the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal.
Jerry Butler
Jerry Butler, known as “The Iceman,” was a pioneering American soul singer, songwriter, and politician. Born on December 8, 1939, in Sunflower, Mississippi, he moved to Chicago at the age of three, where he was raised in the Cabrini-Green housing projects.
Butler’s musical journey began in church choirs alongside Curtis Mayfield, leading to the formation of The Impressions. In 1958, they achieved success with “For Your Precious Love,” after which Butler embarked on a solo career, producing hits like “He Will Break Your Heart” and “Only the Strong Survive.”
Singles
- 1958 “For Your Precious Love” b/w “Sweet Was the Wine” (US #11 – R&B #3)
- 1958 “Come Back My Love” b/w “Love Me” (from Aware of Love) (R&B #29)
- 1959 “Lost” b/w “One By One” (from Aware of Love) (R&B #17)
- 1959 “I Was Wrong” b/w “Couldn’t Go to Sleep”
- 1960 “A Lonely Soldier” b/w “I Found a Love” (R&B #25)
- 1960 “He Will Break Your Heart” b/w “Thanks to You” (US #7 – R&B #1)
- 1960 “Silent Night” b/w “O Holy Night”
- 1961 “Find Another Girl” b/w “When Trouble Calls” (US #27 – R&B #10)
- 1961 “I’m a Telling You” b/w “I See a Fool” (US #25 – R&B #8)
- 1961 “Moon River” (US #11 – R&B #14)
- 1961 “Aware of Love”
- 1962 “Isle of Sirens” b/w “Chi Town”
- 1962 “Make It Easy on Yourself” b/w “It’s Too Late” (US #20 – R&B #18)
- 1962 “You Can Run (But You Can’t Hide)” b/w “I’m the One” (US #63 – R&B #23)
- 1962 “Theme from Taras Bulba (The Wishing Star)” b/w “You Go Right Through Me”
- 1963 “Whatever You Want” b/w ‘”You Won’t Be Sorry”
- 1963 “I Almost Lost My Mind” b/w “Strawberries”
- 1963 “Where’s the Girl” b/w “How Beautifully You Lie”
- 1963 “A Woman With Soul” b/w “Just a Little Bit”
- 1963 “Need to Belong” b/w “Give Me Your Love” (US #31)
- 1964 “Giving Up on Love” b/w “I’ve Been Trying”(US #56)
- 1964 “I Stand Accused” (US #61)
- 1964 “I Don’t Want to Hear It Anymore” (US #95)
- 1964 “Let It Be Me” (with Betty Everett) (US #5)
- 1964 “Ain’t That Lovin’ You, Baby” (with Betty Everett)
- 1964 “Smile” b/w “Love Is Strange” (from Delicious Together) (US# 42)
- 1965 “Good Times” b/w “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” (US #64 – R&B #33)
- 1965 “Since I Don’t Have You” b/w “Just Be True” (with Betty Everett)
- 1965 “I Can’t Stand to See You Cry” b/w “Nobody Needs Your Love (More Than I Do)”
- 1965 “Just for You” b/w “Believe in Me” (R&B #33)
- 1966 “For Your Precious Love” (re-recording) b/w “Give It Up” (US #25)
- 1966 “Love (Oh, How Sweet It Is)” b/w “Loneliness” (US #34)
- 1966 “You Make Me Feel Like Someone” b/w “For What You Made of Me”
- 1966 “I Dig You Baby” b/w “Some Kinda Magic” (US #60 – R&B #8)
- 1967 “You Walked Into My Life” b/w “Why Did I Lose You”
- 1967 “You Don’t Know What You Got Until You Lose It” b/w “The Way I Love You (Nobody Ever Loved Anybody)”
- 1967 “Mr. Dream Merchant” b/w “Cause I Love You So” (US #38 – R&B #23)
- 1967 “Lost” b/w “You Don’t Know What You Got Until You Lose It” (US #62 – R&B #48)
- 1968 “Never Give You Up” b/w “Beside You” (US #20 – R&B #7)
- 1968 “Hey, Western Union Man” b/w “Just Can’t Forget About You” (US #16 – R&B #1)
- 1968 “Are You Happy” b/w “(Strange) I Still Love You” (US #39 – R&B #9)
- 1969 “Only the Strong Survive” b/w “Just Because I Really Love You” (US #4 – R&B #1)
- 1969 “Moody Woman” b/w “Go Away, Find Yourself” (US #24 – R&B #3)
- 1969 “What’s the Use of Breaking Up” (US #20 – R&B #4)
- 1969 “A Brand New Me”
- 1969 “Don’t Let Love Hang You Up” b/w “Walking Around in Teardrops” (US #44 – R&B #12)
- 1970 “Got to See If I Can Get Mommy (To Come Back Home)” b/w “I Forgot to Remember” (US #62 – R&B #21)
- 1970 “I Could Write a Book” b/w “Since I Lost You Lady” (US #46 – R&B #15)
- 1970 “Where Are You Going” b/w “You Can Fly” (US #95 – R&B #42)
- 1970 “Special Memory” b/w “How Does It Feel” (R&B #36)
- 1971 “You Just Can’t Win (By Making the Same Mistakes)” b/w “Sho Is Grooving” (US #94 – R&B #32)
- 1971 “Ten and Two (Take This Woman Off the Corner)” b/w “Everybody Is Waiting” (R&B #44)
- 1971 “If It’s Real What I Feel” b/w “Why Are You Leaving Me” (US #69 – R&B #8)
- 1971 “Ain’t Understanding Mellow” (with Brenda Lee Eager) b/w “Windy City Soul” (US #21 – R&B #3)
- 1971 “How Did We Lose It Baby” b/w “Do You Finally Need a Friend” (US #85 – R&B #38)
- 1971 “Walk Easy My Son” b/w “Let Me Be” (US #93 – R&B #33)
- 1972 “I Only Have Eyes for You” b/w “A Prayer” (US #85 – R&B #20)
- 1972 “Close to You” b/w “You Can’t Always Tell” (US #91 – R&B #6)
- 1972 “One Night Affair” b/w “Life’s Unfortunate Sons” (US #52 – R&B #6)
- 1973 “Can’t Understand It” b/w “How Long Will It Last” (R&B #26)
- 1973 “The Love We Had Stays on My Mind” b/w “Were We Lovers, Were We Friends” (R&B #64)
- 1973 “Power of Love” b/w “What Do You Do on a Sunday Afternoon” (R&B #15)
- 1974 “That’s How Heartaches Are Made” b/w “Too Many Danger Signs” (R&B #58)
- 1974 “Take The Time to Tell Her” b/w “High Stepper” (R&B #46)
- 1974 “Playing On You” b/w “You and Me Against the World” (R&B #33)
- 1976 “The Devil in Mrs. Jones” b/w “I Don’t Wanna Be Reminded” (R&B #55)
- 1977 “I Wanna Do It To You” b/w “I Don’t Wanna Be Reminded” (US #51 – R&B #7)
- 1977 “Chalk It Up” b/w “I Don’t Want Nobody to Know” (R&B #28)
- 1977 “It’s a Lifetime Thing” b/w “Kiss Me Now” (with Thelma Houston) (R&B #55)
- 1978 “(I’m Just Thinking About) Cooling Out” b/w “Are You Lonely Tonight” (R&B #14)
- 1979 “Nothing Says I Love You Like I Love You” b/w “I’m Glad to Be Back” (R&B #86)
- 1979 “Let’s Make Love” b/w “Dream World”
- 1980 “The Best Love I Ever Had” b/w “Would You Mind” (R&B #49)
- 1980 “Don’t Be an Island” (with Debra Henry) b/w “The Best Love I Ever Had” (Slow version) (R&B #75)
- 1982 “No Love Without Changes” b/w “All the Way” (R&B #83)
- 1983 “In My Life” (with Patti Austin) B-side by Patti Austin: “What’s At the End of a Rainbow”
His smooth baritone voice earned him the nickname “The Iceman.” Beyond music, Butler served as a Cook County Commissioner in Illinois from 1985 to 2018, advocating for health and hospitals. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 with The Impressions.
Butler passed away on February 20, 2025, at his home in Chicago, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was predeceased by his wife, Annette, in 2019, and is survived by his twin sons, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
Lynne Marie Stewart
Lynne Marie Stewart, born on December 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, was a versatile American actress best known for her role as Miss Yvonne on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” She began her career with The Groundlings comedy troupe in the 1970s, where she collaborated with talents like Paul Reubens and Phil Hartman.
Stewart’s film debut was in 1971’s “Drive, He Said,” and she gained recognition as Bobbie in “American Graffiti” (1973). Her television career included appearances on “MAS*H,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and “The Golden Girls.” In addition to her iconic portrayal of Miss Yvonne,
she was known for playing Bonnie Kelly, Charlie’s mother, on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Stewart was actively involved in charitable work, often appearing in character to support terminally ill children through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Movies
- Pee-wee’s Big Holiday 2016
- Hickey 2016
- Other People 2016
- We’ve Got Balls 2013
- Sparks 2013
- Bridesmaids 2011
- 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover 2004
- Enough 2002
- Silicon Towers 1999
- Guinevere 1999
- Valerie Flake 1999
- Dunston Checks In 1996
- Here Come the Munsters 1995
- The Crazysitter 1994
- Clear and Present Danger 1994
- Double Trouble 1992
- Payback 1990
- Rain Man 1988
- Elvira: Mistress of the Dark 1988
- Big Top Pee-wee 1988
- Moving 1988
- The Running Man 1987
- Summer School 1987
- Jumpin’ Jack Flash 1986
- Children of a Lesser God 1986
- Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 1985
- Weekend Pass 1984
- Young Doctors in Love 1982
- Pandemonium 1982
- The Last Married Couple in America 1980
- Coming Attractions 1978
- Cracking Up 1977
- I Never Promised You a Rose Garden 1977
- Tunnel Vision 1976
- I Wonder Who’s Killing Her Now? 1975
- Your Three Minutes Are Up 1973
- American Graffiti 1973
- Drive, He Said 1971
Television
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia 2005–2023 18 episodes
- AJ and the Queen 2020
- Mike Tyson Mysteries 2016–2019 2 episodes
- The Cool Kids 2019
- Nobodies 2018 2 episodes
- Comedy Bang! Bang! 2013–2016 6 episodes
- Go-Go Boy Interrupted 2014-2016 3 episodes
- 2 Broke Girls 2013–2016 2 episodes
- Clinical Trials 2015 4 episodes
- Benched 2014
- Child of the ’70s 2013 2 episodes
- Good Luck Charlie 2012
- Austin & Ally 2012
- Dating After Divorce 2011
- State of the Union 2010 2 episodes
- The Very Funny Show 2007 2 episodes
- American Body Shop 2007
- Curb Your Enthusiasm 2005
- The Bad Girl’s Guide 2005
- Grey’s Anatomy 2005
- Significant Others 2004 2 episodes
- Arrested Development 2004
- According to Jim 2003
- Son of the Beach 2000–2002 11 episodes
- The Brothers Garcia 2002
- Spin City 2001
- The Brian Benben Show 1998
- Working 1998
- One Saturday Morning (1999-2000)
- Almost Perfect 1997
- Alright Already 1997
- The Secret World of Alex Mack 1997
- Caroline in the City 1997
- Life with Louie) 1996–1997 6 episodes
- Suddenly Susan 1997
- Night Stand 1995–1996 31 episodes
- Dream On 1996
- The Tick 1995
- Hope & Gloria 1995
- The Elvira Show TV Movie 1993
- Herman’s Head 1993
- Family Dog 1993
- Reasonable Doubts 1992
- Batman: The Animated Series 1992
- In the Heat of the Night 1992
- Empty Nest 1991
- WIOU 1991
- Pee-wee’s Playhouse 1986–1990 30 episodes
- The Golden Girls 1990
- Night Court 1990
- A Peaceable Kingdom 1989
- On the Television 1989 7 episodes
- TV 101 1989
- Superman 1988 6 episodes
- A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 1988 13 episodes
- Remington Steele 1983–1985 2 episodes
- Dynasty 1984
- The Duck Factory 1984
- American Playhouse 1984
- The Jeffersons 1983
- Laverne & Shirley 1977–1983 7 episodes
- Laugh Trax 1982
- One Day at a Time 1982
- Madame’s Place 1982 2 episodes
- Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour 1982 8 episodes
- Laverne & Shirley in the Army 1982
- The Ri¢hie Ri¢h/Scooby-Doo Show 1981 8 episodes
- CHiPs 1979
- Husbands, Wives & Lovers 1978 10 episodes
- America 2-Night 1978 2 episodes
- Alice 1977
- Quincy, M.E. 1977
- M*A*S*H 1975–1977 5 episodes
- Hawaii Five-O 1976
- Karen 1975
- The F.B.I. 1974
- The New Temperatures Rising Show 1973
She passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the age of 78, due to a tumor near her liver and gallbladder. Stewart never married nor had children but is remembered fondly by friends and colleagues for her kindness and humor.
Rick Buckler
Rick Buckler, born Paul Richard Buckler on December 6, 1955, in Woking, Surrey, England, was the dynamic drummer for the influential British band The Jam. He met future bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton during his school years, and together they formed The Jam in the early 1970s.
The band gained prominence during the late 1970s and early 1980s, achieving 18 consecutive UK Top 40 singles, including four number one hits. After The Jam disbanded in 1982, Buckler explored various musical endeavors,
including forming the band Time UK and later joining From the Jam, a tribute act with former bandmate Bruce Foxton. Beyond music, he worked as a cabinet maker and authored several books about his experiences with The Jam. Buckler passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, in his hometown of Woking, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Lesley, and their two children, Jason and Holly.
Books
- The Jam: Our Story (1994) ISBN 9781898141105
- The Jam Unseen (2007) ISBN 9781905736836
- That’s Entertainment: My Life in the Jam (2015) ISBN 9781783057948
- Dead Straight Guide to the Jam (2017) ISBN 9781911346081
- The Start to ’77 (2017) ISBN 9781527211612
- This Day in Music’s Guide to the Jam (2018) ISBN 9781999592776
Hurricane
Hurricane, a black Belgian Malinois born on April 26, 2009, served as a Special Operations canine with the U.S. Secret Service from 2012 to 2016. He gained national recognition on October 22, 2014, when he courageously subdued an intruder who had scaled the White House fence, protecting President Barack Obama and his family. Despite sustaining injuries during the encounter, Hurricane’s dedication never wavered.
His bravery earned him numerous accolades, including the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award for Valor, the United States Secret Service Award for Merit, and the PDSA Order of Merit from the UK’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.
In 2022, he became the first canine recipient of the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal. After retiring in 2016, Hurricane lived with his handler, Marshall Mirarchi, who founded Hurricane’s Heroes, a charity supporting medical expenses for retired working dogs. Hurricane passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the age of 15, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled service and heroism.
Videos
Further Reading
Sources
- People “Jerry Butler, Legendary Soul Singer, Dies at 85 Following Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis” https://people.com/jerry-butler-soul-singer-dead-age-85-parkinsons-disease-8677478
- Wikipedia “Jerry Butler” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Butler
- OANN “Hurricane, The Most Decorated Dog In U.S. History Who Stopped WH Intruder, Has Passed Away” https://www.oann.com/newsroom/hurricane-the-most-decorated-dog-in-u-s-history-who-stopped-wh-intruder-has-passed-away/
- Wikipedia “Hurricane (dog)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_(dog)
- 45 Cat https://www.45cat.com/
- Variety “Lynne Marie Stewart, ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ and ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ Actor, Dies at 78” https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/lynne-marie-stewart-dead-pee-wees-playhouse-its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-1236316278/
- Wikipedia “Lynne Marie Stewart” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynne_Marie_Stewart
- The Guardian “Rick Buckler, drummer of The Jam, dies aged 69 after short illness” https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/feb/18/rick-buckler-drummer-of-the-jam-dies-at-69-after-short-illness
