" . . . Butler's recollections of the racially segregated 'chitlin circuit,' the early days of the civil rights movement and fellow performers like Dinah Washington, Little Willie John and Dionne Warwick are fascinating and insightful. . . . Only the Strong Survive makes one wish it came with a soundtrack." —The New York Times Book Review "[Only the Strong Survive] presents a portrait of a remarkable performer, as well as an up-close and personal look at the world of rhythm and blues from the perspective of an insider. . . . A moving chronicle of one of America's music pioneers." —Chicago Tribune "More than an autobiography, Only the Strong Survive is also a glimpse at the political and social climate of the times which shaped the life of one man." —Ebony
Presents the world of rhythm and blues from the perspective of an insider. This book features anecdotes about such R&B legends as Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, and Dionne Warwick. It chronicles the 'Iceman's' journey from rural Mississippi to Chicago and the founding and eventual breakup of the legendary Impressions vocal group.
