But after Butler got in a few more joking digs on Hield, the six-time NBA All-Star heaped praise upon the unofficial MVP of Game 7. “Buddy was huge,” Butler told reporters.

Butler, who died Feb. 20, was born in rural Miss., and had his first hit in 1958, singing lead with The Impressions. He later moved to Chicago and entered local politics. Originally broadcast in 2000.

Butler, who died Feb. 20, was born in rural Miss., and had his first hit in 1958, singing lead with The Impressions. He later moved to Chicago and entered local politics. Originally broadcast in 2000.

Butler, who died Feb. 20, was born in rural Miss., and had his first hit in 1958, singing lead with The Impressions. He later moved to Chicago and entered local politics. Originally broadcast in 2000.

This is FRESH AIR. I'm Terry Gross. The great soul singer Jerry Butler died last month at the age of 85. We're going to remember him by listening back to our interview from 2000. He first recorded ...

JERRY BUTLER AND CURTIS MAYFIELD: (Singing) He don't love you like I love you. If he did, he wouldn't break your heart. He don't love you like I love you. He's trying to tear us apart. Fare thee well.