Jerry Butler, Hey, Western Union Man | Throwback Vibez

In the 32nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Hey, Western Union Man” by the legendary soul musician, Jerry Butler.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 32^nd edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Hey, Western Union Man” performed by Jerry Butler.

“Oh, Western Union Man / Send a telegram to my baby / Send a telegram, send a telegram, woah.”  That is a dated request, right? Perhaps, since, generally, sending telegrams is a thing of the past, specifically by Western Union.  Still, that doesn’t stop refined baritone singer  Jerry Butler (1939 – 2025) and “Hey, Western Union Man” from ‘catching the ears’ nearly 60 years after his 1968 Grammy-nominated album,  The Ice Man Cometh, arrived.  The Ice Man Cometh is Butler’s masterpiece filled with classics – singles and non-singles alike. “Hey, Western Union Man” commences The Ice Man Cometh with a bang. It was written by Butler alongside the iconic songwriting and production duo of Kenneth Gamble (1943 – ) and Leon Huff (1942 – ). A top 20 hit for Butler, “Western Union Man” peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

“Hey, Western Union Man” is a masterclass in how to begin an album. Instantly, the song ‘hypes up’ the listener.  How? “Western Union Man” is groovy to the nth degree – a catalyst for body movement.  As to be expected with anything associated with Gamble and Huff, the musical arrangement and production are glorious.  The rhythm section is tight, while the string riffs are decadent. The melodies are tuneful, setting the tone for the masterpiece that is The Ice Man Cometh overall.  Of course, the ‘star of the show’ is Jerry Butler who is simply one of the greatest of great soul musicians.  His performance is nuanced and soulful without feeling the least bit forced. Butler infuses ample personality regarding L-O-V-E. “I want you to tell her that I’m all alone / I tried to call her on the phone,” he asserts in the first verse, continuing, “Tell her I’m in misery and think she’s avoiding me.” That appears to be the case, Jerry.  In the second verse, he remains persistent regarding the telegram: “Tell me, have you got a boy you can send? / Well, this is what I want him to do / Put him on his bike right away / See if he can get my message through.” Who cares if telegrams are rare anymore? What is most relevant and important about “Hey, Western Union Man” is ‘boy chasing/pursuing a girl he likes’ which will NEVER get old. He needs her – it’s crucial!  The Iceman ‘eats’ on this unforgettable classic.

Jerry Butler // The Ice Man Cometh // Mercury / UMG Recordings, Inc.  // 1968

Jerry Butler, Hey, Western Union Man: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 32 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Mercury / UMG Recordings, Inc.;; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]