Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler, legendary R&B singer and Chicago politician, dies at 85

Jerry Butler, a soul singer of the 1960s and a Chicago politician, has died at the age of 85.

His niece, Yolanda Goff, confirmed his death to the Chicago Sun-Times, stating that he passed away on Thursday at his home in Chicago.

The cause of death was not disclosed, although he had been battling Parkinson’s disease.

Family, friends, and colleagues mourn Butler’s death

“He was very important to both music and to the community, and he will be missed,” Yolanda Goff said, adding that they hoped the city of Chicago recognises the legacy he let behind.

“We are deeply and sincerely mourning the loss of our dear and longtime friend, the great Jerry Butler, aka ‘The Iceman,’ known for his cool, smooth vocals and demeanour,” said songwriters and producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who had known Butler for over 60 years, in a joint statement. “He was a one-of-a-kind music legend!”

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Butler’s singing career

Butler first sang in his church choir, where he met Curtis Mayfield. Together, they formed the legendary R&B group The Impressions. As lead vocalist, Butler helped the group achieve a Top 100 hit with For Your Precious Love in 1958, which later made Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs list. Although his time with the group was brief, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

As a solo artist, Butler, known as The Iceman, scored numerous R&B hits in the 1960s, including He Will Break Your Heart, Make It Easy on Yourself, and Only the Strong Survive, which was later covered by Bruce Springsteen.

Jerry Butler’s early life

Born on 8 December 1939 in Sunflower, Mississippi, Butler moved to Chicago with his family at the age of three. He grew up in the Cabrini-Green housing projects on Chicago’s Near North Side. Although he once aspired to be a chef, he became involved in gospel music alongside Curtis Mayfield as a member of the Traveling Souls Spiritualist Church.

Butler’s time in politics

Butler’s music career slowed in the early 1980s as he turned his attention to politics.

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In 1986, he was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, overseeing the city of Chicago. He served two terms before being elected Cook County Board Commissioner in 1994, a role he held until his retirement in 2018.

FAQs:

1. Who was Jerry Butler?
Jerry Butler was an influential American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer, best known for his smooth, powerful voice and lasting impact on the music industry.


2. Why was he known as ‘The Iceman’?
Jerry Butler earned the nickname The Iceman due to his cool, smooth stage presence and calm, collected demeanour. His ability to deliver soulful, emotional performances with effortless composure contributed to this iconic title.