Singer Jerry Butler, 85, passes away

Jerry Butler, the legendary soul singer known as 'the Iceman', passed away at the age of 85. His music career spanned three decades, showcasing a variety of styles from doo-wop to boudoir soul, with iconic hits like 'For Your Precious Love' and 'Moon River'. Butler attributed his calm stage presence to a supportive teacher from his childhood, who instilled pride and dignity in her students. In addition to his musical achievements, Butler pursued a successful political career, serving as a Cook County commissioner from 1985 to 2018. His legacy continued to resonate, as evidenced by Bruce Springsteen's inclusion of Butler's songs in his 2022 cover album. Butler's impact on both music and culture remains significant, reflecting the evolution of African-American popular music.