Soul Legend Jerry Butler Dies at 85, Leaving Lasting Legacy

Jerry Butler, the iconic soul singer known as 'The Iceman,' passed away at the age of 85 at his Chicago home after battling Parkinson's disease. Born in Mississippi, Butler became a prominent figure in the Chicago music scene, co-founding the Impressions with Curtis Mayfield and achieving early fame with the hit 'For Your Precious Love.' His solo career flourished in the 1970s and 1980s with notable songs like 'Only the Strong Survive' and 'He Will Break Your Heart.' In addition to his music, Butler had a successful political career as a Cook County commissioner from 1985 until his retirement in 2018, where he also chaired the Health and Hospitals Committee. Butler's contributions to both music and community leadership earned him a lasting legacy, including his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. His passing marks a significant loss to the music industry and his supporters, who remember him as a gifted storyteller and humanitarian.