Jerry Butler, the legendary soul singer known as ‘The Iceman,’ has passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind an indelible mark on the music industry and the local Chicago community. Butler’s niece, Yolanda Goff, confirmed his death, stating he died Thursday at his home after battling Parkinson's disease.
Born on December 8, 1939, in Sunflower, Mississippi, Butler moved to Chicago with his family at the age of three. He grew up surrounded by music, developing his extraordinary baritone voice through church choirs, where he met his childhood friend Curtis Mayfield. Together, they formed the revered soul group, the Impressions, whose first major hit, “For Your Precious Love,” released in 1958, became a defining moment for both Butler and the burgeoning soul genre.
“For Your Precious Love” reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is often celebrated for its emotional depth and soulful essence. With his smooth and powerful voice, Butler was one of the first artists to bridge the gap between gospel and popular music, and critics have acknowledged the song as among the earliest soul records. Butler himself remarked, “We were trying to find a new sound... We didn’t want to be doo-wop. We wanted to have a different and lasting impression.”
Following his stint with the Impressions, which lasted only three years due to internal conflicts and the pressure from fame, Butler launched a successful solo career. His subsequent hits included “He Will Break Your Heart,” which peaked at No. 7, “Make It Easy on Yourself,” and the reflective anthem “Only the Strong Survive,” which became his highest-charting single, reaching No. 4 on the pop charts.
Butler's collaboration with songwriting and production duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff resulted in many of his hits during his golden era with Mercury Records. Listening to Butler's work, Gamble and Huff commented, “We deeply and sincerely mourn the loss of our dear and longtime friend the great Jerry Butler aka ‘The Iceman.’ He was one of a kind music legend!” His signature style, characterized by effortless poise and heartfelt delivery, did much to endear him to audiences. Butler was bestowed the nickname ‘The Iceman’ by Philadelphia DJ George Woods after he continued to perform coolly after technical difficulties at one of his concerts.
Butler remained active musically through the 1970s, with notable collaborations and hits such as “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” co-written with Otis Redding, and “Let It Be Me,” performed as a duet with Betty Everett. His music flowed seamlessly from melodic R&B to inspirational soul-stirring songs, exemplified perfectly by his deep baritone emphasizing themes of love and perseverance. The accolades continued to roll in, with Butler being inducted as part of the Impressions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
By the early 1980s, Butler's music career began to wane, leading him to pivot toward politics. Inspired by the election of Chicago's first Black mayor, Harold Washington, Butler ran for the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Successfully elected to the board in 1985, he dedicated over three decades to public service, advocating for the community and ensuring representation for the needs of his constituents. “I think he got involved [in politics] for only one reason—he felt he had a voice because of all the blessings he’d been granted,” explained fellow Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin.
Butler's political career did not overshadow his musical roots; he continued to perform live and hosted PBS specials celebrating R&B and soul throughout his political tenure. He also contributed significantly to the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, creating opportunities and support systems for fellow musicians.
His contributions extended beyond music and politics. Butler helped push for changes advocating for artists’ rights and benefits—an area he felt strongly about based on personal experiences as part of the music industry. He candidly stated, “Did I make 40, 50 million dollars? No. Did I keep one or two? Yes. It’s not how much you make. It’s how much you keep.”
Butler's legacy is richly woven within Chicago’s cultural fabric, and his contributions to both the music world and local community will be remembered for generations to come. His nephew expressed the family’s hope for acknowledgment from the city, stating, “We hope the city of Chicago recognizes the legacy he leaves behind.”
Through both joy and hardship, Jerry Butler remained dedicated to his craft and communities, leaving behind two sons, four grandchildren, and countless fans and musicians affected by his artistry. While he has passed, the echoes of his music and his story of resilience and generosity will undoubtedly endure, celebrating the life of one of soul music’s finest voices.