Jerry Butler, the legendary singer who fronted The Impressions before entering a career in politics in Illinois, has died. He was 85. The Iceman's niece Yolanda Goff confirmed his death to the Chicago Sun Times on Friday.
Jerry Butler, the veteran soul hitmaker who became a local Chicago politician, has passed away. Butler was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and the Chicago Sun-Times reports that he died at home on Thursday night.
A key voice for soul music made in Chicago and Philadelphia, he was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a three-time Grammy Award nominee.
Jerry Butler served the city of Chicago as a Cook County Commissioner after leaving the Impressions and concluding his music career.
The soul icon who formed the group with the late Curtis Mayfield, notched 38 career Billboard Hot 100 singles over his long career.
Jerry Butler has died at the age of 85. Butler was the original lead singer of the Impressions before embarking on a successful solo career.
Jerry Butler, a premier soul singer of the 1960s and after whose rich, intimate baritone graced such hits as “For Your Precious Love,” “Only the Strong Survive” and “Make It Easy On Yourself,” has died at age 85.