R&B legend Jerry Butler, known affectionately as "The Ice Man," passed away at the age of 85 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Butler's contribution to music and public service left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans and his community alike.
People reported that a family friend confirmed his death to the Chicago Sun-Times, marking the end of a prolific life dedicated to music and public service. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Butler's health had been ailing, yet his enduring influence remains undiminished.
Born in Sunflower, Mississippi, in 1939, Butler moved with his family to Chicago when he was just three years old.
His musical talents were nurtured in church, where he first discovered his love for singing, and he soon joined the Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers. His early exposure to music sowed the seeds of what would become a legendary career.
Butler's journey into popular music began with the acclaimed R&B group, the Impressions. The group achieved its first major hit in 1958 with "For Your Precious Love," a song Butler would recall as pivotal.
"For Your Precious Love is the one song that if I go and perform someplace and don't sing it, people want their money back," Butler shared with NPR. The song’s overwhelming success marked the burgeoning of Butler's career.
In 1960, pursuing a solo path, Butler left the Impressions. This decision ushered in a successful solo career, where he produced hit after hit.
His repertoire includes memorable tracks like "He Will Break Your Heart" and "Only the Strong Survive." His signature sound and unique contributions earned him the nickname "The Ice Man," given to him by DJ Georgie Woods in Philadelphia.
Throughout his career, Butler released more than 50 albums, securing his place as a staple figure in American R&B. His talents were formally recognized in 1991 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Impressions. Besides his illustrious music career, Butler committed over three decades to public service, serving as a Cook County Commissioner from 1986 to 2018.
Butler’s influence extended beyond music into the halls of civic engagement. His dedication to the community and public service mirrored his passion for music, with many in Chicago recognizing his contributions to both fields.
"He was very important to both music and to the community, and he will be missed," shared Yolanda Goff, highlighting Butler’s integral role in shaping cultural and civic life.
On a personal front, Butler was married to Annette Butler in 1959, and the couple maintained a strong partnership until her passing in 2019.
Recalling their life together, Butler once said, "We were two young kids having a heckuva time," reflecting on their shared journey. The couple's legacy is carried forward by their twin sons, Anthony and Randy, along with four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Apart from his family and community, Butler leaves behind lessons gleaned from a life of creativity and service. "I was the guy that never expected to be in show business. Show business was an avocation," Butler disclosed in a conversation with NPR in 2005. This humility and dedication to craft defined his approach to both music and life.
Butler's role extended beyond entertainment; his presence in Chicago's political and social arenas was keenly felt. "We hope the city of Chicago recognizes the legacy he leaves behind," is a sentiment echoed by many who witnessed his contributions firsthand.
Reflecting on his early experiences, Butler shared with KPBS in 2011, "While performing one night in Philadelphia, the sound system went down, and from my days in the church, we just kept on singing." This anecdote captures Butler’s adaptability and unwavering dedication to his craft, characteristics that paved the way for an enduring legacy.
