February 22nd 2025.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerry Butler, an iconic baritone singer and co-founder of The Impressions music group. At 85 years old, Butler passed away in his Chicago home on February 20th.
Known for his soulful hits such as "For Your Precious Love" and "Only the Strong Survive," Butler's talent earned him two Grammy nominations. He had been battling Parkinson's disease prior to his passing.
According to USA Today, Butler also dedicated around 30 years of his life to serving the public as a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners in the Chicago area. Toni Preckwinkle, the board's president, expressed her condolences in a statement to the news outlet.
Preckwinkle shared, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Jerry 'The Iceman' Butler, a legendary artist, devoted public servant, and cherished member of our Cook County community. His impact on music and public service is immeasurable. As a founding member of The Impressions, his powerful voice helped shape the R&B and soul genre, leaving a lasting impression on American music."
She went on to add that Butler was more than just a musical icon, but also a passionate advocate for the people of Chicago. "During his time as a Cook County Commissioner from 1985 to 2018, [Butler] tirelessly worked to improve access to healthcare, enhance our infrastructure, and advocate for policies that strengthened our communities. His leadership as Chair of the Health and Hospitals Committee ensured that vital resources were available to those in need," Preckwinkle shared.
Butler's roots can be traced back to Missouri, where he was born to parents who worked as sharecroppers. In the late 1950s, he joined forces with his friend Curtis Mayfield to form The Impressions, alongside fellow members Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks, and Art Brooks. The group signed with Vee-Jay Records and made their debut with hit singles "For Your Precious Love" and "Come Back My Love." After a successful run, Butler eventually pursued a solo career in 1960.
One of his most notable solo hits, "Only the Strong Survive," was a collaboration with songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, and it became his highest-charting single. The song reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time of its release. Throughout his career as a soul singer, Butler had a total of 38 tracks on the Hot 100 list.
In a related event, rapper Ja Rule gave a heartfelt tribute to Butler at Irv Gotti's funeral service, highlighting the impact the late singer had on the music industry. Butler's legacy will continue to live on through his timeless music and his dedication to serving others.
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