Jerry Butler, soul legend and Chicago politician, dies at 85: A look at his life and legacy
The renowned R&B pioneer and Windy City stateman, has passed away at 85. Known as "The Iceman," he gained fame with The Impressions before a successful solo career and later served over 30 years as a Cook County commissioner, leaving a lasting heritage.
Jerry Butler´s influence spans music and politics, leaving a lasting imprint on both. Born in Mississippi in 1939, he moved to Chicago, where he co-founded The Impressions alongside Curtis Mayfield. Their 1958 hit “For Your Precious Love” helped define early soul music.
Butler’s smooth baritone led to a successful solo career, with classics like “He Will Break Your Heart” and “Only the Strong Survive.” In the 1980s, he transitioned into politics, serving as a Cook County commissioner until 2018. His contributions to each fields remain influential.
How did Jerry Butler shape soul music and Chicago politics?
His impact on funk and R&B began with The Impressions, where his smooth vocals helped define the genre’s early sound. His solo career thrived with hits like Only the Strong Surviveand collaborations with Curtis Mayfield, Gamble, and Huff. Nicknamed The Iceman for his cool, effortless delivery, Butler co-wrote timeless tracks, fusing doo-wop, gospel, and rhythm and blues into a style that endured for generations.
Beyond music, Butler’s leadership extended into public service, serving as a Cook County administrator for over three decades. Inspired by Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington, he shifted from the stage to civic affairs in 1986. His tenure was dedicated to community advocacy, proving that whether through melody or policy, his voice remained a force for change.
What was Jerry Butler’s secret to balancing music, business, public service, and family?
Even as his chart success declined in the late '70s, Butler remained a vital force in the industry. In 1970, he established the Butler Songwriters Workshop, mentoring artists such as Terry Callier and the songwriting duo Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy. His entrepreneurial ventures included launching a production company and an independent record label, ensuring Chicago soul thrived beyond his own recordings. Later, as chairman of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, he championed the recognition of artists while occasionally returning to the stage.
From gospel choirs to soul charts, Jerry Butler’s journey in music began with a voice that stood out from the start. Photo: Newsweek
His transition into civic duty reflected his dedication to the community. Elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1986, he devoted more than 30 years to advocating for programs and society development. Fellow commissioner Larry Suffredin recalled how Butler’s habit of humming during meetings reflected both his passion and deep engagement.
Through it all, he found unwavering support in his wife, Annette, his partner for 60 years. Before their marriage, she had been his backup singer, standing by his side both on and off the platform. Her passing in 2019 at age 81 was a profound loss, but Butler’s effect endures through their sons, Randy and Anthony.