Jerry Butler, legendary R&B singer and Illinois politician, dies at 85

Jerry ‘The Iceman’ Butler, iconic R&B singer and longtime Illinois commissioner, passes away at 85.

Jerry "The Iceman" Butler, the legendary R&B singer and long-time Illinois politician, has passed away at the age of 85. 

According to his assistant and "niece at heart," Marty, Butler died from natural causes on Thursday night at his home in Chicago. Marty also revealed that Butler had been suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

Butler, best known as the lead singer of the influential R&B group The Impressions alongside Curtis Mayfield, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. He later enjoyed a successful solo career, with hits like "Only The Strong Survive" and "Never Give You Up."

In addition to his musical achievements, Butler had a distinguished career in politics, serving as a commissioner for Cook County, Illinois from 1985 to 2018. He was also Vice Chair of the Construction Committee and chaired the Health and Hospitals Committee. His death marks a significant loss to both the music and political communities.