Chicago soul giant Jerry Butler, who rose to fame with the group Impressions and enjoyed a successful solo career spanning decades, has died at the age of 85. Born on December 8, 1939, in Sunflower, Mississippi, Butler’s music career was marked by numerous hit singles and iconic collaborations.
Butler first gained recognition as part of the Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers alongside Curtis Mayfield, before breaking out with the group Impressions in 1958. Their debut single “For Your Precious Love” is often credited as the first soul record. After leaving the group, Butler achieved his first solo hit with Vee-Jay Records and went on to collaborate with legendary songwriters like Gamble and Huff.
In addition to his music career, Butler had a successful foray into politics, serving on the Cook County Board of Commissioners from 1986 to 2018. He was elected after being encouraged by fellow Commissioner Bobby Rush, and credited his experiences in politics as an opportunity to use his voice to make a positive impact.
Throughout his life, Butler continued to perform and contribute to the music industry, hosting oldies R&B specials for PBS and chairing the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s board. He published his autobiography “Only the Strong Survive: Memoirs of a Soul Survivor” in 2000 and was married to his wife Annette for 60 years.
Butler is survived by his sons Randy and Anthony, and his legacy as one of soul music’s greatest voices will be remembered for generations to come.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/music/news/jerry-butler-impressions-singer-dead-chicago-politician-1236315232