US singer and songwriter Jerry Butler, known for his influential and versatile career in soul music, has died aged 85. Born to a poor family in Mississippi, Butler was raised in Chicago and initially trained as a chef before becoming a renowned musician.
Butler’s gospel background influenced his early song “For Your Precious Love”, which reached No 11 on the US charts in 1958 with group Jerry Butler and the Impressions. The group featured childhood friend Curtis Mayfield, who later fronted them after Butler’s solo career began. Their collaboration resulted in hits like “People Get Ready” and “He Will Break Your Heart”.
Butler also co-wrote hits for other artists, including Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”. He earned the nickname “Iceman” for his calm stage presence and continued to release music throughout his career. However, after a decline in success in the 1970s, he shifted focus to his beer distribution company.
In the 1980s, Butler entered politics, serving on the Board of Commissioners in Cook County, Illinois from 1986 until his retirement in 2018. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 as a member of the Impressions, and his music has been sampled by hip-hop artists such as Snoop Dogg and Missy Elliott.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/feb/21/jerry-butler-iceman-soul-singer-illinois-politician-dies-aged-85