Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jerry Butler and former Cook County commissioner passes away at 85

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago soul music giant and politician Jerry Butler has died at 85 years old.

Butler first broke onto the charts in 1958 with The Impressions for the ballad “For Your Precious Love.”

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He was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the group.

During the 1980s, Butler supported the campaign of Harold Washington.

Jerry Butler was recognized in 2019 for his more than thirty years of service as Cook County commissioner. This came as a tribute to his second career after gaining fame for his iconic R&B hits.

And in 1985, he won public office as a Cook County commissioner. He served eight terms until his retirement in 2018.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement:

His passing deeply saddened many, with one individual referring to him as Jerry ‘The Iceman’ Butler. He was praised for being a legendary musician, dedicated public servant, and a cherished member of the Cook County community.

Butler’s impact on both the music industry and public service was described as immeasurable. As a key member of The Impressions, he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of R&B and soul music, leaving an enduring legacy on American music as a whole.

“Jerry Butler was more than a musical icon-he was a dedicated public servant who gave over three decades of his life to the residents of Cook County. As a Cook County Commissioner from 1985 to 2018, he worked tirelessly to expand healthcare access, improve infrastructure, and advocate for policies that strengthened our communities. His leadership as Chair of the Health and Hospitals Committee helped ensure that critical resources reached those in need.

“On behalf of the residents of Cook County, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Annette, their children, and all who loved him. His voice, his service, and his unwavering commitment to our community will never be forgotten.”

With his passing, he was remembered Friday for his talent and his voice to help others.

“I loved his music for a long time so it was a pleasure to service with home he was always in good didn’t has a lot to say, but when he did speak, he was always thoughtful,” Preckwinkle said.

Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry represented the third district after Butler retired. Lowry said the man, originally from Sunflower, Mississippi, kept his family’s early struggles front of mind as he advocated for healthcare for the people of Cook County.

“It’s seems as though he never lost the compassion for others that hopefully he was shown as he grow up, but he came from this humble beginnings,” Lowry said.

Butler was known as the “Ice Man,” performing with the Impressions and then onto a solo career.

ABC7 found singer Terisa Griffin on the road Friday with a career she credits to Butler. She said she learned about performing, show business and how to stay grounded from Butler.

“He genuinely wanted to help everybody,” Griffin said. “We lost a magnificent human being, not just an entertainer, not just a Cook County commissioner who mentored. We lost a tremendous knowledgeable human being who mentored, not just in music, but in life.”

Butler was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Annette Butler. They are survived by their twin sons.