Renowned soul singer Jerry ‘Ice Man’ Butler passes away at age 85
Renowned soul singer Jerry Butler, known as the ‘Ice Man,’ passed away at the age of 85 at his home in Chicago from Parkinson’s disease, as confirmed by his niece, Yolanda Goff. Jerry Butler, with his rich, intimate baritone voice, was a significant figure in soul music in the 1960s and beyond, contributing hits such as “For Your Precious Love,” “Only the Strong Survive,” and “Make It Easy On Yourself.”
Having been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and receiving three Grammy Award nominations, Butler had a significant impact on soul music produced in key industry hubs like Chicago and Philadelphia. Along with his childhood friend Curtis Mayfield, Butler co-founded the Impressions, a Chicago-based group, where he sang lead on their hit song “For Your Precious Love.” Later, in the late ’60s, Butler shifted gears to join the production team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff based in Philadelphia, collaborating on hits such as “Only the Strong Survive” and “Hey Western Union Man.” Albums like “Ice on Ice” and “The Ice Man Cometh” are considered early influences on the danceable, string-powered style that embodies the classic “Sound of Philadelphia.”
Jerry Butler was known not just for his vocal talents but also his songwriting abilities. He worked with other artists like Otis Redding and Gamble and Huff to produce songs like “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” and “For Your Precious Love.” Reflecting on his songwriting, Butler once shared his inspiration behind crafting songs like “He Will Break Your Heart,” drawing from personal experiences on the road and themes of lovelorn relationships that resonated with audiences.
Born to Mississippi sharecroppers, Butler moved to Chicago at a young age during the Black community’s migration out of the South. His love for music led him early on to the Traveling Souls Spiritualist Church, where he honed his singing skills and forged lasting friendships, notably with Curtis Mayfield. The journey through the music industry eventually saw Butler navigating his transition from group performances to a solo career, as his distinct voice and style left an indelible mark on soul music.
As his music career ebbed in the 1980s, Butler ventured into politics, inspired by Harold Washington’s election as Chicago’s first Black mayor in 1983. Running for the Cook County Board in 1985 and winning multiple reelections thereafter, Butler’s foray into local politics showcased his adaptability and commitment to public service beyond his illustrious music career. Butler’s enduring legacy lies not just in his soul-stirring music but also in his enduring impact on the communities he served and inspired throughout his lifetime.