Jerry “The Iceman” Butler Passes Away at 85

We are sad to report that Jerry “The Iceman” Butler, the original lead singer of The Impressions who went on to a successful career as a solo artist and in politics, passed away at age 85.

Butler’s assistant and “niece at heart,” Marty, exclusively confirmed the news to TMZ, saying he passed away from natural causes Thursday night at his home in Chicago. Marty notes that Jerry suffered from Parkinson’s Disease.

“An amazing man has relocated to heaven. Our loss here on earth,” she went on to say.

Born on December 8, 1939, the Mississippi-born, Chicago-raised Butler was known as the original lead singer of The Impressions. The group (which included fellow soul icon Curtis Mayfield) broke onto the charts in 1958 with “For Your Precious Love.” The track peaked at #11 on the Billboard Top 100 and #3 on the R&B Singles chart.

Other successful singles, like “Gypsy Woman,” “Keep On Pushing,” and “People Get Ready,” cemented The Impressions’ impact on Soul music. For their contributions, The Impressions were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Following his departure from the group, Butler would go on to have a successful solo career. His debut solo track, “He Will Break Your Heart,” spent seven weeks at the top of the R&B charts and peaked at #7 on the pop charts in 1960. Subsequent hits include “Never Give You Up” and “Only The Strong Survive.”

Butler earned the nickname “The Iceman” in 1961 from Philadelphia DJ George Woods. Woods used the nickname to describe Butler’s cool and calm demeanor after the PA system failed at a local concert.

In the 1980s, Butler switched his focus to politics after witnessing the election of Harold Washington as Chicago’s first Black mayor in 1983. Encouraged by then-Chicago alderman and current U.S. Representative Bobby Rush, Butler ran for a position on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Elected in 1986, Butler held his post until his retirement in 2018.

Butler didn’t completely abandon his musical roots, however. He continued to perform sporadically through the years, hosted R&B oldies specials for PBS, and chaired the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s board.

Butler leaves behind his sons Randy and Anthony. His wife of 60 years, Annette, precedes him in death.

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