Chicago Soul Legend Jerry Butler Dies at 85
Chicago Sun Times reports that Jerry Butler, the beloved soul singer and former politician, has passed away at the age of 85. No cause of death was given, but he had been battling Parkinson's disease.
Butler's career took off in 1958 when he and Curtis Mayfield sang "For Your Precious Love" as part of the Impressions. Rolling Stone later hailed the song as "the first soul record."
Butler left the Impressions in 1960 and launched a successful solo career. His chart-topping hits included "He Will Break Your Heart" and "Only the Strong Survive."
In the late 1960s, Butler teamed up with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the legendary production duo who wrote and produced some of his most iconic songs.
During the 1980s, Butler turned his attention to politics, serving as a Cook County commissioner for 32 years.
"He felt that he had a voice because of all the blessings he'd been given, and that he could use it for other people," said fellow commissioner Larry Suffredin.
Despite his political career, Butler never fully abandoned music. He continued to perform occasionally and released a memoir, "Only the Strong Survive," in 2000.
Butler's passing is a significant loss to the music industry and the city of Chicago. He will be remembered as one of the pioneers of soul music and a dedicated public servant.