Jerry Butler Jr. was a renowned American soul singer-songwriter-is He was the original lead of the Impressions. He was celebrated for hits like “He Will Break Your Heart.” He later served as a Cook County Commissioner. Butler, who contributed to the Civil Rights Movement’s soundtrack, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of music and family.
CUDN By Amir AH Shakur (Facebook) –Feb 20, 2025, 9:00 PM CST |Updated 1 hour ago
Today Legendary Chicago Soulman Jerry “Iceman” Butler has passed away-leaving behind a outstanding
Chicago, IL (CUDN) Butler Jr. was an “Legendary” American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician and politician from Chicago. He was the original lead singer of the R&B vocal group the Impressions. This group included The Legendary Curtis Mayfield. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
According to biographical materials, he learned how to write songs by reading Hit Parade magazine. It “printed out the sheet music of the hits performed on the show,” he wrote. “It helped us learn how not only to sight read but how to structure songs.”
Butler’s solo career had a string of hits, including the Top 10 successes “He Will Break Your Heart”, “Find Another Girl”, “I’m A-Telling You” (all written by fellow Impression Curtis Mayfield and featuring Mayfield as harmony vocal), the million selling “Only the Strong Survive”, “Moon River”, “Need To Belong” ( …
The Impressions explored the sounds of the Fifties and Sixties. They addressed both old and new social attitudes,” according to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Their music was the sound of the Civil Rights Movement.”
After “For Your Precious Love,” Mr. Butler decided to go solo. But soon he found “My career wasn’t going anywhere,” he said in his book. He and Mayfield reunited to craft Mr. Butler’s 1960 Vee-Jay hit, “He Will Break Your Heart.”
After supporting Harold Washington’s mayoral campaign, Butler won the election for Cook County Commissioner in 1985. He held this position for multiple years.
I personally met Mr. Butler. As an independent Chicago Producer, I recorded a cover of “For your Precious Love.” He was a gracious and thoughtful man! I was so amazed by his humbleness. -Amir AH Shakur, Editor Chicago Urban Daily.
ResT IN PEACE Jerry BUtler 1939-2025
Mr. Butler’s wife Annette Butler, who also was a singer, died in 2019. Survivors include their sons Anthony and Randy, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Funeral arrangements are pending. (aahs)
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