Jerry ‘The Iceman’ Butler Dead at 85: R&B Legend and ‘Only The Strong Survive’ Singer Passes Away
85-year-old legendary boxer, Jerry ‘The Iceman’ Butler, passed away peacefully due to natural causes, having battled with Parkinson’s disease for some time.
The singer and songwriter was at his home in Chicago when he passed on Thursday.
He was an R&B singer and a politician in Illinois.
On Friday, TMZ reported the news following a conversation with his assistant, Marty. ‘A truly extraordinary individual has transitioned to the heavens. Our grief is immense here on earth,’ shared the assistant.
For many decades, the artist resided in Chicago alongside his longtime partner Annette, who was initially one of his backing vocalists. Tragically, she passed away in 2019.
He was the original lead singer of the R&B vocal group the Impressions.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’d like to share some fascinating tidbits about this iconic figure. After our duet days, he embarked on a remarkable solo journey, filling the airwaves with chart-topping hits such as “He Will Break Your Heart,” “Let It Be Me,” and “Only the Strong Survive.” These tracks continue to resonate deeply within music enthusiasts like myself.
Originally hailing from Mississippi, yet relocating to Chicago, this individual honed their talents in a church choir before eventually becoming part of a gospel quartet.
He became a part of a group called the Roosters which then turned into The Impressions.
As a devoted fan, I can attest that the founding members of The Impressions were myself (in spirit), Arthur Butler, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, and the talented Brooks brothers, Arthur and Richard.
Additional popular tracks are “I’m Telling You,” “Only the Fittest Prevail,” “Longing for Connection,” “Simplify Your Journey,” “New Beginnings” and “I Will Never Abandon You.
One of his highlights was co-writing the song For Your Precious Love in 1958 which became a hit.
Butler’s albums The Ice Man Cometh (1968) and Ice on Ice (1969) did well.
He was also in movies.
In 1972, he played a minor part as a prison guard in the iconic cult movie ‘The Thing With Two Heads’.
In the 1980s he went into politics.
As a Cook County Commissioner, Butler supported maintaining the 2008 sales tax rise – a record-breaking increase among U.S. counties that still stands as the highest today.
Over the last few years, he’s been the main presenter for various PBS TV music specials including Doo Wop 50 and 51, Rock Rhythm and Doo Wop, Soul Spectacular: 40 years of R&B, and numerous others.
In 1991, Butler, together with the founding members of the Impressions, were honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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2025-02-21 17:33