Legendary R&B star Jerry “The Iceman” Butler died from natural causes Thursday night in his home in Chicago.
The famous artist and respected Illinois politician suffered from Parkinson’s Disease in his later years, according to Butler’s assistant, Marty.
“An amazing man has relocated to heaven. Our loss here on earth,” she told TMZ. Butler rose to fame with The Impressions and went on to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. He shone as a solo artist, with epic hits including “Only The Strong Survive,” “Hey Western Union Man” and “Never Give You Up.”
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 05: Jerry Butler performs during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert honoring Aretha Franklin during the 16th American Music Masters Tribute at PlayhouseSquare’s State Theatre on November 5, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images for Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame)
Butler’s signature sound blended soul, R&B and the undeniable influence of gospel music. His music dominated in the 1950s and 1960s, drawing the attention of an international audience long before the internet and social media opened up the opportunity.
His songs were truly influential and were sampled by a number of other iconic music artists. Snoop Dogg sampled “I Need You” in “Think About It,” and Missy Elliot and Method Man sampled “I’m Your Mechanical Man.” The Game reworked “No Money Down.”
Butler said he earned a sizable income from his hit single “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” composed with Otis Redding, the Chicago Sun-Times reporter. Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin, Jason Isbell, Etta James, Cat Power, Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones have all covered the hit.
(MANDATORY CREDIT Ebet Roberts/Getty Images) UNITED STATES – MAY 06: BEACON THEATER Photo of IMPRESSIONS and Curtis MAYFIELD and Jerry BUTLER, Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler (R) performing on stage (Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns) Getty Images
In addition to his passion for music, Butler shone in the spotlight of his 32-year career of public service as a distinguished member of the Cook County Board from 1985 to 2018. He was also Vice Chair of the Construction Committee and chaired the Health and Hospitals Committee.
“He was very important to both music and to the community, and he will be missed,” Yolanda Goff, the singer’s niece, told The Chicago Sun Times, Friday.
“We hope the city of Chicago recognizes the legacy he leaves behind.”
Butler is survived by his sons Anthony and Randy, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild. His wife passed away back in 2019. (RELATED: Famous Rock Guitarist John Sykes Dead At 65)
Fans and loved ones pay tribute to Butler and the legacy he has left behind.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
