His biggest hits included foundational Philly Sound songs "Hey, Western Union Man" and "Only The Strong Survive," written with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

Chicago soul giant Jerry Butler, a singer with Curtis Mayfield's Impressions and a Windy City politician, has died. He was 85.

Jerry "The Iceman" Butler died February 20 at 85. A Rock Hall of Fame inductee with The Impressions, he had a successful solo career and later entered politics.

Jerry Butler, a premier soul singer of the 1960s and after whose rich, intimate baritone graced such hits as "For Your Precious Love," "Only the Strong Survive" and "Make It Easy On Yourself," has died at age 85.

The Grammy-nominated R&B and soul singer/songwriter, who became involved in local politics in Chicago later in life, reportedly had Parkinson's.

Jerry Butler, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and original lead singer of the Impressions who later embarked on a successful career as a solo artist and a Chicago politician, has died at the age of 85.

Jerry Butler, the soul singer-songwriter and hit maker known as the Iceman, died Thursday at his home in Chicago. He was 85. His assistant confirmed his death to The New York Times, sharing that Butler had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Jerry Butler, the beloved Chicago soul singer, producer and, later, politician who began his career in the late 1950 singing alongside childhood friend Curtis Mayfield in the Impressions, has died at 85.

Jerry Butler, a premier soul singer of the 1960s and after whose rich, intimate baritone graced such hits as “For Your Precious Love,” “Only the Strong Survive” and “Make It Easy On Yourself,” has died at age 85.