Jerry Butler, a premier soul singer whose rich, steady 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 family of the late Cook County Commissioner Jerry "Iceman" Butler is appealing to his caretaker, who has planned a visitation and funeral for him.

The former Impressions lead singer had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Jerry Butler, the soul singer-songwriter and hit maker known as the Iceman, died Thursday at his home in Chicago. He was 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.

After scoring hits including 'He Will Break Your Heart' and 'Make It Easy on Yourself,' the singer went on to a second life in Chicago politics.

The soul icon who formed the group with the late Curtis Mayfield, notched 38 career Billboard Hot 100 singles over his long career.

The Chicago native first became known as a member of the Impressions with church pal Curtis Mayfield, and he soon forged out as a solo hitmaker.

A key voice for soul music made in Chicago and Philadelphia, he was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a three-time Grammy Award nominee.

Jerry Butler served the city of Chicago as a Cook County Commissioner after leaving the Impressions and concluding his music career.

Impressions singer and Chicago politician Jerry Butler has died at 85. A keystone artist, he had suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Prolific R&B singer and politician Jerry Butler - also known as “The Iceman,” died at 85. His assistant and “niece at heart,” Marty, told TMZ that Butler passed away from natural causes on Thursday night at his home in Chicago.

A longtime Chicago resident, Butler was a former Cook County board commissioner who would still perform on weekends and identify himself as Jerry "Ice Man" Butler, a show business nickname given for his understated style.