title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER JERRY "ICE MAN" BUTLER
WHEREAS, Jerry Butler was born on December 8, 1939, in Sunflower, Mississippi. At the age of three, his family relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where he and his family lived in the Cabrini-Green housing complex. Growing up in an environment marked by economic hardship and racial segregation, Commissioner Butler found solace and inspiration in music and the church, where he first honed his vocal talents; and
WHEREAS, as a teenager, Commissioner Butler became a member of the Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers, where he sang alongside his close friend Curtis Mayfield. Influenced by legendary gospel artists such as Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers, the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, and the Pilgrim Travelers, Commissioner Butler and Mayfield later formed the Roosters, which evolved into The Impressions. This group would go on to redefine the sound of soul music and inspire generations of artists; and
WHEREAS, in 1958, Jerry Butler, as the original lead singer of The Impressions, co-wrote and recorded the seminal hit For Your Precious Love alongside Arthur and Richard Brooks. This song, which became the first gold record for the group, was later recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. After leaving The Impressions in 1960 to embark on a solo career, Butler released a string of Billboard hits, including He Will Break Your Heart, Only the Strong Survive, Let It Be Me, Moody Woman, Hey Western Union Man, and Never Give You Up, securing his place as a leading figure in rhythm and blues music; and
WHEREAS, , Commissioner Butler’s extraordinary contributions to music earned him induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. In addition to his musical achievements, Commissioner Butler also served as Chairman of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, advocating for the recognition and fair treatment of fellow artists; and
WHEREAS, beyond his musical legacy, Commissioner Butler was a devoted husband to Annette Smith, whom he married on June 21, 1959. Their love story was one of profound commitment and enduring affection, exemplified by Butler’s long walks to visit her during their courtship. Their union blessed Commissioner Butler with a family, which he credited as the cornerstone of his personal life; and
WHEREAS inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Commissioner Butler transitioned into public service. He was an ardent supporter of Harold Washington’s historic mayoral campaign in the 1980s and, driven by his desire to create positive change, successfully ran for public office in 1985. Butler was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners and would later serve as the first Cook County Commissioner for the 3rd District when the County Board transitioned to representative districts. Commissioner Butler served with distinction for an unparalleled eight consecutive terms, from 1984 to 2018; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as a Commissioner, Commissioner Butler played a pivotal role in advocating for public health, housing, and community development initiatives. He chaired the Health and Hospital Committee, ensuring equitable healthcare access for Cook County residents, and served as vice-chair of the Construction Committee, where he contributed to infrastructure improvements across the district; and
WHEREAS, despite his commitments to public service, Commissioner Butler never abandoned his passion for music, continuing to perform and delight audiences well into his tenure as a Commissioner. He also made significant contributions to television and film, hosting Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) specials such as Doo Wop 50 & 51, Rock Rhythm and Doo Wop, and Sound Spectacular, and even appearing in the 1972 science fiction film The Thing with Two Heads; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler’s impact on Cook County and beyond extended beyond his professional achievements. Commissioner Butler was a mentor, a community advocate, and a beloved figure known for his warmth, wisdom, and dedication to uplifting others. His legacy continues through his sons Randall and Anthony, his grandchildren, great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews, cousins, and an extensive network of friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Butler’s passing on February 20, 2025, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to both artistic excellence and public service. His legacy will forever be enshrined in the history of Cook County and the broader cultural and political landscape; and
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER, along with our colleagues on the Cook County Board, do hereby honor the life, work, and enduring contributions of Commissioner Jerry “Ice Man” Butler-a man whose voice not only defined a musical generation but also echoed through the halls of public service, leaving an indelible mark on both the arts and governance; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Commissioner Jerry Butler as a token of the deep respect, appreciation, and gratitude of the Cook County Board of Commissioners;
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that an official copy of this Resolution be entered into the permanent records of the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, 3rd District, and the Office of the Cook County Board President, in tribute to the life and legacy of Commissioner Jerry Butler, ensuring that his remarkable contributions to music, politics, and community advocacy will be remembered for generations to come.
end