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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...
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