Butler was the original lead singer of the Impressions before embarking on a successful solo career Jerry Butler has died at the age of 85. Per the Chicago Sun-Times, Butler died on Thursday, Feb. 20 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease,

Jerry Butler, a soul music giant who later served as a Windy City politician, has died following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 85. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee died at his Chicago home on Thursday night of undisclosed causes, a family friend told the Chicago Sun-Times.

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