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Jerry Butler, Impressions Singer and Chicago Politician, Dies at 85
Chicago soul giant Jerry Butler, a singer with Curtis Mayfield's Impressions and a Windy City politician, has died. He was 85.
Boasting a strong baritone that reached into the upper register to powerful effect, the suave, nattily attired vocalist was dubbed “the Iceman” in 1961 by WDAS Philadelphia DJ George Woods when he retained his cool and kept singing after the PA system failed at a local concert. He also co-wrote a notable 1965 hit with rising Memphis soul star Otis Redding: “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” which the pair penned after a shared concert date in Buffalo, NY. Butler never completely abandoned music: He continued to perform occasionally into the new millennium, hosted oldies R&B specials for PBS and chaired the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s board.
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