HR0167 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0167 LRB104 12637 LAW 23330 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of soul singer-songwriter Jerry Butler of Chicago, who passed away on February 20, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Butler was born in Sunflower, Mississippi on December 8, 1939; as a young child, he moved to Chicago with his family; while residing in Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing project, he met Curtis Mayfield at the age of 13; together, they sang in a church choir before pursuing musical careers, joining The Roosters, which was later renamed The Impressions; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Butler became the first lead singer of the newly-named The Impressions, leading to another name change, Jerry Butler & The Impressions; he played an integral part in the songwriting of the group's first hit, 1958's "For Your Precious Love", which was based on a poem he wrote in high school; he also sang lead on the group's follow-up hit, "Come Back My Love", before pursuing a solo career; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Butler initially struggled as a solo artist, but his career achieved true success after he and Curtis Mayfield reunited to write "He Will Break Your Heart", a song that went No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later covered by Tony Orlando & Dawn as the renamed "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)"; he continued to perform many other popular singles in the 1960s and 1970s, including "Moon River", "Make It Easy on Yourself", "Smile", "Hey, Western Union Man", "Ain't Understanding Mellow", "Close to You", and "I Wanna Do It to You"; he also co-wrote such chart-topping hits as "Only the Strong Survive" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long"; as his musical career developed, he became known for his nickname, "The Iceman", which was bestowed on him by a Philadelphia DJ who was impressed by his smooth voice and stage presence; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Butler later embarked on a new career as a public servant when he was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, representing Chicago, in 1986; he remained on the board for more than 30 years, chairing the Health and Hospitals Committee and serving on many other committees, including Criminal Justice, Roads and Bridges, and Finance; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Butler was the recipient of a number of accolades, including being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Impressions in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Butler will be remembered for his talents, the indelible mark he left on music, and his dedication to the City of Chicago; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of soul singer-songwriter Jerry Butler and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jerry Butler as an expression of our deepest sympathy.