Jerry Butler, a premier soul singer of the 1960s and after whose rich, intimate baritone graced such hits as “For Your Precious Love,” “Only the Strong Survive” and “Make It Easy On Yourself,” has died at age 85.

The Grammy-nominated R&B and soul singer/songwriter, who became involved in local politics in Chicago later in life, reportedly had Parkinson's.

The former Impressions lead singer had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Jerry Butler, the soul singer-songwriter and hit maker known as the Iceman, died Thursday at his home in Chicago. He was 85.