Jerry Butler death: age and date
Jerry Butler, the American soul singer and politician, died on February 9, 2018. He was born September 8, 1939, making him 78 years old at the time of his death. His death was attributed to natural causes. Below is a concise verification table summarizing key dates and attributes related to his life and death.
Key dates and attributes
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | September 8, 1939 | Biographical records |
| Date of death | February 9, 2018 | Obituary reports |
| Age at death | 78 years old | Calculated from dates above |
| Place of death | Chicago, Illinois, USA | Obituary reports |
| Cause of death | Natural causes | Coroner and news reports |
Context on Jerry Butler’s career
Before exploring the circumstances around his death, it is valuable to understand who Jerry Butler was and his contributions to music and public service. Jerry Butler rose to fame as an American soul singer during the 1950s and 1960s, scoring numerous R&B hits and influencing generations of vocalists. He also served as a Cook County Commissioner in Illinois from 1985 to 2018, demonstrating a long commitment to public service alongside his artistic career.
Early life and musical start
Born in Sunflower, Mississippi, Butler moved to Chicago as part of the Great Migration. He began singing in church and later joined local vocal groups, which eventually led to his discovery by prominent figures in the music industry. His smooth voice and socially aware lyrics helped define the sound of Chicago soul.
Political career and public service
In parallel to his music career, Butler was elected as a Cook County Commissioner in 1985. He served multiple terms, advocating for criminal justice reform, healthcare access, and economic development. This dual role as artist and policymaker made him a notable figure beyond the music world.
Confirming the age at death
Age at death is calculated by comparing date of birth to date of death, accounting for whether the birthday had occurred in the death year. For Jerry Butler, born in 1939 and deceased in 2018, the calculation results in 78 years old. This figure is consistently reported in obituaries and official records, confirming its accuracy.
Clarifying common misconceptions
In the reporting surrounding his death, some confusion arose about the cause and circumstances. It is important to note that his death was attributed to natural causes, and there was no evidence of external factors. Additionally, some may confuse him with other figures of similar names, but the official records clearly identify the singer and commissioner Jerry Butler.
Remembering his legacy
Jerry Butler’s influence extends beyond his years. His music remains a staple of soul and R&B playlists, and his public service left a lasting mark on local governance. Reflecting on both his artistic and civic contributions offers a fuller picture of his life and the respect he earned.
Frequently asked questions
- What was Jerry Butler’s age at death? He was 78 years old.
- When did Jerry Butler die? He died on February 9, 2018.
- Where did Jerry Butler die? He died in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
- What was the cause of Jerry Butler’s death? The cause was natural causes.
- Did Jerry Butler serve in public office? Yes, he served as a Cook County Commissioner from 1985 until his death in 2018.