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, 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.

His biggest hits included foundational Philly Sound songs "Hey, Western Union Man" and "Only The Strong Survive," written with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.