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.

With his resounding baritone and courtly manner, he led the Impressions before beginning a solo career, recording songs like “Only the Strong Survive.”

Jerry Butler, the soul singer-songwriter and hit maker known as the Iceman, died Thursday at his home in Chicago. He was 85. His assistant confirmed his death to The New York Times, sharing that Butler had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.