Biography
21 September 1949, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. A pianist, vocalist and composer, Butler’s work explores ethnic, gospel, blues and European classical traditions as part of a refreshingly eclectic take on contemporary jazz. Blind since birth, he has also become one of the most prominent sightless photographers in America with exhibitions in several major cities. Butler began to write his first melodies as a child, working in a neighbour’s piano, and by the age of eight he began more disciplined musical studies at the Louisiana State School for the Blind in Baton Rouge. Later he attended Southern University where he received a Bachelor’s degree as a voice major. He was a protégé of clarinettist Alvin Batiste but also studied with Professor Longhair. A parallel apprenticeship in the live performance of New Orleans piano blues helped to pay his tuition fees. A scholarship to Michigan State University followed for his...
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