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George T. Butler Tribute

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George T. Butler

  • Male
  • Died Apr 09, 2008
  • California United States
This tribute is in honor of George T. Butler's life and contributions to the world of jazz. May we remember him by sharing memories, photos, and videos.
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About

Contributor to Jazz

George T. Butler Jr., an influential figure in the business of jazz as an A&R man and record company executive, died April 9 at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, Calif. He was 76.

As an A&R man for Columbia, Butler was credited with signing Wynton and Branford Marsalis and singer Harry Connick Jr. In the years he worked for Blue Note Records before moving to Columbia, he oversaw scores of albums by jazz legends including Horace Silver, Donald Byrd, Elvin Jones and Bobby Hutcherson. He also led Blue Note in a more commercial direction with fusion artists including Earl Klugh, Ronnie Laws and Bobbi Humphrey.

He started in the music business at United Artists Records before moving on to Blue Note in 1972. After moving to Columbia, he was influential in coaxing Miles Davis out of retirement and back into the studio in 1980. He also worked with Bob James, Billy Cobham, Grover Washington Jr. and other popular artists.

Butler is survived by his sister and daughter, Bethany Butler.

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Memories

Assistant 1991 - 95

Elizabeth Spratt Jun 22, 2010

Dr, George,

It was no secret that we all loved you at Columbia. And those who didnt, well were just jealous. I thought of you so often since we both left in 95 but never once did I think you passed away. How sad for me tonight to find out.

I guess I wanted to believe you'd live forever. For the record, even though you made me angry plenty, I had the time of my life. You were the most important figure in my life next to my own Dad.

You taught me how to ignore the unimportant and focus on the now. You really were the second strongest man I knew - and certainly the smartest and best dressed. Boy did we laugh at everyone!

I reall wished I could have said good bye to you, but we'll see eachother again. I'm sure of it...
Elizabeth Spratt

Kathy Saunders

Kathy saunders Apr 03, 2009

I was George's Secretary for about 5 years in the early 80's when he first came to Columbia records. He was such a charming, sweet and kind man. I'll never forget how he hired me on the spot. I was a legal secretary and had no background in the music industry but was perfect for what George wanted. We worked well together. He introduced me to his numerous Jazz greats and I always enjoyed his enthusiasm towards the artists and their music. Never a harsh work to me or anyone else. He broke my heart to know he had alzhemiers and died late last year. God bless you my Prince and may your rest in peace. Signed your Secretary, Kathy.

"GEORGE BUTLER: AN ORIGINAL MELODY"

Bobbi Humphrey Jul 14, 2008

For the rest of my life I will be eternally grateful to Dr. George Butler for giving me an opportunity to start my recording career in Jazz. I came from Texas in the summer of '71 with my flute, four hundred dollars, and my faith. George, after hearing my tape left with his assistant Carol Campbell, called and asked,"Is that really you playing, and do you want to make a record? From that day on, my life was given the best gift of any artist, the platform to create and be heard. I will forever miss his

"GEORGE BUTLER: AN ORIGINAL MELODY"

Bobbi Humphrey Jul 14, 2008

For the rest of my life I will be eternally grateful to Dr. George Butler for giving me an opportunity to start my recording career in Jazz. I came from Texas in the summer of '71 with my flute, four hundred dollars, and my faith. George, after hearing my tape left with his assistant Carol Campbell, called and asked,"Is that really you playing, and do you want to make a record? From that day on, my life was given the best gift of any artist, the platform to create and be heard. I will forever miss his stories and long phone call that we shared after he moved to the West Coast. In latter years the talks were infrequent because of his illness, but the love and respect for his vision in Jazz always remained in my heart for him. His song goes on! Love and respect, Bobbi Humphrey

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