George T. Butler Tribute

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.

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