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Jonathan Butler

Jonathan Butler is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who leads a life few can imagine. Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid and raised in poverty, Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. Though his musical abilities would take him away from the world he grew up in, Jonathan would neither forget the plight of his fellow South Africans, nor the man that led them to freedom. It is for this reason Nelson Mandela credits Butler’s music as having inspired him during his imprisonment. In more ways than one, Jonathan Butler is representative of South Africa. 

Jonathan’s story begins at a very young age when his father presented him with a homemade one-string guitar. Little did his father realize that he was giving way to a musical phenomenon. From then on, Jonathan’s musical gifts grew by leaps and bounds. In his early teens Butler won a local talent contest, affording him the opportunity to perform with a touring musical company throughout South Africa. On occasion he would perform at lavish concert halls for whites only, where he would not be allowed to use the bathroom, and the very next night he would perform in a dilapidated local township. Ultimately, his ticket to a new life was music. 

At thirteen, Jonathan’s talents caught the eyes and ears of the British record producer Clive Caulder. He was signed to Caulder’s Jive Records and the rest is history. Jonathan’s first single broke down racial barriers becoming the first song by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa and won the South African equivalent to a Grammy®.  

His commitment to his craft came to fruition with his self-titled debut album, which received a Grammy® nomination for the pop hit “Lies.” An instrumental “Going Home” earned him another Grammy® nomination and the mid-tempo ballad “Sarah, Sarah” confirmed Butler’s place in popular music.  

However, to Jonathan Butler, success is measured on a higher plane.  

A religious and spiritual man, Butler dedicates his life to being a devoted father and grandfather, and a caring citizen to his homeland, South Africa.  

And in spite of all the hardships, Jonathan Butler has an air of playfulness and quiet resilience that is easily visible in his passionate performances.



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Album Review

Jonathan Butler: Close To You

Read "Close To You" reviewed by Chris Mosey


Dearly Beloved, Jonathan Butler having loudly--even hysterically, you might feel--proclaimed to the world that he has fallen in love with Jesus, let us consider his latest album and ponder Verse Two of “I'll Never Fall In Love Again" by Messrs. Hal David and Burt Bacharach: What do you get when you kiss a girl? You get enough germs to catch pneumonia. Surely anyone who can turn words like that into a smash hit must ...

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Live Review

Jonathan Butler at Yoshi's

Read "Jonathan Butler at Yoshi's" reviewed by Walter Atkins


Jonathan ButlerYoshi'sOakland, CAOctober 27, 2016 Serious Bay Area fans braved heavily snarled traffic on this rainy dark Thursday night for the second set of renowned South African guitarist Jonathan Butler. Now living in warm Southern California, Butler and his potent band flew in the same day for a two night stand at Yoshis in jny: Oakland. Butler's steadfast band consisted of bassist Dan Lutz, drummer Chaun Horton and keyboardist Arlington Jones.During his introduction, ...

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Recording

For Jonathan Butler, Living His Dream Is Now A Breeze

For Jonathan Butler, Living His Dream Is Now A Breeze

Source: Great Scott P.R.oductions

The singer-songwriter-guitarist’s “Living My Dream” album is released today as “African Breeze” storms the Billboard Smooth Jazz Singles chart. Sherman Oaks, Calif. (23 June 2014): Last year’s struggles serve as the theme of the material two-time Grammy nominee Jonathan Butler wrote and recorded at the House of Blues studios in Los Angeles for “Living My Dream,” which was released today by Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Records. Among the many facets of his songbook incorporating R&B, contemporary jazz and traces of his ...

Recording

Rising Above The Struggles, Butler Is Living His Dream

Rising Above The Struggles, Butler Is Living His Dream

Source: Great Scott P.R.oductions

Family, friends - including Marcus Miller and the late George Duke - and an “African Breeze” combine forces on “Living My Dream,” coming June 24 from the R&B-jazz artist. Sherman Oaks, CA: It took a while for Jonathan Butler to feel comfortable saying it, but the South African singer-songwriter-guitarist’s confidence has grown as he celebrates what he calls “the season of me” and finally admitting that he is living his dream. He tells the story of his life and loves ...

Recording

Jonathan Butler's Holiday Spirit Of Giving Gives Year-Round

Jonathan Butler's Holiday Spirit Of Giving Gives Year-Round

Source: Great Scott P.R.oductions

Singer-songwriter launches a foundation to reclaim children from drugs and poverty through music education in his native South Africa in conjunction with the release of “Merry Christmas To You.” Sherman Oaks, CA - It may only be the beginning of November, but two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler is in full holiday spirit with the release of his first Christmas album, “Merry Christmas To You,” and the launch of the Jonathan Butler Foundation in his South African homeland to fund music ...

Recording

This Christmas Will Be A Very Special Christmas For Jonathan Butler

This Christmas Will Be A Very Special Christmas For Jonathan Butler

Source: Great Scott P.R.oductions

Singer-songwriter-guitarist will release “Merry Christmas To You” on October 1 and embark upon the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour this holiday season. Sherman Oaks, CA: Santa Claus has a special treat to stuff in the stockings of all the good Jonathan Butler fans this Christmas: the first Christmas album by the two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter-guitarist. Butler produced and arranged “Merry Christmas To You,” which will be released October 1 by Artistry Music. Two singles will be shipped to multiple radio ...

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Performance / Tour

Soul Of Summer A Multicutural Affair

Soul Of Summer A Multicutural Affair

Source: Great Scott P.R.oductions

U.S. concert tour featuring Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. and Elan Trotman launches May 25th in San Diego Los Angeles, CA: The spirit of spring is followed by the Soul of Summer, which this year will take on an international flair. The third edition of South African singer-songwriter-guitarist Jonathan Butler’s summer concert trek will feature multi-talented Latina Sheila E. and Barbadian saxophonist Elan Trotman. Backed by a 3-piece band and Butler’s daughter Jodie Butler on background vocals, the set list will ...

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Recording

Jonathan Butler Releases New Album, "Grace And Mercy"

Jonathan Butler Releases New Album, "Grace And Mercy"

Source: DL Media

A life well lived is often the best foundation for compelling art and there’s no denying Jonathan Butler has been blessed with a fascinating life. A South African native whose expansive musical gift has earned accolades in the R&B, contemporary jazz and gospel fields, Butler’s new release Grace and Mercy is filled with the soulful sounds and insightful lyrics fans have come to expect from the veteran performer. A key word in Butler’s life is balance and after years of ...

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Performance / Tour

Jazz This Week: Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller, Jonathan Butler, Phil Perry, and More

Jazz This Week: Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller, Jonathan Butler, Phil Perry, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

This week's schedule of jazz and creative music in St. Louis includes several shows featuring keyboard players, starting tonight when pianists Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller (pictured) begin a four-night engagement at Jazz at the Bistro. Both men are considered to be among the top piano players in mainstream jazz , and being able to hear them together, working out on a pair of nine-foot Steinway grands, is a rare opportunity. For more about Miller and Barron, and some videos ...

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Video / DVD

STLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Spotlight on Jonathan Butler

STLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Spotlight on Jonathan Butler

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

This week, our video spotlight is on singer and guitarist Jonathan Butler, who's coming to St. Louis next Friday, September 24 for a concert at the 560 Music Center in University City. The concert, which is part of the festivities surrounding the annual Gateway Classic college football game next weekend, will feature St. Louis saxophonist Tim Cunningham as opening act. A native of South Africa, Butler makes music with a sound that could ...

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Performance / Tour

Jonathan Butler to Play Friday, September 24 at 560 Music Center

Jonathan Butler to Play Friday, September 24 at 560 Music Center

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

Guitarist and singer Jonathan Butler (pictured) is coming back to St. Louis to perform on Friday, September 24 at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave. in University City.Butler was here most recently in April, 2009, when he was part of the Jazz Attack tour that played the Pageant. His show at the 560 Music Center will be part of the festivities surrounding the annual St. Louis Gateway Classic college football game.Show time will be at ...

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Recording

Jonathan Butler Releases His Highly Anticipated CD "So Stong"

Jonathan Butler Releases His Highly Anticipated CD "So Stong"

Source: Michael Ricci

MULTI-TALENTED ARTIST JONATHAN BUTLER CELEBRATES TRIUMPH AFTER TRAGEDY WITH UPLIFTING NEW 'SO STRONG' CD World Renowned Singer, Songwriter & Guitarist Shows Optimistic Spirit Against Insurmountable Odds LOS ANGELES - Critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler celebrates life in all its complexity on So Strong, the brand-new CD due May 11th on Rendezvous Music. This inspirational, 11-track effort finds the South African born hit-maker reaching deep within to glory in survival and revival after a year of personal turmoil ...

Photos

Concerts

May 16 Thu

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Close To You

Mack Avenue Records
2018

buy

Grace And Mercy

Rendezvous Music
2012

buy

So Strong

Rendezvous Music
2010

buy

Jonathan

Not On Label (Jonathan Dane Self-released)
2005

buy

The Worship Project

Maranatha! Music
2004

buy

Videos

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