Billy Butler (guitarist)


William Butler Jr. was an American soul jazz guitarist.

Career

A native of Philadelphia, Butler began his career in the 1940s behind the Harlemaires. In the 1950s he was a member of a trio led by Doc Bagby and accompanied keyboardist Bill Doggett. He co-wrote "Honky Tonk", an R&B hit for Doggett.
Butler also worked with Al Casey, King Curtis, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Bill Davison, Tommy Flanagan, Panama Francis, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Johnny Hodges, Floyd "Candy" Johnson, David "Fathead" Newman, Houston Person, Sammy Price, Jimmy Smith, Norris Turney, and Dinah Washington.
He is credited as the guitarist on Joey Dee and the Starliters' "Peppermint Twist, Parts 1 & 2" recorded in September 1961 at the Peppermint Lounge in New York City. Part 1 of the song went to the top of the Billboard pop charts in January 1962.
Butler died of a heart attack at home in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 1991.

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Gene Ammons
With King Curtis
With Bill Doggett
With Dizzy Gillespie
With John P. Hammond
  • Big City Blues
  • Mirrors
With Johnny Hodges
With Illinois Jacquet
With Ben E. KingWhat Is Soul
With Freddie King
With Memphis Slim
With David "Fathead" Newman
With Houston Person
With Jimmy Smith
With Sonny Stitt
With Grady Tate
With others