04/05/17 Jonathan Butler - Apartheid, Stardom and Redemption
Butler began his singing career at age 7, releasing his first album in 1973 and winning the Best New Artist Grammy in South Africa at age 12. He made history by being the first black artist played on white South African radio while earning three gold records. His songs \u201cPlease Stay\u201d went double gold and \u201cI Love How You Love Me\u201d went gold in 1975 as he became a teenager.
More than a decade later, Butler moved to London, England after signing with Jive Records and released his first album internationally. The self-titled set went gold in 1987 in the United Kingdom and in the USA. He received Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song for his R&B-pop vocal hit \u201cLies\u201d and for Best Jazz Song for his instrumental \u201cGoing Home\u201d. His genre busting material received abundant airplay in multiple radio formats: pop, urban, contemporary jazz, adult contemporary and gospel. Butler\u2019s 2004 album \u201cSurrender\u201d went gold in South Africa where he remains a superstar.
In concert, Butler remains a captivating and powerful performer, pouring his heart into selections from his immense catalogue. In additions to being a popular draw at headline dates, festival shows and music cruises, Butler thrives on interacting with his fans. For the past 4 years, he has led a group of 35 guests each fall on the Jonathan Butler Safari, during which he shares his South Africa by visiting important landmarks in his life, as well as historic locales such as the prison on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was jailed.
During an extraordinary musical life that has unfolded in the public eye, Butler has seen and endured a lot. He\u2019s watched his country turn itself inside out for the better \u2013 much like he has done with his own life. Living and witnessing the brutalities and injustice of oppression as a celebrated child star while at the same time not permitted to enjoy basic human rights, indulgence naturally became his coping device. If not for a spiritual intervention, his light would have been extinguished long ago on the dark path of abuse and self-destruction. His music has purpose, providing comfort and genuine inspiration. When he sings, he testifies to the glory and healing power of love. When he plays guitar, his fingers innately find notes of passion and divinity. Jonathan Butler\u2019s recording career has carried him far, far beyond his wildest dreams. He\u2019s living his dream and that is a blessing for us all.