Lester Butler (November 12, 1959 – May 9, 1998)[1] was an American blues harmonica player and singer. He achieved fame as the singer and harmonica player for the Los Angeles, California, blues rock band, the Red Devils
Lester Butler | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 12, 1959 Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | May 9, 1998 (aged 38) Los Angeles |
| Genres | Blues, roots rock |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Harmonica, vocals |
| Labels | Def American |
Biography
editButler was born in the U.S. state of Virginia. The Red Devils released one album, 1992's King King, which producer Rick Rubin released on his Def American record label.[1] In June 1992, the Red Devils recorded 13 tracks (and numerous alternate takes) with Mick Jagger, again produced by Rubin. Though not issued at the time, one song, "Checkin' Up on My Baby", was officially released in 2007 on The Very Best of Mick Jagger.[2] The Devils also recorded songs with Johnny Cash, which were released in 2003 on the posthumous Cash boxed set Unearthed.[3]
After the breakup of the Red Devils, Butler fronted the band, 13, releasing one self-titled album on Hightone Records in 1997.[4] Butler achieved his greatest fame in Europe,[1] especially the Netherlands. He died of an overdose of heroin and cocaine on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles at the age of 38.[5] Two friends, who were involved in his overdose, were convicted of manslaughter.[5]
Discography
edit- King King – The Red Devils (Def American, 1992)
- Blackwater Roll (4-song EP) – The Red Devils (This Way Up/Def American, 1993)
- 13 Featuring Lester Butler – 13 featuring Lester Butler (Hightone, 1997)
- Live @ Tamines 1997 – Lester Butler featuring 13 (Rockbeat, 2015)
Butler also recorded harmonica with several other musicians:[1]
- Billy Boy Arnold – "Shake Your Hips", which appears on the album, Back Where I Belong (Alligator, 1993)[6]
- King Ernest – "Black Bag Blues", on King of Hearts (Evidence Music, 1997)[7]
- R. L. Burnside – "It's Bad You Know", on Come On In (Fat Possum, 1998)[8]
- Rancid – "Intro", on Life Won't Wait (Epitaph, 1998)[9]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Ham, Char. "Lester Butler – Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Very Best of Mick Jagger – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
- ^ Jurek, Thom. "Johnny Cash: Unearthed – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
- ^ Koda, Cub. "13 – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
- ^ a b Simmonds, Jeremy (2012). "Lester Butler". The Encyclopedia of Dead Rock Stars (2nd. ed.). Chicago Review Press. p. 397. ISBN 978-1-61374-478-9.
- ^ Back Where I Belong (Album notes). Billy Boy Arnold. Chicago: Alligator Records. 1998. Track listing. ALCD 4815.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Ham, Char. "King Ernest: King of Hearts – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
- ^ Come On In (Album notes). R. L. Burnside. Oxford, Mississippi: Fat Possum Records. 1998. Back cover. 4577-80317-1.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Life Won't Wait (Album notes). Rancid. Epitaph Records. 1998. Inner booklet.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)