Lester Butler

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Lester Butler
Born(1959-11-12)November 12, 1959
Virginia, U.S.
DiedMay 9, 1998(1998-05-09) (aged 38)
Los Angeles
GenresBlues, roots rock
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsHarmonica, vocals
LabelsDef American

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

Biography[]

Butler 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 22 tracks with Mick Jagger, again produced by Rubin. Though not issued at the time, one song, "Checkin' Up on My Baby", was officially released on The Very Best of Mick Jagger (2007).[2] The band also backed the actor and sometime musician Bruce Willis, when the action star performed at his Planet Hollywood clubs. The Devils also recorded songs with Johnny Cash, which were released on the posthumous Cash 2003 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. Two of his friends, who were involved in his overdose, were convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Discography[]

  • King King – The Red Devils (Def American, 1992; reissues: American Recordings, 1998; Music On Vinyl, 2012; Music On CD, 2015)
  • Blackwater Roll (4-song EP) – The Red Devils (This Way Up/Def American, 1993)
  • 13 Featuring Lester Butler – 13 featuring Lester Butler (Hightone, 1997; reissue: Rockbeat, 2011)
  • Live @ Tamines 1997 – Lester Butler featuring 13 (Rockbeat, 2015)

Butler also recorded harmonica with several other musicians:[1]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Ham, Char. "Lester Butler – Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  2. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Very Best of Mick Jagger – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  3. ^ Jurek, Thom. "Johnny Cash: Unearthed – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  4. ^ Koda, Cub. "13 – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  5. ^ Back Where I Belong (Album notes). Billy Boy Arnold. Chicago: Alligator Records. 1998. Track listing. ALCD 4815.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ Ham, Char. "King Ernest: King of Hearts – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  7. ^ Come On In (Album notes). R. L. Burnside. Oxford, Mississippi: Fat Possum Records. 1998. Back cover. 4577-80317-1.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ^ Life Won't Wait (Album notes). Rancid. Epitaph Records. 1998. Inner booklet.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)

External links[]

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