Soul jazz and blues guitarist. His professional career began in the late 1940s with the Harlemaires, a doo-wop/R&B group. He then led various combos until he joined Harry "Doc" Bagby's trio in 1952. His most recognizable work came during his 1954 to 1961 tenure with soul jazz organist Bill Doggett. In 1956 he was a co-writer and the featured guitarist on Doggett's recording "Honky Tonk" (Parts 1 and 2), the number one R&B hit that year, and considered by many to be the first instrumental hit to climb high on the Rock and Roll charts. He recorded with dozens of musicians such as King Curtis, Dizzie Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, James Brown, and Dinah Washington. In the late 1960s and early 1970s he led his own band and recorded on the Prestige label. His work was included in the "Legends of Acid Jazz" series. Other albums included "This is Billy Butler", "Night Life", and "Guitar Soul".
Soul jazz and blues guitarist. His professional career began in the late 1940s with the Harlemaires, a doo-wop/R&B group. He then led various combos until he joined Harry "Doc" Bagby's trio in 1952. His most recognizable work came during his 1954 to 1961 tenure with soul jazz organist Bill Doggett. In 1956 he was a co-writer and the featured guitarist on Doggett's recording "Honky Tonk" (Parts 1 and 2), the number one R&B hit that year, and considered by many to be the first instrumental hit to climb high on the Rock and Roll charts. He recorded with dozens of musicians such as King Curtis, Dizzie Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, James Brown, and Dinah Washington. In the late 1960s and early 1970s he led his own band and recorded on the Prestige label. His work was included in the "Legends of Acid Jazz" series. Other albums included "This is Billy Butler", "Night Life", and "Guitar Soul".
Bio by: Rick Bryant
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