R&B Musician. A native of San Diego, California, he was a member of the musical group, 'The Vocals' from 1963 until they disabanded in 1965. The group formed in Los Angeles, California, and included Lamonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Harry Elston, and of course Butler. The group started off as the 'Hi-Fi's,' in the Ray Charles Tour in 1963. Thanks to Charles they got lucky and signed with the Tangerine Record Label, releasing there first single, 'Lonesome Mood,' a year later. In 1964, they appeared with Margie Hendrix on the recording, 'Let No One Hold You.' In 1965, problems had started in the group and both Butler and Elston left to pursue other projects including operating a clothing store, and forming another group. The group officially disbanded for good in 1965. Following the breakup McCoo got a job at a department store, before joining the group, 'The Fifth Dimension,' along with McLemore. In 1968, Elston and Butler formed the group, 'The Friends of Distinction,' with Jessica Cleaves, Barbara Jean Love, and later with Charlene Gibson (she replaced Love during her pregnancy). After practicing for an estimated six months the group toured the local circuits of Los Angeles, California, and then recruited former football player Jim Brown as there manager. Thanks to Brown's help the group were signed to the RCA Records Label, releasing there first single, 'Grazing In The Grass,' originally recorded by jazz musician Hugh Masekela. The song became a hit, landing on the R&B charts for 17 weeks. This was followed by another hit, 'Going In Circles,' which lasted for 19 weeks at number three on the charts. After recording three more singles, 'Time Waits For No One,' I Need You,' and 'Love Or Let Me Be Lonely,' the group encountered some personal changes and both Jessica Cleaves and Barbara Love left the group. The group disbanded for good in 1973. Butler who also served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, died of a heart attack on April 29, 1990, at the age of 52. In 1996, Elston reformed the group with new members including, Pattie Brooks, Drake Frye, and Van Jewel. Other recordings by the group are, 'You And I,' 'New Mother Nature,' and 'Willa Faye.'