Welcome to Michael Valentine Studio

Biography

Jonathon Butler was born October 1961. He found music as one way of escaping the economic discrimination and oppression, which plagued his native Cape Town South Africa. The youngest of twelve children, he found the courage and certainly had the talent to begin singing publicly at the tender age of seven. Butler absorbed music from around the globe from artists such as the jazz / R&B /guitarist – singer George Benson, composer – singer and humanitarian Miriam Makeba and Stevie Wonder.

Butler’s talents would not stay secret for too long. In 1977 British producer Clive Caulder signed the thirteen-year-old Butler to Jive Records (Caulder’s own company). Though Jive records headquarters were in England, Butler’s strong presence in South Africa was confirmed by being the first black artist to have their song played by white radio stations. This landmark single also earned him a Sarie Award (South Africa’s equivalent to the Grammys).

Butler moved to England in the 1980’s to assist in his companies’ focus on his career. This would soon prove fruitful, as his debut self-titled debut album was a commercial success - and Butler was Grammy nomination for the hit single “Lies”.

Butler remained in England for seventeen years. He confirms that he “came to the West to seek artistic freedom to be able to express himself”. His free flowing artistic gift has brought many admirers from both fans and established musicians. To date he has collaborated with the likes of Rachelle Ferrell, Will Downing and Lee Ritenour to name a few.

Album reviews

I had not given Jonathon Butler much thought after the huge commercial success of “Lies” in the early 1990’s, but after listening to the colourful - sunshine filled “Do You Love Me” album released in 1997, it was obvious that I had dealt this man a great injustice – and it was ‘ME’ who had missed out! I realised it was time to rectify this situation and explore his earlier material. I was not disappointed. Both “The Source” and “Story Of Life” contain mainly vocal led compositions and ballads drenched in J B’s own personal, positive heart-warming energy.

Though I can feel the pain and frustration of township life through J B’s vocals and guitar. I cannot help but become enthralled with his sumptuous soulful compositions - and admire his optimism. Whether he is sharing his stories through rich, heart-wrenching ballads such as
“Lost To Love” (from the album “Do You Love Me”), or celebrating the success of love and relationships with compositions such as “Anniversary” (from “The Source”) J B’s ability to naturally blend his own unique warmth with lyrical beauty is inspiring.

J B’s gift does not stop there. He can also drive forward lively, rhythmic, inspirational instrumentals. Take a listen to “Dancing On the Shore” (from the album “Do You Love Me”), or “Mandela Way”,
(taken from “Jonathon”). Both these infectious worldly, upbeat compositions raise my heart rate and send a shiver down my spine.

Because J B is able to communicate so much feeling through his music, almost as if he is a man who ‘wears his heart on his sleeve’. You really do feel that you get a sense of the man, his past – and a peek into his optimistic future.

‘Feast your ears’ on Jonathon Butler’s dream and love of life. He conveys his message in such a unique and articulate way. Like me – you will wonder why this man has not received the worldwide recognition he truly deserves.

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