Jonathan Butler

biography

Jonathan is the product of South Africa. Born and raised in Cape Town, he spent his youth under the shroud of apartheid, an official government policy of political, legal, and economic discrimination against non-whites. His escape was music. The youngest of twelve children, he began singing publicly in South African townships at the tender age of seven. Not even in his teens, Butler's talents as a singer and guitarist were recognized and he soon found himself touring his poverty-stricken country in a travelling variety show. Though his musical abilities would soon take him away from the world he grew up in, Jonathan would not forget the plight of his fellow South Africans.
Jonathan is the product of the Western World. At thirteen his talents caught the ears and eyes of British record producer Clive Caulder. His first single broke down racial barriers, becoming the first song by a black artist to be played by white radio stations in South Africa. Because Jive was headquartered in England, Jonathan decided to move there to focus on his recording career. His commitment to his craft paid off with his self-titled debut album, which received a Grammy nomination for the pop hit ‘Lies’. His ability to blend his roots in African music with western pop sensibilities would be a trademark of many albums to follow.

A collection of diverse albums followed. Through them and extensive concert tours, Butler solidified his presence in the 1990s with a body of music that crossed colour and age lines. Was he a jazz instrumentalist that sang soulfully or a passionate R&B singer that played a cool jazz guitar? "I came to the West seeking artistic freedom to express myself," he recalled. "While my albums have always offered vocal cuts and instrumentals, for me it was never about creating music for a particular format or type of audience. That's too narrow and restrictive. For me, it's about surrendering to the will of the music and just letting it flow through me, whichever direction it may go."

Jonathan is the product of faith. Spanning twenty-eight years, fifteen albums and over one million records sold, Jonathan Butler the artist is undeniably one of the most successful Jazz musicians of the last quarter century. However, to Jonathan Butler the man, success is measured on a higher plane. A devoutly religious and spiritual man, Butler has devoted his life to being a better husband to his wife of twenty years, a better father to his three teenage children and a better citizen of his homeland, South Africa. He has released several religious-themed albums, including 2002s ‘Surrender’, which features several gospel-influenced tracks. The grooves, Butler explains, are incredibly soulful, sensual, and emotional yet the music and the message are deeply spiritual. In 2004, Butler built upon the momentum of his previous release with ‘The Worship Project’, his first true gospel record.

“This has been a great journey thus far,” Butler states. “I think that I’m a more sensitive man due to the hardships and trials that I’ve faced. While there have been some very dark days, I’ve never lost my faith and never lost hope.”

Jonathan has returned to South Africa numerous times, leading humanitarian and charity efforts for the less fortunate. An inspiration to his people, Jonathan acknowledges the challenges of growing up in a nation still recovering from decades of subjugation, but believes in the potential of his people to overcome. “ Despite enduring real pain, I know I’m blessed. I’ve got an incredible wife for twenty years now, three beautiful children, and I make a living making music. Life is sweet.”
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