Cliff Butler


Cliff "Bishop" Butler was a DJ and a gospel, blues and R&B singer from Louisville, Kentucky, United States.

Biography

Cliff Butler was born on October 17, 1922, in Louisville, Kentucky. His earliest music experiences were with a jug band in Louisville. After serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II, he returned to his hometown and organized a band to back his vocals. His first recordings were with Three Notes for Signature Records, followed by recordings for King Records. Butler began recording for the States label with a session on November 17, 1952. The session musicians included blind pianist Benny Holton, who regularly accompanied Butler, as well as Chicago stalwarts Leon Washington on tenor sax and Red Saunders on the drum stool. On one of these recordings, "Adam's Rib," he exhibited a strong Roy Brown influence. On another track from the session, "You're My Honey, But the Bees Don't Know It," Butler was accompanied by a vocal group from Louisville, The Doves.
Butler died of cancer on January 13, 1982, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Discography

TitleLabelRelease Date
Crying BluesKing Records1949
When You Love King Records1950
I Dream Such Foolish DreamsKing Records1950
Gold Diggin' BabyKing Records1950
Hearts Only Ache King Records1950
Adam's RibStates Records1953
Benny's BluesStates Records1953
People Will TalkStates Records1953
When You LoveStates Records1953
Boogie With LouDot Records1953
Can't Get Her Off My MindDot Records1953
You're Honey But The Bees Don't Know ItStates Records1955
Jealous Hearted WomanStates Records1955
On My MindNASCO Records1957
My MoodNASCO Records1957
That's How I Go For YouNASCO Records1958
Devoted To YouNASCO Records1958
Love One AnotherNASCO Records1958
Devoted To YouNASCO Records1958
Let Us Break Bread TogetherNASCO Records1958