Paul Butterfield

Date of Birth: December 17, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: May 4, 1987

Biography

Paul Butterfield was an American blues harmonica player, singer, and band leader, born on December 17, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. He emerged as a seminal figure in the blues revival of the 1960s and became known for his powerful harmonica playing and deep connection to the Chicago blues scene. Butterfield grew up in a middle-class neighborhood and initially trained as a classical flautist before discovering the blues. In the early 1960s, he formed the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, which included future legends such as Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop. Their self-titled debut album in 1965 and subsequent releases like “East-West” (1966) were critically acclaimed and influential, blending electric blues with rock and introducing a wider audience to Chicago blues. Butterfield’s career spanned several decades, during which he collaborated with many prominent musicians, including Muddy Waters, the Band, and Bob Dylan, notably performing with Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 when Dylan famously “went electric.” Despite facing personal struggles and health issues later in life, Butterfield’s contributions to blues and rock music remained significant until his death on May 4, 1987.

5 Interesting Facts about Paul Butterfield

1. Paul Butterfield was one of the first white musicians to be taken seriously in the blues scene, often collaborating with African American artists.

2. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 2015 as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

3. Butterfield played a pivotal role in the evolution of rock harmonica, influencing countless musicians with his style.

4. He was known for his energetic and passionate live performances, which often included extended harmonica solos.

5. Butterfield was a key figure in the integration of blues and rock, helping to bridge the gap between the two genres.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paul Butterfield

1. “I guess if you stay around long enough, they can’t get rid of you.”

2. “Music is a way to express yourself, and if it’s in your heart, it’s real.”

3. “The blues had a baby and they called it rock and roll.”

4. “It’s all about feeling; if you can make the audience feel what you’re feeling, you’ve done your job.”

5. “Harmonica is my voice; it’s how I communicate.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Paul Butterfield’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the peak of his career.

Children

Paul Butterfield had two sons, Gabriel Butterfield and Lee Butterfield. Gabriel followed in his father’s musical footsteps and has worked to preserve and promote his father’s legacy.