Paul Butterfield
December 17, 1942 – May 4, 1987
Paul Butterfield was a harmonica player and singer who was an integral part of the growth of blues rock. He was also part of the Chicago scene of the early ’60s that introduced the blues to middle class white kids. He was also one of the few “blues” artists that performed at Woodstock. In his early days, Butterfield, along with friend Elvin Bishop, played with the likes of Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Howlin’ Wolf. He spent the next two decades performing and recording with various versions of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. In the early ’80s, Butterfield was diagnosed with peritonitis, a serious and painful inflammation of the intestines which would dog him for the rest of his life, and unfortunately, he developed an addiction to herion to help with the pain. His drug use eventually bankrupted him and ultimately took his life when he died of what was ruled an accidentaly overdose on May 4th, 1987. He was 44 years old.
What You Should Own
I loved what Paul Butterfield and his bands did! He opened up a whole new world to me as a young boy/man and showed how the blues could go in many directions. I still listen to him to this day and Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw is still one of my favorites.
This was my education and he was the professor. Thank you Paul.
Awesome Ray! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. Yes, he was one of the greatest
Vince