Henry Butler: Rhythm & Blues and Jazz

Pianist, vocalist and composer Henry Butler discusses his life of teaching and performing rhythm and blues and jazz. He performs selected pieces on the piano that were influenced by his native New Orleans. Butler also shares his experience of losing his home from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Interviewing Butler is the Library's Larry Appelbaum.
Speaker Biography: Henry Butler (b 1949 New Orleans, LA) is a pianist, vocalist and composer who began playing at the age of six and quickly assimilated the blues, rhythm & blues and jazz of his hometown. Blind since birth, Butler earned a Masters degree in vocal music. He also studied piano with George Duke, Roland Hanna and Harold Mabern, and pursued further studies in Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and other Caribbean music with Alvin Batiste. Butler's home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He now lives in Denver, CO.