Singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler became an apartheid hero in the ‘70s when his teenage debut single became the first song by a black artist to receive airplay on white radio stations in his native South Africa. Nearly 40 years later, he remains an enduring icon of positive social change through music, gracing audiences with his uplifting voice on inspiring performances of his early South African music and later classics like “Lies.” At his 2013 dates, Butler was joined on stage by his daughter, whose continued presence on tour as a backing singer ensures more spiritually satisfying shows in 2014.

BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:

Born in apartheid-era Cape Town, the precocious young Butler showed musical promise from an early age, beginning to tour at just age seven before going on to achieve success as a teen recording idol. After a stint with South African jazz-rock legends Pacific Express, Butler signed to Jive records, relocating to the UK to continue writing and recording. He achieved his biggest international success in 1987 with “Lies,” a Grammy-nominated hit that landed at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the course of his decade-spanning career, Butler has released more than 20 albums, exploring a broad range of styles including jazz, pop, and gospel. Following the release of a Christmas album in 2013, Butler is once again the road for a string of highly anticipated North American dates.

FANS WHO BOUGHT TICKETS SAY:

“Jonathan Butler feels every note he plays and sings, this was quite an evening with great music.”

“Musician, singer, songwriter Jonathan Butler provides a solid evening of entertainment featuring songs he has written, many made famous by other stars, but superbly covered by this great artist. His musicianship is stellar and his voice always a delight.”

“If Jonathan Butler ever comes close to your location, you must go. These days his daughter, Jody Butler, is performing with him. She's an unexpected treat.”