Billy Butterfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy Butterfield
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Billy Butterfield in the Artie Shaw band, 1940
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles William Butterfield |
| Born | January 14, 1917 Middletown, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | March 18, 1988 (aged 71) North Palm Beach, Florida |
| Genres | Jazz, swing, big band |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trumpet, flugelhorn, cornet |
Billy Butterfield (born Charles William Butterfield on January 14, 1917) was a famous American jazz musician. He was a talented trumpeter, flugelhorn player, and cornet player. He also led his own bands. Billy Butterfield became well-known for his amazing trumpet solos in many popular songs.
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Becoming a Musician
Billy Butterfield was born in Middletown, Ohio. Even though he started studying medicine in college, he loved playing music more. He learned to play the cornet and soon became a very skilled trumpeter. He decided to follow his passion for music instead of continuing his medical studies.
Playing with Famous Bands
Billy Butterfield started his music career playing with bands like Austin Wylie's. He became famous when he joined Bob Crosby's band from 1937 to 1940.
His Famous Solos
While with Bob Crosby, Billy got a chance to play a solo on a song called "What's New?" This song became very popular!
Later, in 1940, Billy joined Artie Shaw's orchestra. He played a truly memorable trumpet solo on the hit song "Star Dust". He was also a special soloist in a smaller group from Artie Shaw's band called the Gramercy Five.
Leading His Own Orchestra
From 1943 to 1947, Billy Butterfield led his own orchestra while serving in the U.S. armed forces. His band recorded the jazz song "Moonlight In Vermont" in 1944. This song featured a singer named Margaret Whiting and Billy's fantastic trumpet solos.
Recording Albums
Billy Butterfield recorded several albums during his career. He made two albums with a famous arranger named Ray Conniff. These albums were called Conniff Meets Butterfield (1959) and Just Kiddin' Around (1962). He also recorded two albums with his own orchestra for Columbia Records.
The World's Greatest Jazz Band
From the late 1960s until he passed away in 1988, Billy was a member of a group called the World's Greatest Jazz Band. This band was led by his old bandmates, Yank Lawson and Bob Haggart. Billy also traveled around the world, performing as a special guest with many different bands at jazz festivals.
On the Big Screen
You can see Billy Butterfield playing in the movie Second Chorus (1940). In the film, he is a member of the orchestra led by Artie Shaw.
Final Notes
Billy Butterfield passed away on March 18, 1988, in North Palm Beach, Florida. He was 71 years old. He left behind a legacy of incredible jazz music and trumpet playing.
Images for kids
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Billy Butterfield in the Artie Shaw band, 1940
