John "Picayune" Butler facts for kids

John "Picayune" Butler (who passed away in 1864) was a talented Black French singer and banjo player. He lived in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. He moved to New Orleans from the French West Indies in the 1820s.

One person who inspired him was Old Corn Meal. Old Corn Meal was a street vendor who became famous for singing and dancing. He performed at the St. Charles Theatre in 1837. By the 1820s, Butler started traveling around the Mississippi Valley. He performed music and funny clown acts for audiences. His fame grew, and by the 1850s, people knew him as far north as Cincinnati.

In 1857, Butler took part in the first banjo tournament in the United States. This event was held at New York City's Chinese Hall. He faced a challenge during the competition and placed second. John Butler is important because he was one of the first Black entertainers. He helped shape American popular music.

Butler's Influence on Music

John Butler had a big impact on other performers. He especially influenced entertainers who performed in a style called blackface minstrelsy. In this style, performers would often paint their faces. They would then act out exaggerated characters.

For example, a circus performer named George Nichols learned a song from Butler. The song was called "Picayune Butler Is Going Away". Nichols also said he learned the famous song "Jump Jim Crow" from Butler. Another song, "Picayune Butler's Come to Town", was published in 1858. This song was named after him, showing how well-known he was.