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Honoring The Life Of Northwest Florida’S Beloved Larry Butler

Volume
Volume 158 , Number 9
Pages
Pages E56
Legislative Body
Extensions of Remarks
Date
Mon, Jan. 23, 2012

Rep. Jeff Miller

legislator photo
Party
R
State
FL

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I rise today to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Larry Butler. Northwest Florida and the world of music and entertainment mourn the loss of an extraordinarily gifted man.

A musical prodigy, Larry Butler began his distinguished career at the mere age of six, when he made a guest appearance singing with the Henry James Orchestra. At the age of nine, he had his own show on Pensacola's WEAR-TV3; and by his twenty-first birthday, Mr. Butler was already recording with musical legends such as George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. He later collaborated with both Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers, on some of their most well known hits. Mr. Butler is a two-time Grammy Award Winner with over 100 gold and platinum awards. He won his first Grammy for writing B.J. Thomas' hit song, ``(Hey, Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.'' His second Grammy was for Producer of the Year.

In addition to his celebrated musical career, Mr. Butler has contributed his hard work and talent to improving Northwest Florida. After Hurricane Ivan devastated the Gulf Coast in 2004, Mr. Butler played a crucial role in orchestrating and producing three sold-out concerts with musical friends, Kenny Rodgers, Willie Nelson, and Will Hedgecock, which together raised more than a half million dollars for community rebuilding efforts.

To some, Larry Butler will be remembered as a musical genius; to others, he will be remembered for his charitable work in the Northwest Florida Community; and to his family and friends, he will always be remembered as a loving father and spouse. He touched the lives of many, not only with his music, but also with his devotion and commitment to his family and community.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize the life and deeds of Larry Butler--a talented musician, committed community activist and loving family man. He will be missed by many, but his memory will live on through the timeless legacy he left. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the entire Butler family.