Lester Butler

Lester Butler (1959-May 10, 1998) was an American blues harmonica player and singer. He achieved fame as the singer/harp player for the Los Angeles-based blues-roots band The Red Devils, which released one album, 1992's King King (produced by Rick Rubin on his Def American label).

The group featured several standout musicians, include drummer Bill Bateman (The Blasters), Paul "The Kid" Size on lead guitar and pianist Gene Taylor.

The Red Devils were known for backing Mick Jagger on the Rubin-produced sessions for the album Wandering Spirit, though those tracks were not used (they have since cropped up on various bootlegs). The band also backed actor and sometime musician Bruce Willis when the action star performed at his Planet Hollywood clubs. The Devils also backed Johnny Cash on music that wasn't released until the country singer's death, on the boxed set Unearthed.

Butler also fronted the band 13 featuring Lester Butler, releasing one self-titled record on Hightone Records in 1997.

He achieved his greatest fame in Europe, where the Lester Butler Tribute Band still performs.

Butler died on May 10, 1998, as the result of an accidental drug overdose.

Discography

King King - The Red Devils
13 featuring Lester Butler - 13 featuring Lester Butler