1942 – 1987

Paul Butterfield

American blues harmonica player (1942–1987)

harmonicistsongwritermusiciansinger

Born

1942-12-17, Chicago

Died

1987-05-04

Birthplace state

Illinois

Biography

Paul Vaughn Butterfield was born in Chicago on December 17, 1942, and died on May 4, 1987. A blues harmonica player, singer, and bandleader, he initially trained as a classical flautist before turning his attention to blues harmonica. He engaged with the blues scene in Chicago, where he encountered Muddy Waters and other blues musicians who encouraged him and invited him to participate in jam sessions. He performed alongside Nick Gravenites and Elvin Bishop.

Occupation

Paul Butterfield is recorded as a harmonicist, a songwriter, a musician and a singer, born in Illinois (1942–1987).

Connections to Illinois

Paul Butterfield was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1942. Explore other notable figures from Illinois, historic sites connected to this era, and the full colonial and statehood history of the state using the links below.

Other notable figures from Illinois›Illinoishistory ›Historic sites in Illinois›

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More notable figures from Illinois

Other historical figures born in Illinois, ranked by historical prominence.

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Robin Williams

American actor and comedian (1951–2014)

Ray Bradbury

American author and screenwriter (1920–2012)

Bobby Fischer

American chess player (1943–2008)

James Watson

American molecular biologist, geneticist, zoologist and Nobel Laureate (1928–2025)

Frequently asked about Paul Butterfield

Who was Paul Butterfield?

Paul Butterfield was American blues harmonica player (1942–1987), born in Illinois (1942 – 1987).

When and where was Paul Butterfield born?

Paul Butterfield was born on 1942-12-17 in Chicago.

When did Paul Butterfield die?

Paul died on 1987-05-04.

What was Paul Butterfield known for?

Paul Butterfield is recorded as a harmonicist, a songwriter, a musician and a singer.

Source

Biographical content adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Source: Wikipedia.

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