[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 9 (Monday, January 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED LARRY BUTLER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. 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.

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