Free Jonathan Butler

• 1 Moving On 06:46
• 2 Never Find a Better Love 05:11
• 3 Free 04:37
• 4 I Am That I Am 05:13
• 5 You Are the One 04:31
• 6 Where Would I Be Without You 05:17
• 7 Show Me the Way 04:57
• 8 He Is God 06:28
• 9 Be Encouraged 05:05
• 10 New Day 04:05
• 11 Sing Africa 03:52
• Total Runtime 56:02

Info for Free

Jonathan Butler has spent a lifetime writing and recording music that uplifts and encourages others, but as he penned songs for his latest album, Free he had no idea God would use his own work to minister to him in a powerful and unexpected way.

On 'Free' Jonathan Butler reunites with Mano Hanes for the first time since his best-selling 'Brand New Day' release. Jonathan's sincere and effervescent songs of praise find their uppermost sonic level guided by Mano's producing skills.

Says Jonathan, "He's my Quincy Jones." Praise well deserved for a man whom has helmed the best of the best including Andraé Crouch, Cece Winans, is a Grammy winner and has a true connection with Jonathan. Jonathan has written deeply melodic and instantly memorable songs for 'Free' like "I Am That I Am," "He is God," "Be Encouraged" and more.

"Jonathan Butler’s Free is optimistic and forward-looking, declaring that love (of God, for others, of God for us) leads to freedom from trouble and fear, whether for the individual or for the collective. It also demonstrates the power that bright melodies and real instruments can bring to inspirational messages." (Bob Marovich, journalofgospelmusic.com)

Jonathan Butler

Jonathan Butler
is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who leads a life few can imagine. Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid and raised in poverty, Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. Though his musical abilities would take him away from the world he grew up in, Jonathan would neither forget the plight of his fellow South Africans, nor the man that led them to freedom. It is for this reason Nelson Mandela credits Butler’s music as having inspired him during his imprisonment. In more ways than one, Jonathan Butler is representative of South Africa.

Jonathan’s story begins at a very young age when his father presented him with a homemade one-string guitar. Little did his father realize that he was giving way to a musical phenomenon. From then on, Jonathan’s musical gifts grew by leaps and bounds. In his early teens Butler won a local talent contest, affording him the opportunity to perform with a touring musical company throughout South Africa. On occasion he would perform at lavish concert halls for whites only, where he would not be allowed to use the bathroom, and the very next night he would perform in a dilapidated local township. Ultimately, his ticket to a new life was music.

At thirteen, Jonathan’s talents caught the eyes and ears of the British record producer Clive Caulder. He was signed to Caulder’s Jive Records and the rest is history. Jonathan’s first single broke down racial barriers becoming the first song by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa and won the South African equivalent to a GRAMMY®.

His commitment to his craft came to fruition with his self-titled debut album, which received a GRAMMY® nomination for the pop hit “Lies.” An instrumental “Going Home” earned him another GRAMMY® nomination and the mid-tempo ballad “Sarah, Sarah” confirmed Butler’s place in popular music.

However, to Jonathan Butler, success is measured on a higher plane. A religious and spiritual man, Butler dedicates his life to being a devoted father and grandfather, and a caring citizen to his homeland, South Africa. And in spite of all the hardships, Jonathan Butler has an air of playfulness and quiet resilience that is easily visible in his passionate performances.

This album contains no booklet.