GUESTBOOK

Now and then I pull up ” Sally go Round the Roses” and relive those wonderful early 60’s years. In that piece you captured the very essence of the era. Just of glimpse of your genius. Best to you wherever you are. – Commerce Twp. MI

Because of Tai Babilonia’s posting of some of your arrangements, I went to your website. WOW! What a collection of works performed by a variety of singers. How does one “create” so many different and successful arrangements? Where does the creativity emerge, and how? Long story short. IMPRESSIVE! Los Angeles, CA

We reconnected after 37 years owing to facebook,wedding planned for Feb. 19th, we’ve chosen “Loving You” as our wedding song. Could you forward the lyric so our attendees can read along and weep. thnx | Ames, Iowa

Hi Artie! Have been a fan and an avid listener for many years and now I find myself with a problem. Have recently rediscovered Manilow and Sussman’s Harmony and am haunted by the song ‘Where You Go’. I cannot find the sheet music anywhere and I noticed in the liner notes that you arranged the song. So I’m taking a shot and hoping that you will be kind enough to tell me where to find a copy of this beautiful song. Keep on doing the lovely things you do.will always be grateful.
Thank you, Jeanne

Artie it is a great credit to your musical genius that ‘Sally Go round the Roses’ is still a fascinating, inspiring & almost mystical song to listen to. Wish you could tell us how you got that mesmerizing sound! Australia

We have heard such wonderful news about you from your Aunt Rose and Uncle Mort. You are their dream come true. You must be a true mensch–so talented and respected.We love your aunt and uncle and their entire family. Good luck with your play. Delray Beach, Florida

Elmo Peeler told me about Feelin Alright! I bet you’ve hear some of this many times, a seemly simple riff turns out to be quite difficult to master, your timing, touch and intricacies were not so evident until I tried. Then I slowed the track down to 50% with pitch correction and heard those little grace and slur notes. Also for some reason the riff started taking on a Caribbean feeling to it, am I nuts for listening to it at halfspeed the whole afternoon, or is there something more to this? Also on the F chord (in the open) although it I only hear F-A, it seems bigger, can’t seem to get it sounding right, perhaps it was the Steinway talking? Regardless, thank you so much for the music. Wonderful World with Louis is a favorite! -Chris Southport CT Los Gatos CA

I loved reading about you!! The internet is an amazing thing. I was just looking for the music to your new show “The People In The Picture” and I ended up reading your life story!!! Wow. Thanks for all your contributions. You are incredible!!! Boston, MA

Dear Artie, I stumbled upon your website and had to write to you. When I was a teenager, Helen Reddy’s I Am Woman LP opened my eyes to the contribution a great arranger makes for pop records. I didn’t know who you were, but after reading your name on the back cover, I even ran out and bought the soundtrack to The Harrad Experiment! Later, my dad filled me in on what a musical great you are. (You probably worked with him at some point – Julius Wechter, my other favorite arranger!) “Society’s Child” and “Laughter in the Rain” are two of my all-time favorite records. Best of luck on your new projects, and thank you for all the wonderful music. Your fan for 35 years, David Wechter | Southern California

Hi from Japan!!! I was thinking back to BB King in DC and meeting you there! I just wanted to drop a line to tell you HELLO! Tokyo – Hachioji Japan

ARTIE—I GOTTA TELL YOU—OVER THE YEARS—EVERY TIME I LOOK UP THE CREDITS FOR SOME MUSIC I DIG—OBSCURE OR POPULAR—YOUR NAME ALWAYS SEEMS TO POP UP— “THE WICHITA FALLS” LP ( ON IMPERIAL )—“LAVENDER KITE” —FROM THE BOBBY VEE -“GRATES AND GRILLS”- ALBUM—- (IN FACT THE WHOLE LP IS GREAT)—THE JERRY YESTER SINGLE—“ASHES HAVE TURNED” (ON DUNHILL)—THE GREAT HORNS ON “SOLITARY MAN” (NEIL DIAMOND) —DAMN WITH BARRY MANN NOW IN THE ROCK HALL OF FAME–IF THERE WAS JUSTICE IN THIS WORLD–YOU WOULD BE IN TWICE ! I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHERE YOUR NAME POPS UP NEXT—THANKS FOR THE GREAT SOUNDS OVER THESE MANY YEARS—A MUSICIAN AND A FAN—-TONY GUDONIS

Hi Artie, Thanks for leaving the “Sally Go Round The Roses” site up for the enjoyment of those who remember that very special time. Wishing you the very best, Morey Jordan | Commerce Township, Michigan

Dear Artie !I congratulate you too this wonderful website. This site one is very informative and very interesting.How one has seen you a life exciting very much.I request you still many good projects for the future.Ask remains so as you are. A nice person. Excuse my english!Catrin from Germany http://www.barrymanilow.de

Dear Artie, I admire all of your work, but it is the very first that is dearest to my heart, “Sally Go Round The Roses”. I loved the unique sound of that song and it still evokes fond memories from the early sixties. Thanks for making it available again – it was like finding a long, lost friend. Sincerely, Morey Jordan | Detroit, MI

I love your work Maybe when you have time come by the Carlyle in NYC and look me up. | NYC

Dear Boy. Does this mean I am the first of 2007? I’m honoured if so. Artie, thanks again for letting me have ‘I Can’t Remember Ever Growing Up’ for Katherine Gang and we are both so pleased you like the result. Warmest regards as ever my Friend. | Surrey, England

This is a fan letter. I don’t write many of them but I had to write and tell you how very much I love your song,” Here’s To Life.” I am a Big Band Jazz singer and the daughter of Al Ham and Mary Mayo. I am not sure if you knew my parents or not. My father had a wonderful career as musician, producer, composer conductor, songwriter and finally radio network founder. My mother was one of the best singers ever. Mama died in 1985 and Daddy died in 2001. We played a recording of  the Joe Williams version of “Here’s To Life” for his memorial and there was not a dry eye in the house. That song was so like him, it was as if you really knew my Dad. So, thank you for that lovely song. I just finished performing on a transatlantic cruise with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. My trio and I closed my show with “Here’s to Life.” One day I will record it. A very humble thank you from a big fan….Blessings…Lorri Hafer

Mr. Butler, Why didn’t you include the greatest gig of your teen years — playing an entire summer at the Hotel Granite in Kerhonksen, NY? We were in the same band together, Ricardo and The Latineers. This is not to embarrass you but simply to tell you that working with you was both a wonderful experience and a great education for the 15-year-old guitarist and bassist I was back then. In 1967 you went to Los Angeles and I went to London, England. As you put it, the rest is history. Thereafter we actually appeared on the same Joe Cocker album! May you have continued success with your new musical.–Tony Visconti (back in NYC)

Hi Artie, It is such a pleasure to write to you. I have loved your music for the longest time. I started out as a music student in Miami. I studied arranging and had all of the wild dreams of having the path in life that you have had. I guess however it was not in the cards for me as I never had your kind of talent. You really have made some quality recordings over the years Artie. Your many types and styles of musical talents are really quite amazing. I understand from reading about you that you are basically self taught. That’s the whole point. When you have the God given gift that someone like you has, that’s the whole difference. You are to be congratulated for what you have done in your lifetime so far. I am such a big admirer of your talent. Keep up the GREAT work Artie.George Heinz | Toledo, Ohio

|Hello Artie Butler, I just love the way you arrange for Barry Manilow. You have made some great records over the years with him. I just found your website and saw that you made so many of the records I grew up on. WOW…. I can’t believe it. “Laughter In The Rain” by Neil Sedaka and “Even Now” by Barry Manilow for starters. I spent a very delightful hour or so down memory lane. I think we are kindred spirits here Artie. Honestly. I really love so much of your music. Oh yes, “Feelin’ Al-Right” by Joe Cocker. That one is great too. You are the best. Keep on Rock n’ Rollin’ there Artie. Carlene Pruit | Washington, DC