Gerry Butler, Author at

Independent Historian

Gerry Butler has a History Degree from the University of Washington specializing in Military History. Though his current career is in technology and Healthcare, his passions will always be researching history, traveling to major historical sites of the world, and spending as much time as possible with his wife (Karen) and children (Jack and Lily).

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)

Louis Daniel (Louie) Armstrong is perhaps the most important and influential person in the history of jazz music, swing music, and jazz vocal styling. His virtuosic ability with the trumpet, his distinctive gravelly low vocal style, his bright personality, and his band leadership abilities helped … Read MoreLouis Armstrong (1901-1971)

Romare Bearden (1912-1988)

Romare Bearden was a twentieth century African American artist who specialized in paintings and collages and also produced works in the performing arts and literature. Romare Howard Bearden was born on September 2, 1911, to Howard and Bessy Bearden in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bearden grew … Read MoreRomare Bearden (1912-1988)

Billie Holiday (1915-1959)

Billie Holiday is considered by many critics and fans to have been one of the most important jazz vocalists of the twentieth century. Her difficult life of poverty, abusive relationships, and drug abuse helped give her voice a deep, raw emotion that was expressed in … Read MoreBillie Holiday (1915-1959)

Miles Davis (1926-1991)

Miles Davis was one of the most influential and innovative jazz musicians of the 20th Century. He constantly altered his sound to introduce new forms of jazz and led the progression of jazz from the 1940s to the 1980s. Miles Dewey Davis III was born … Read MoreMiles Davis (1926-1991)

Scott Joplin (1867-1917)

Scott Joplin, a musician and composer of ragtime music, was born in 1867 to ex-slave parents who worked as laborers on a Texas farm. At an early age they moved to Texarkana, on the Texas-Arkansas border, and it was here, following his mother as she … Read MoreScott Joplin (1867-1917)

Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996)

Ella Fitzgerald was a female jazz singer considered without equal at the height of the jazz era. Her voice had an amazing and vibrant range that allowed her to sing nearly every jazz style. Ella was also an accomplished composer and bandleader who performed into … Read MoreElla Fitzgerald (1917-1996)

Edward “Duke” Ellington (1899-1974)

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington is one of the greatest jazz composers, performers, and bandleaders in American history. His compositions, and the travels of his band, exposed the world to jazz and earned him the nickname, “The Ambassador of Jazz.” Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in … Read MoreEdward “Duke” Ellington (1899-1974)

Condoleezza Rice (1954- )

Condoleezza Rice has earned distinction as a scholar, expert on international politics, and with her appointments as the first African American woman National Security Advisor and Secretary of State of the United States. Rice was born on November 14, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama to John … Read MoreCondoleezza Rice (1954- )

Colin Powell (1937-2021)

Colin Powell was a retired four-star United States Army General who was the first African American to serve as National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joints Chief of Staff, and Secretary of State. Colin Powell was born on April 5, 1937, in the Bronx, New … Read MoreColin Powell (1937-2021)

Roberto Clemente (Walker) (1934-1972)

Roberto Clemente (Walker) was considered one of the leading right fielders in baseball; he was well known for his selfless dedication to providing aid to Latin American people in need. Clemente was born on August 18, 1934, in Barrio San Antón in Carolina, Puerto Rico, … Read MoreRoberto Clemente (Walker) (1934-1972)