Biography
John Boutté was born on November 3, 1958, in the Seventh Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, the eighth of ten children in a Creole-Catholic family. Growing up in this culturally rich neighborhood, he was immersed in the sounds of jazz funerals, Mardi Gras parades, and the R&B music of artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. During his school years, he played trumpet and cornet in junior high and high school marching bands, where he became a section leader, and also sang in street a cappella groups with names like "Spirit" and "Remnant." He studied business at Xavier University of Louisiana while participating in ROTC, and after graduation was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, where he served for four years and directed and sang in Army gospel choirs across Virginia, Texas, and Korea.
After returning to the United States, Boutté initially worked for a credit union rather than pursuing music professionally. His career trajectory changed when he met Stevie Wonder, who recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue singing as a profession. He joined his older sister Lillian Boutté on a European tour, which marked the beginning of his professional music career. He was featured as a vocalist on Lillian's 1994 live album Gospel United, and released his debut solo album Through the Eyes of a Child in 1996. Since the mid-1990s, Boutté has been active as a jazz singer known for a diverse musical style encompassing jazz, R&B, gospel, Latin, and blues.
Boutté's most significant cultural contribution came through his composition "Treme Song," which became the theme song for HBO's series Treme. He appeared in multiple seasons of the show, performing songs and serenading characters. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous awards, including multiple Best Male Vocalist honors and wins for Best Latin Music Album, Best Traditional Jazz Album, and Song of the Year. He is recognized as "the voice of New Orleans" and described as a soul singer of generational significance who sings for those in the city who lack a voice or have been forgotten.
Fun Facts
- Boutté was so committed to staying in New Orleans that when HBO's "Treme" series came around, he refused to tour extensively, leading to rumors that he was afraid to fly.
- He grew up in a family of ten children in the Seventh Ward and is the younger brother of jazz and gospel singer Lillian Boutté; he is also a relative of cartoonist George Herriman.
- During his military service in Korea, Boutté would sing gospel and blues after hours in restaurants he'd accidentally entered, which helped him discover himself as an American, an artist, and a person.
- His composition "Treme Song" from his Jambalaya album won Song of the Year in 2010 and became the theme song for HBO's acclaimed series Treme, in which he also appeared performing.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Paul Babarin - Traditional jazz mentor and friend who influenced Boutté during his formative years (mentorship and guidance) [school years/early career]
- Louis "Big Eye" Nelson - Traditional jazz mentor and friend who influenced Boutté during his formative years (mentorship and guidance) [school years/early career]
- Danny Barker - Traditional jazz mentor and friend who influenced Boutté during his formative years (mentorship and guidance) [school years/early career]
- Lillian Boutté - Older sister and jazz/gospel singer who introduced John to local legends and invited him to tour Europe (Gospel United (1994 live album)) [1990s onward]
- Dr. John - Local legend introduced to Boutté by his sister Lillian (mentorship and influence) [early career]
- Allen Toussaint - Local legend introduced to Boutté by his sister Lillian (mentorship and influence) [early career]
- James Booker - Local legend introduced to Boutté by his sister Lillian (mentorship and influence) [early career]
- Stevie Wonder - Recognized Boutté's talent and recommended he pursue a career in music; major musical influence (career encouragement and guidance) [1980s-1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Cubanismo! - Cuban group featuring Boutté as guest vocalist (Mardi Gras Mambo (2000))
- Paul Sanchez - Ex-Cowboy Mouth guitarist and singer; frequent collaborator (Stew Called New Orleans (2009), "Hey God" (2009))
- John Scofield - Jazz guitarist who featured Boutté on his album (Piety Street (2009) - three lead vocal tracks)
- Galactic - New Orleans funk band featuring Boutté (YA-KA-MAY (2010))
- Todd Rundgren - Rock musician featuring Boutté (Beginning(Of the End) (2017))
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
John Boutté has been played 28 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.