Butch Thompson

Richard Enos "Butch" Thompson (November 28, 1943 – August 14, 2022) was an American jazz pianist and clarinetist best known for his ragtime and stride performances.

Not to be confused with Butch Thompson (baseball).

Butch Thompson
Thompson in August 2010
Thompson in August 2010
Background information
Birth nameRichard Enos Thompson
Born(1943-11-28)November 28, 1943
Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, U.S.
DiedAugust 14, 2022(2022-08-14) (aged 78)
Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
GenresJazz, ragtime, stride
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Piano, clarinet
Years active1962–2021
Websitewww.butchthompson.com

Music career

Thompson was born in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, began playing piano at the early age of three, and began taking lessons at age six. At Stillwater Area High School, he played clarinet in the band. In 1962 he joined the Hall Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band in Minneapolis and remained with the band for twenty years. From 1974–1986, he was a regular and the original pianist on the radio show A Prairie Home Companion.[1][2] Since the 1960s, he led the Butch Thompson Trio.[3]

In the 1970s, Thompson's recordings gained popularity in Europe. He toured the continent extensively in the 1970s and 1980s, both as a solo artist and as a band leader or member. He wrote for jazz publications and produced a radio show, Jazz Originals, for KBEM-FM in Minneapolis.

Selected discography
  • Yulestride (Daring Records, 1994)

Death

Thompson died on August 14, 2022, at the age of 78.[4]

References
  1. Aloi, Jacob (August 16, 2022). "Butch Thompson, jazz pianist with 'A Prairie Home Companion' dies". MPRNews. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  2. Washington, Natasha (June 2, 2006). "Thompson Trio set for festival: This jazz pianist enjoys world-class reputation in his 40-year career". The Oklahoman. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  3. Yanow, Scott. "Butch Thompson | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  4. Bream, Jon (August 15, 2022). "Minnesota piano giant Butch Thompson dies at 78". StarTribune. Retrieved August 17, 2022.

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