Sunday, October 30, 2011

R.I.P. Butch Crouch

I just learned of the death of Santa Fe musician Butch Crouch, singer, guitarist,songwriter, storyteller.

According to a mutual friend, Alan Akcoff, Butch, who was 72, fell while working on his home south of Santa Fe last week and hit his head on a rock.

According to his bio, which I've seen a couple of places on the Internet:

Butch grew up on the corner of Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf Of Mexico (Pt. Arthur, Tex.). He considers himself lucky to have spent his formative years in a time and place that had big cars, cheap gasoline, young Rock and Roll, classic Country, timeless Cajun music, and rules.

Butch moved to Santa Fe in the late 80s. He was a mainstay at places like El Farol for years.

Here's what Alan said about him on his own blog a few years ago:

It ain't a perfect world folks but you'll feel better about it after you listen to Butch sing about it all with compassion and humor. After all these years and all the things life has thrown his way Butch still has that magic sparkle in his eye and his gravelly whiskey baritone just gets more soulful with every passing season. Go have a couple of beers and listen to Butch. I bet before long you'll be smilling through the tears.

Apparently Butch had just moved back to New Mexico having lived in Colorado in recent years. I hadn't seen him in several years.

Some of his songs can be heard on his Myspace page.

UPDATE: 1:30 pm. Akcoff posted a nice tribute to Butch on his blog HERE

5 comments:

  1. What a shock to lose my old pal Butch Crouch! Nothing much more to say other than he was a heck of a guy, a heck of a talented musician, singer, songwriter... and a great friend from the moment we met over 30 years ago. Adios for now amigo, sorry to see you go...

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  2. Anonymous8:31 AM

    So sad to lose our Butch. A great storyteller, musician, and oh that smile. Sing, sing Butch til the rafters of heaven resonate!! I'm sure Mr. Bob Wyatt is there to meet you.
    Karana Haring

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  3. It was my absolute honor and joy to work with Butch during the recording of his cd. I can only imagine what it must have been like to see Butch perform at El Ferol for all the years that he held court there. He loved all of you very much- the patrons and staff of El Ferol. I know because he told me so.
    We were hoping to do a few shows at El Ferol once he'd moved back to NM. I hope that I get to see El Ferol for myself one day. It's one place that I know Butch called home.

    My sincerest condolences to Butch's Family and Friends.

    Best of regards,
    Beth McCabe
    Boston, MA

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  4. Anonymous4:09 PM

    I have on many occasions thought about Butch and maybe our paths might cross again and I would have the opportunity to get with him and talk and play a few tunes with him. Always enjoyed his playing.
    Very down to earth person.

    Dale Gothia.
    Crystal Beach, Texas

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete

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