ICONIC FEB 2015 | Page 25

One of the most exciting and influential young voices in modern gospel music, Myron Butler is making a name for himself as a singer, songwriter, producer, choir director and as the leader of Myron Butler & Levi. With Levi, Butler has enjoyed massive gospel radio hits with “Set Me Free” and “Stronger.” The success has led to Stellar Awards, Grammy nominations and a reputation as one of the most in-demand men in gospel today. Born in Bradenton, FL, Butler’s family moved to Dallas when he was twelve years old. He had begun playing the piano at the age of eight and had honed his craft by the time he placed his first major song “Lift Him Up” with the Dallas-Ft. Worth Mass Choir when he was 17 years old. During this period, he joined the Kirk Franklin produced group, God’s Property, and became the choir vocal coach. Their self-titled debut CD featured the crossover smash hit “Stomp.” The CD eventually sold 3 million copies and Butler shared a Grammy Award with Kirk Franklin for Best Gospel Choir Album. Butler continued to place songs such as “Victory” for Kim Burrell, “Jesus Saves” for Twinkie Clark, and “Thank You For Your Child” on the Kirk Franklin & The Family Christmas project. He’s also produced for artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Smokie Norful, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Ted & Sheri and Donald Lawrence. Butler received Dove awards for his production on Smokie Norful’s “Limited Edition EP” and Tamela Mann’s “Masterplan” album. Most recently, he produced background vocals for Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would’ve Made It” that broke records by Elvis and the Beatles as spending the most weeks at #1 in the history of the Billboard magazine chart survey as well as Marvin Sapp’s record breaking album “Hear I Am” release. In the fall of 2005, Butler and his group Levi finally stepped out front with their debut CD, the Grammy Nominated “Set Me Free” (EMI Gospel). The ten-track set won 4 Stellar Gospel Awards and boasted the smash single “Set Me Free” with its hypnotic tribal rhythms and pulsating beat; the song became an instant fan favorite and made the Top Gospel lists. Butler followed up with the 2007 CD “Stronger” (EMI Gospel). The title song was another aggressive, up-tempo and urban flavored declaration of faith. In March 2010 Butler and Levi released their third CD “Revealed Live In Dallas” (EMI Gospel). This album won the “2011 Stellar Award for Best Contemporary Choir”. In January of 2012 Butler released his fourth cd “Worship” (EMI Gospel). Continuing to evolve as an artist, musician and worship leader Butler highlights a different side of himself. In contemplating his musical oeuvre and success thus far, Butler says, “My goal as a songwriter and as a leader is to deliver a message that empowers and encourages people to live out their Godgiven destiny.” Butler serves as the Minister of Music at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Potter’s House Church in Dallas, TX that enjoys a congregation of 30,000 people. He and his wife, Timberlyn, reside outside of Dallas with their three children.