Toby Butler's Obituary
Toby ButlerRenowned jazz musician, Toby Butler was born Aug. 7, 1924 in Richmond, VA. She passed away quickly on May 22, 2003. Toby was a dedicated musician who always played with and from her heart. Her varied career began playing trumpet with the Pioneering WomenÂ's Jazz Group, Â"International Sweethearts of Rhythm,Â" and interracial all girl band of the  40Â's battling such greats as Count Basie and Duke Ellington, touring nationally in a bus. Toby was also a song writer and arranger. Due to an auto accident she was unable to blow her horn. That is when she took up the bass fiddle. After a few lessons from some Â"greatsÂ" such as Ray Brown and Milt Hinton, she audition in N.Y. for old time friend Flo Dreyer, and joined her 8 piece band for a tour of South America. During her 3 month stay, Toby studied with South American teachers who taught her wonderful Latin rhythms. Although they spoke little or no English, music has no language, it is truly universal. Toby remained with Flo DreyerÂ's band from 1950-1958. She played with numerous trios, quartets, quintets, and traveled the world touring with the USO in the Mediterranean, Europe, the Orient, Greenland, Iceland, and Africa. After getting off the road in 1966 she settles in Tacoma and began teaching piano, trumpet, guitar, bass and drums in her own studio. She held degrees in music and accounting, and worked for the Civil Service for over 10 years until her retirement. In the early seventies Toby joined the Shiloh Baptist Church and was baptized by the late Dr. E. S. Brazil. She devoted herself to the church and became an active member of the music department playing bass fiddle for the Gospel Chorus and senior choir until her health started failing in the late  90Â's. She was known around Tacoma and Seattle Churches as the little lady with the big bass fiddle. Toby was a tremendous wit and her knowledge was encyclopedic. You could ask her anything about music, sports, history, politics, geography, myths, legends and the ful Gamut of American popular culture. Her diverse knowledge was a breath of fresh air to all who knew her. Like a magnet, Toby drew people in flocks, children, the Aged and her peers because she was an attentive listener. Toby was also a true animal lover and doter. Toby led a life most people can only dream of because of her great talent and love of music. She left many loving caring friends and we would like you to know, even though the music stopped, her song still goes on. And this is a wrap - this was Toby Butler. There will be a memorial service at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1211 So. I St. on Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 2:00 PM. Graveside service will be Mt. View Memorial Park, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. S. W. immediately following. Celebration and Repast back at Shiloh. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Toby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Toby?
Share a story where Toby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Toby you’ll never forget.
How did Toby make you smile?