Butler, William H. (William Henson), 1903-1981

"Billy" Butler was a musical arranger, conductor, violinist and travel editor of the "Pittsburgh Courier." A graduate of Chicago Musical College, Butler worked with J. Rosamond Johnson, Eubie Blake and other prominent African-American musicians of the period. He also conducted several musical revues including Lew Leslie's "Blackbirds of 1939," "Rhapsody in Black" and Sissle and Blake's "Shuffle Along." In 1947 Butler started "Travelguide," a directory of public accommodations in the United States which catered to people of African descent. The list was later expanded to include foreign countries. Butler was also co-owner of King Travel Organization, Inc., a New York City agency which specifically catered to travelers of African descent.

From the description of William H. Butler papers, 1917-1982. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122363992

From the guide to the William H. Butler papers, 1917-1982, (The New York Public Library. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division.)