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Sam Butera Obituary
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Chuck
June 6, 2024
Can't believe its been this long. Saw him many times in Vegas and New Orleans. Also in Reno where asked me and couple friends to drive him to the mall, to buy underwear! So we did..love you Sam.
Chuck Cali
June 3, 2023
Saw Sam and the band many times in Vegas. Was lucky enough to see him at Jazz Fest in New Orleans. Great gig, great music. We miss him very much.
Flint Long
March 24, 2022
I'm a piano player/singer. My trio and I used to open for Sam at the Aladdin in 1990. Sam was always kind and sweet and friendly backstage in the dressing room. He's always been my favorite sax players, and even before I met him (a role model as an entertainer) I was raised on Sam and Louis. My dad had every record Sam ever made with and without Louis. Sam was my dad's favorite part of the whole Louis Prima show. My earliest memories are listening to the sax solo on Basin Street Blues from the Wildest album. Listen - Sam had perfect intonation and an impeccable sense of swingin' rhythm. Flawless. Onstage he was priceless. His love for people and for the music came charging through! His phrasing, his licks and just the right placement of blue notes in the right proportion, made him one of a kind. I thank God I got to enjoy him (and still do) as much as I did!
Chuck Cali
June 4, 2019
One of the most influential musicians of our time. It was a pleasure knowing him and so glad for all the times we got to see Sam perform especially at the jazz festival in New Orleans! We miss you and love you Sam.
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Victor Cortez
June 4, 2019
We saw Sam, Louie, and Keely twice @ in Vegas and it was always enjoyable. I would try
to copy Sam on the Sax but could not get that kind of energy goin', so it was a bust. I de-
finitely had fun tryin !! I will add Mr. Butera to my prayer circle...Show Biz & I are missing
him greatly. God Bless Him and that Hip Band with the Angels...See-ya-on-down-the-road. Vic Cortez
Joe Trippi
November 8, 2017
I think I was the only one, or one of the only ones, that Sam came to see me play at Harrahs in Atlantic City......He found out I was doing Gigalo and some other Prima stuff and came to see me....I asks him to get on Stage to do Gigalo and he did....What a fun time we had that night!! He was so funny.......I did a bit where we were doing some Country...just a funny bit...and the sax player came up to me from my band and said he wanted to play country...I said you can't play country on a sax...then from the audience I heard.....B.S.!!! So dam funny, then we went into yakity Sax ...he loved it....I will never forget Sam...I use to go and see him and he always introduced me from the audience, a great guy!!!
Michael Khouri
October 29, 2017
I met Sam when he played a gig at Mohegan Sun Casino in CT.
He was cool, sweet, smart and full of life.
I told him I was a musician and he said ''keep playing kid''.
He told me about his Vegas days with Prima, Smith, Frank and Dino among others.
He said those were ''Great days''.
A lovely man!
Gabriela Steger
June 7, 2010
I enjoyed every minute of Sam's performances on stage. Always so energetic and upbeat! Never compromised the quality of the shows, wether to an audience of thousands or one. Whenever possible, I traveled with the band and helped with the CD's and Autographs. He especially appreciated the trip to Italy and the Vatican. I miss his great solos. Among my favorites, Body and Soul and Back to Sorrento.
Piazza di San Pietro, Vatican
Gabriela Steger
June 7, 2010
Selling CD's Orvieto Jazz Festival
Gabriela Steger
June 7, 2010
Band bus to Rome Italy 2002
Bobby Ruggiero
June 5, 2010
Umbria Italy Sam and Bobby making espresso 2002
Bobby Ruggiero
June 5, 2010
N.O Jazz Fest 2001
Bobby Ruggiero
June 5, 2010
Bobby Ruggiero
June 5, 2010
Sam was a true inspiration to me. A dear friend and musical genius. I got to experience this every night for 10 years, on stage, right up to Sam's retirement in 2004. No one could make me laugh harder and there is rarely a day that I don't think about or talk about something that Sam said (in only the way he could) I was Sam's Drummer and let me say he knew how to live!
Don Cosney
August 13, 2009
To all the Butera Family - Sam is a great man, a great musician and a great friend. It was always a pleasure to be at his shows. I wrote about him for Utah Magazine in the late 80's and later in some press releases re his career. It was great to know him and share some of the good times and good music. I play his cds almost everyday and remember the moments. There is no goodbyes for Sam. He will live forever in his music and forever in our hearts. Bless you all.
Kathy Gemma-Guido
June 14, 2009
To Cheryl and your family,
I was sad to hear about your Dad's passing. I will remember your Dad's smile always.It was contagious!!! May all of your happy memories of your Dad be of some comfort to you. I will never forget all those nights we spent out at the baseball field together. You have a wonderful angel looking down on you all now. God Bless you through this dificult time.
Miriam Cote Babb
June 14, 2009
How do you say good-bye to a man who headed your home away from home. So many memories at the Butera's and they are all precious to me because of Sam and Vera. In addition to the man he was, his talent was beyond compare. I can see the parade of angels marching behind Sam weaving through the audience playing When The Saints Come Marching In. So we don't say good-bye. We say may God bless you until we meet again. My heart is with you Butera family!
Shanna Vukasin
June 14, 2009
To My old St Anne's friend and to the Butera family, I am heartbroken for you. I know that there are no words to comfort you at this time. Draw strenght from your Faith and find peace in knowing that the great big smile that I never remember seeing your Father without has just made Heaven a brighter happier place. May God put his arms around you all and squeeze tight. With Sympathy,
Shanna and the Vukasin Family
Nikki & Larry Plese
June 13, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Butera family. Sam was such a wonderful man and a great entertainer. He was one of the original hipsters and an amazing sax player. Thank you for sharing Sam with his fans. His music will forever remain in our hearts. God bless you all during this difficult loss.
Ronnie Teich
June 13, 2009
Sam always said it was about the memories, and the countless people he entertained and touched through the years would agree that they were happy ones. I only saw the grumpy Boomps while meeting the guys at the airport after a long road trip, or when he made the croud pleasing three putt playing golf with him and my dad at the Tropicana or the Desert Inn. But the energy he generated on stage with the band and his smile, will light the Las Vegas Valley forever. Sam, Buck. Chuck, and my Dad, are in the big lounge now playing to a standing ovation nightly. The thoughts and prayers from our family go out to the entire Butera family for a ture Hall Of Fame Icon.
Steve Carpenter
June 12, 2009
The Butera Family was my 2nd family growing up, but they are 2nd to none. I love and pray for you all for all the care and love you have shown me my whole life. Mr. Butera always had a kind word for me. always. The memories remain forever, and I hold very many in my heart of you all. May the Lord continue to bless you all, and watch over you always. Trust me, time helps heal the wounds, but the scars are meant to stay. Mr. Butera was a great man, friend, and showman. I will never forget those nights watching the show in the lightbooth at the Sands. What memories I have. All are great. Bless.
Dave Daly
June 11, 2009
I met Sam & the Boys @ Harrah's, Lake Tahoe in 1971. We've been friends ever since. I have at least 100 performances I've seen throughout the years and everyone was phenominal! The arrangements and showmanship were of the highest level. The Butera family should be proud of the achievements Sam recieved and the love he gave preserving Louie Prima's legacy. Stay well in heaven, my friend.
June 11, 2009
God bless you Mr. Sam Butera and your Family. Dante Vacca
Steve and Lisa Clark
June 11, 2009
Our sympathy goes out to the Butera family. Know that his incredible music and joyful entertainment flair has influenced our own music and will continue for generations to come. Sam Butera will always be a treasure in the world of entertainment. May your memories bring you comfort...ours make us smile ear to ear.
Don and Nina Chase
June 11, 2009
Dear Butera Family,
Although physically gone, Sammy lives on for you and all of us in his gentle, caring manner, the memories he created, and in the music which has and continues to bring so much joy to many generations. Our prayers are with you all.
Much Love!
June 10, 2009
Sam was my favorite Las Vegas entertainer! I loved his energy, and my husband, parents and I saw his show over and over. He was one of a kind - charismatic and authentic. He will be missed by the entire Las Vegas community. Love and prayers go out to all of you.
Cathy & Mickey Bruzzese & Family
Joe Lombardo
June 10, 2009
God Bless you guys, I have a lot of love in my heart for the Butera/Didier/Faccinto families. I remember going to Boomps shows with John and Missy and having such an amazing time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
D Callas
June 9, 2009
The Maestro may be silent.....never silenced.
Darwin Lamb
June 9, 2009
Our prayers go out to you and your family. He was amazing. I remember the good ole Vegas days and Sam.
Joe Greenwood
June 9, 2009
Sam, thanks for all the music and memories from my N'awlins times to my Vegas times.
Pamela Martin
June 9, 2009
TO DEDE and her family:
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. My dad passed last year...it's a tremendous void...but our daddy's will always be with us in heart & spirit. You have your dad's smile - that's a precious gift! I've never forgotten our days at St. Anne's and my times spent at your home playing w/ Barbie & reading Nancy Drew. Your Christmas' were memorable too, with all those presents & "Uncle Louie". I remember your dad as happy and fun! And...such a Vegas Icon, too. Let us carry-on our father's legacies in anyway we can.
GOD BLESS YOU IN ALL WAYS.
Your friend from wayyyyyyy back,
Pamela Martin~
VINCENT CANTORE
June 9, 2009
SAM THE SAINTS ARE DANCING TO YOUR AND LOUIE'S RENDITION OF "WHEN THE SAINTS COME MARCHING IN!"
YOU'LL BE MISSED BY ALL.. GOD BLESS AND RIP
Kevin Devitte
June 9, 2009
I hope Saint Peter is ready for "When Sam Comes Marchin' In" I'm sure Sam will have a large crowd at the Pearly Gates, ready to shake his hand and welcome him. Commiserations to Dede and the rest of the family.
Theresa Palasota
June 9, 2009
My Heart goes out to Sam and the Butera family. My children Tony & Tracy were raised on Sam's music and wonderful style of entertainment. We all so dearly Loved Sam. Las Vegas Entertainment will Never Be The Same. God Bless You Sam and yes the Saint's are Marching In
Love You - Theresa Palasota
Theresa Thornton
June 9, 2009
Cheryl,Dee,Sam & Nick,
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember all the nice things that people said about him. I heard him place once & I really enjoyed listening to him. Your father is with the angels making beautiful music. You & your families are in my prayers. Theresa Lilley Thornton
Candy and Jim Manuel
June 9, 2009
Our sympathy goes to the Butera family. Sam was a wonderful entertainer and he will be deeply missed by all.
Ann Small
June 9, 2009
It was my privilege to know Sam when he worked through Associated Booking Corp. and with the Art Engler Entertainment Corp, both companies with which I worked for 18 years as both an executive secretary and later entertainment coordinator. Sam was always a gentleman, a wonderful entertainer much in demand, and more importantly - a man of his word. The entertainment world is a sadder place without him. We will not see his like again.
Bobby Fechser
June 9, 2009
Cheryl,Dee,Sammy and Nick I'm sorry I could'nt be at the celebration of Your Dad's Life Love You All... Bobby
Ryan McNamara Allen
June 9, 2009
A legend is gone. I have always been a huge fan and will continue to be. DeDe, thank you so much for getting me the photo of your dad last year. He is in a place of honor in my home. Growing up with the Butera's was one of the highlights of my teen years. Something I will always be proud of.
Your father was a great man and will be missed by so many but never forgotten. He and his music will live on forever.
June 9, 2009
Thanks Sam For great entertanment RIP. Make some great music up there. You have a lot of friend up there.
the Tomassini family (Rochester N.Y.)
Jackie Allen
June 9, 2009
We lived in Las Vegas for 30 years and loved to see Sam, always lively, good music, good entertainment, wonderful smile, always made you feel good. Condolences to his family and friends, know he will be greatly missed. Jackie Allen in Arizona
Butera fans in vegas
June 8, 2009
To the Butera Family,
Sam was one of a kind that is for sure.He was loved by all and will always be remembered for that special smile on his face.We grew up around Sam as played the vegas scene in the early 80`s as i remember and oh what fun it was to see Sam and the boys rockin away up on stage. May God Bless Sam and his entire family.Our hearts bleed with the Butera Family as he was loved by everyone that knew him. May he rest in peace for he is still Blowin tunes upstairs for the big guy now.
Kim C
June 8, 2009
I remember meeting Sam during my first visit to Las Vegas in 1997. Since then I planned my trip whenever he and his band the Wildest were playing in Vegas. What you saw was genuine. Not so much as a phony bone nor a huge ego you would find in this legendary sax man. And his band was jumping-you knew a good time is going to happen when Sam is in the building! But the biggest highlight for me was interviewing him for an article for a Minneapolis-St. Paul area newsletter "Jazz Notes", which I have a copy in my library. My sympathy and prayers go out to Sam's family, friends, fans, and to the musicians who had the honor of sharing the stage with him through the years. He will be dearly missed.
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