Details

ARC-1055

collection

Chris Butler Papers

1969-2005, undated

3.52 (Linear feet)

The Chris Butler Papers range from 1969 to 2005 and contain undated materials. The files are organized into three series that contain materials on the Waitresses, Butler's personal papers, and collected publications. The series on the Waitresses consists of lyrics, contracts, tour itineraries, photographs, and promotional materials relevant to the band. Butler's personal papers include correspondence, collected ephemera, lyrics, and legal pads relevant to his life and other acts with which he was professionally associated. Additionally, Butler collected a number of publications: newspapers, fanzines, and magazines, that can be found in the third series. The collection as a whole documents the early years of Butler's career and the creative process of a songwriter and musician.

Chris Butler, born on May 22, 1949, is an American musician and songwriter best known for founding the 1980s experimental new wave band, the Waitresses. As a student at Kent State University in the early 1970s, Butler became involved with several local bands, including 15-60-75 (Numbers Band) and Tin Huey. Butler formed the Waitresses as a side project in 1978, and the band released two albums before breaking up in 1984. He continued to work as a producer for bands, such as Scruffy the Cat and Sol Sort, and as a television musical director. In the 1990s, Butler started Fossil Future Records and, in 1997, released his first solo album, "I Feel A Bit Normal Today."
The Waitresses were formed as a fictional new wave band by musician and songwriter, Chris Butler, in 1978. Part of the Akron / Cleveland music scene that produced Devo, Pere-Ubu, and the Deadboys, the Waitresses became a full-fledged band in 1980 with the addition of singer Patty Donahue, jazz saxophonist Mars Williams, drummer Billy Ficca, keyboardist Dan Klayman, and bassist Dave Hofstra (replaced by Tracy Wormworth in 1982). They recorded two albums, Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful? and Bruiseology, before splitting in 1984.

Acquisition Note: The Chris Butler Papers was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., as a gift from Butler on June 26, 2018.

Citation: [Identification of Item], Chris Butler Papers, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Processing Information: Processed by Crystal Matjasic, Project Archivist. Completed October 15, 2018. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. Collection processed through an Access to Historical Records grant from the NHPRC.

Language Note: Collection is primarily in English; materials in French are indicated at the file level.

Separated Materials: Items on exhibit. Consult Library & Archives staff in advance of your visit for additional information.

Exhibition History: Local Music U Want, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, 2019-2024.

Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. owns right, title, and interest in the works of authorship embodied in the materials in this collection. The transfer of Donor's literary and other property rights does not include works of other individuals and organizations contained in the gift. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.