EP 88: How a Childhood Song Turned Into a Global Movement with Jonathan Butler

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with the legendary Jonathan Butler—an artist whose music has not only transcended genres but also political boundaries. Born under the harsh reality of apartheid South Africa, Jonathan became the first non-white artist to be played on national radio and television. Nelson Mandela himself credited Jonathan’s music as a source of inspiration during his imprisonment, a testament to the depth and reach of his voice and spirit.

We explore Jonathan’s early years in Cape Town, where he began performing in a family variety show as a child, drawing his own posters and singing Tom Jones’ “Delilah” before even understanding the power of his gift. He shares memories of his mother’s singing, his father’s banjo, and the steel-drum community gatherings where music was woven into everyday survival. Though self-taught and left-handed, Jonathan has mastered his instruments and learned to channel divine inspiration through them.

Jonathan opens up about the spiritual depth behind his songwriting, particularly the now-iconic “Falling in Love with Jesus,” which came to him during a moment of prayerful solitude. He shares how that very day, Kirk Whalum—who was working on a gospel album—called him out of the blue. That synchronicity helped shape one of the most beloved worship songs of our time.

We also dive into his rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superwoman,” his relationship with Marcus Miller, and the unforgettable moment he received Stevie Wonder’s blessing—complete with a personal voicemail and a feature on the track. Jonathan reflects on his most recent trip to South Africa, where he wrote and recorded new material with local artists, reconnecting with the soil and spirit that birthed his musical journey.

From Whitney Houston to Eric Clapton, from gospel to jazz, Jonathan’s journey is more than a career—it’s a calling. His music continues to inspire across generations and cultures, grounded in faith, love, and the relentless belief that music is meant to flow through us and out into the world.

Connect with Jonathan: https://jonathanbutler.com/

See Jonathan Live in Cleveland: https://bit.ly/4jYg1mI