Clarence "Butch" Grant, Jr.

Clarence “Butch” Grant, Jr. (Age 74) On Sunday, December 18, 2016, Clarence “Butch” Grant died after a long battle with cancer.  He passed away peacefully in Bowie, MD.  Butch was born on December 11, 1942, in Washington, DC to Hester and Clarence Grant, Sr. Butch was an accomplished entertainer, songwriter, and musician.  He was particularly known for playing gigs at Washington venues such as the Tower Club, Round Table, and Georgetown’s Saloun.  Together with his wife Noriko, Butch entertained party goers in some of the City’s most prestigious venues, including private homes of some Washington’s top personalities.  In 1964, Butch Grant’s hit single “I don’t Like It” hit #1 on the DC R&B Charts.  He played alongside notables such as Patti LaBelle, Jerry Butler & The Impressions, and Joe Tex.  Butch Grant’s Crossfire Band was founded in the 1970’s and the dynamic 7-piece group appeared in the most popular clubs and cabarets in the Washington, DC area.  Crossfire performed as one the capital area’s premier pop/funk bands for over 15 years.  The band specialized in dazzling audiences with popular R&B, funk, soul, and Motown favorites.  Butch Grant’s skill for music and humor brought a smile to the faces of partygoers of all backgrounds. On July 15, 2012, Butch Grant was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. In addition to his musical talents, Butch Grant served in the United States Air Force and worked as a pressman. Butch is survived by his mother Hester and wife Noriko, along with several loving children, grandchildren, family and friends.