Johnson played the famous organ part on “Keep On Dancing” but he departed to start college in 1965 when Butler replaced him.
Soon his unique style of piano playing supported such hits as "Hello Darlin" by Conway Twitty and "Honey" by Bobby Goldsboro.
Butler was in high demand as a Nashville session player and backed up Nashville celebrities such as Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Bobby Goldsboro, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, Lynn Anderson and more.
In 1973, Butler made one of his most significant career moves by joining United Artists Records as head of the label's Nashville division.
His leadership and vision brought in such acts as Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, Dottie West and The Kendalls and established the label as one of the most successful and respected in Nashville.
Butler teamed again with Chips Moman and penned the number 1 hit "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song".
Butler also worked with Kenny and Kim Carnes on their smash hit "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer".
He signed writers Mickey Newbury, Dean Dillon, Bud McGuire, Paul Nelson, Marty Raybon, Julie Didier, Larry Jon Wilson, and Bob Melton.
Butler's new group quickly produced a string of hits for George Strait including "The Chair", "Ocean Front Property" and "It Ain't Cool".
LBMG produced additional songs for Vern Gosdin, Alabama, Shenandoah, Razzy Bailey, T. G. Sheppard, Tracy Lawrence and more.