TARA BUTLER
Legendary Vocalist & Recording Artist
Tara Butler AKA Denice Johns
Legendary Vocalist & Recording Artist
Tara Butler also known as Denice Johns is an iconic voice in the dance and R&B scene, best known for her soulful performance on the proto-house anthem "Feels Good (Carrots & Beets)". Released in 1982 with Electra, the track became a global dance floor staple and remains a highly influential piece of music history.
Butler made a permanent mark on the music scene as the powerhouse vocalist for the 1982 italo-disco classic "feels good (carrots & beets)".
Billboard Success: The track became a significant Top 10 hit on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart, peaking at #18 in August 1982. Cultural Impact: Widely regarded as a foundational cut for modern dance music, "Feels Good" was a staple in Chicago’s legendary WBMX radio sets. It famously served as a major inspiration for Frankie Knuckles’ house anthem "Your Love" and continues to be celebrated in global club culture.
Primarily recognized within the electronic and soul genres. The release is characterized by its electro-soul style and was distributed through the UK-based label Illuminated Records. It was made available in two main formats: 12-inch Vinyl: A 45 RPM record (catalog number ILL 4412). 7-inch Vinyl: A single release (catalog number ILL 44). The recording includes the track "Up Against the Wall" and is sometimes associated with a secondary version or track titled "Up Against the Version". This particular record has become a niche item for collectors of 1980s UK electronic and dance music.
Transitioning her creative expertise into the cinematic world, Butler served as assistant to the producer on The Urge to Kill (1989) and Living Doll (1990) and eventually promoted to Head of Production at Spectacular Films Ltd in London. In this role, she oversaw a diverse slate of projects, leveraging her extensive background in creative development and international co-productions. Her career in film is characterized by a commitment to innovative storytelling, often bridging the gap between independent UK talent and global distribution networks. Whether in the recording studio or the production office, Butler remained a pivotal figure in the London and international creative communities.
Tara Butler’s New FilmMakers was a staple of New York City's Manhattan Cable, a division of Time Warner Cable during the mid-1990s, airing on the Manhattan Neighborhood Cable Network (MNN). Produced by Daniel F. Golio, the program served as a dedicated platform for independent cinema, providing a rare television spotlight for emerging directors and experimental artists during a pivotal era for indie film. Tara Butler anchored the show with a focus on championing the "new wave" of Manhattan-based creators.
Produced by Daniel Golio, who steered the production through the vibrant, DIY media culture of 1990s Manhattan cable. The series typically featured screenings of short films, documentaries, and avant-garde projects, often followed by in-depth interviews with the filmmakers to discuss their creative processes and the challenges of low-budget movie production.
As a precursor to modern digital showcases, the show captured the gritty, creative energy of the New York film scene before the rise of the internet. It was instrumental in fostering a community for local artists, many of whom utilized the show as a stepping stone to the festival circuit.
Born Denice Johns in the vibrant heart of Harlem, her journey into the spotlight began under the evocative stage name Tara Butler, a nod to the enduring allure of the movie "Gone With The Wind." This passion for performance ignited early, as Tara discovered her profound love for music at the tender age of eight. Her formative years were shaped by a unique upbringing. A Military brat, Tara spent her childhood in Quantico, Virginia and the Marine Corps Base in Hawaii with her mother and stepfather, Vietnam war hero, Marine Gunnery Sgt Jeremiah Purdie.
Academia proved to be another arena where Tara excelled. While attending St. Francis College, she made history, becoming the first female African American president of her college – a testament to her leadership potential and dedication.
Her mother, Connie, a woman of considerable influence in her own right, was the daughter of baseball hall of famer James "Cool Papa" Bell. A formidable political activist and campaign manager, Connie worked for Percy Sutton, who would go on to become the Borough President of Manhattan.
The path after college saw Tara navigating diverse experiences, from a salesclerk at May's department stores to a captivating cocktail waitress at the renowned "Trattoria Restaurant," a world-famous Italian restaurant operated by Restaurant Associates within Manhattan's iconic Pan Am building. It was within these glamorous surroundings that Tara's destiny took a pivotal turn. She met Daniel Golio, a figure who would prove instrumental in shaping her remarkable success.
Tara spend hours on hours in recording studios recording early demo songs that laid the groundwork for a promising music career. This led to a pivotal moment with Emergency Records, where her hit single "Feels Good" climbed into the Top 10. The vibrant music scene beckoned, and Tara graced the stages of legendary clubs like Studio 54, the Limelight and The Garage, captivating audiences during extensive tours of Italy, Spain, and England. Further success was followed with the powerful track "Up Against the Wall" for Illuminated Records in London.
Yet the relentless pace of the music industry eventually led Tara to explore new horizons. In London, she found a mentor in Dick Randall, owner of Spectacular Films Ltd. This encounter marked a significant shift, as Tara immersed herself in filmmaking, progressing from an assistant producer to Head of Production for the company.
Tara created “Tara Butler’s New Filmmaker’s, in New York City, a staple of Manhattan cable’s landscape during the mid-1990s. Produced by Daniel Golio, the program served as a dedicated platform for independent cinema, providing a rare television spotlight for emerging directors and experimental artists during a pivotal era for indie film. Show Overview Host/Star: Tara Butler, anchored the show with a focus on championing the "new wave" of Manhattan-based creators.
Later in life and seeking a different kind of challenge, Tara embraced her birth name, Denice Johns, and launched Society Estates Inc. Focusing on the vibrant real estate market in Manhattan, specializing Harlem condominiums and brownstones. Denice's drive and expertise quickly established her as a formidable force, making her one of Harlem's top five real estate brokers achieving over $200 million in sales.
Drawing inspiration from her family's legacy, Denice then channeled her energy into public service. For eight impactful years, she served as the elected District Leader for the 70th Assembly District in the City and State of New York, a testament to her enduring commitment to her community.
The name James "Cool Papa" Bell evokes a bygone era of baseball, a time of legendary figures whose prowess on the diamond transcended mere statistics and became folklore stuff. Known for his blinding speed, uncanny hitting ability, and effortless grace, Bell was a true titan of the Negro Baseball Leagues. Today, his impact continues to resonate, not just through historical accounts, but through the dedicated efforts of his granddaughter, Denice Johns aka Tara Butler who has taken it upon herself to ensure her grandfather's legacy remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come. The passing of Connie Brooks, James “Cool Papa’s daughter and the mother of Tara Butler who had previously been a significant caretaker of Bell's legacy, marked a pivotal moment for Tara. Recognizing the immense responsibility and the void left by Connie's absence, Tara stepped forward with a renewed sense of purpose. It was no longer enough to simply acknowledge her grandfather's place in history; it was time to actively champion it.