Wishes

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soulful track "Wishes" by Jon Butcher from his 1987 album of the same name, delighting their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a standout from the album, carries a reflective and emotive vibe, with Butcher’s searing guitar work and heartfelt vocals. In a 2023 Q&A on Behind the Strings, Butcher revealed he wrote "Wishes" using a Walkman Pro, a nod to the analog tools that shaped his creative process in the '80s. Fans on Reddit have praised the song’s evocative lyrics, with one user noting it’s a staple on their playlist, calling it a “solid” piece of Butcher’s catalog. The album itself, released under Butcher’s name rather than his band Jon Butcher Axis, is rumored to have achieved Gold status, though this isn’t confirmed in the RIAA database, adding a layer of mystique to its legacy.

Another tidbit about "Wishes" comes from its music video, which aired on MTV during the late '80s, showcasing Butcher’s dynamic stage presence. A fan review on Amazon describes the song as having “a little bit of magic” with “hooks and licks” that earn it “10 stars really.” This enthusiasm reflects the song’s enduring appeal among Butcher’s fanbase, who appreciate his ability to blend blues, rock, and soul. Butcher’s own reflections on his career, shared in interviews, highlight his commitment to authentic songwriting, often drawing from personal experiences. He’s noted that “great songs” come from lived struggles, a philosophy that likely infuses "Wishes" with its emotional depth.

Jon Butcher’s journey into music began early, rooted in his childhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before his family moved to Clear Air Force Base in Alaska in 1967, and later back to Pennsylvania. Born Jon A. Toombs on May 5, 1955, he picked up the guitar at age six, starting with a Mickey Mouse toy guitar before graduating to a Silvertone 1457 from Sears & Roebuck, as he shared in a Behind the Strings Q&A. His father, a former piano player, influenced his musical curiosity, though they never played together. Butcher’s formal education included studying Broadcast Journalism at Grahm Junior College in Boston, Massachusetts, which gave him a unique perspective on media and performance. By the mid-1970s, he was gigging in the Northeast with the band Johanna Wild, honing his craft alongside musicians like Jeff Linscott and Derek Blevins.

Butcher’s big break came in the early '80s when his band, Jon Butcher Axis, built a loyal following in New England with electrifying live shows. Their 1983 self-titled debut album, released on Polydor Records, reached #91 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, with the video for “Life Takes a Life” becoming one of the first by a Black artist on MTV, following Michael Jackson. Comparisons to Jimi Hendrix followed, fueled by Butcher’s Stratocaster and stage presence, though he cites influences like Richie Havens, Bob Dylan, and Taj Mahal, emphasizing his eclectic style. His career highlights include opening for The J. Geils Band at Boston Garden in 1982 and performing the National Anthem on guitar at Fenway Park for 42,000 fans, moments he’s called unforgettable.

Fans can connect with Jon Butcher through his official website, where he shares updates on music and video production projects, including his work with Watercolors Movies. His social media presence includes Facebook, where he engages with fans about upcoming shows, and Instagram, where he’s been known to share performance photos, like a 2023 Massachusetts show with bandmate Cliff Goodwin. On X, Butcher occasionally posts about his music and interacts with followers. For fan communities, the Jon Butcher Axis Fan Group on Facebook is a hub for enthusiasts to discuss his discography and share memories, while Reddit’s ClassicRock community often mentions Butcher, with fans swapping stories about rare CDs and live performances.