Many Rochesterians have seen Paul Boutte sitting at the organ playing for many church choirs, gospel groups, community events or have heard him on the radio on Sunday morning signing off with his well know tagline “Don’t touch that dial honey chile, we’ll be back in a while”
Being so deeply rooted in the gospel music industry, Paul was asked to contribute to Upstate NY Gospel Magazine with the Top Ten” hits in gospel. We had the great pleasure of getting to know the man behind the organ. Let’s get to know musician extraordinaire, Paul Boutte.
Q: Please share with us, exactly who is Paul Boutte. I’ve heard the name. I’ve seen you around. Your name is synonymous with wonderful music. We are here at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, is this your home church?
A: I am a member of Elim Christian Fellowship. However, Zion Hill has always home to me. Being a great supporter of Reverend McCree and now Reverend Douglass, and I am the Minister of Music here. I serve other churches also. I am the musical director at Elim Christian Fellowship and a choir director at Spiritus Christi.
Q: Where are you from? Is home here in Rochester?
A: Right here in Rochester. My father is of French descent and Indian descent.
My paternal grandfather was a Frenchman from Marseille, France who married an Indian squaw who was the great granddaughter of Chief Pontiac. Mom’s from Florida.
Q: I’ve heard that you wear many hats. Right now what is your most prominent hat in the community?
A: My most prominent that would be musician. All my life that’s what I’ve been known for doing. I started playing at a church when I was fourteen. But my love for the organ started when I was probably twelve or even younger. When I was little there was a gentleman who used to play in Rochester on what was call the Chittlins Circuit. His name is Anthony Mitchell, the leader of the group, Samson and Delilah. He was an organist. As a little boy they used to visit Rochester and stay with my parents. I grew up with a picture of him at my house with a Hammond B3 organ. I was determined to have one.
