Bryan Butterfield, a star of Bermuda’s entertainment industry for several decades, has died.

From the 1940s onwards, Mr Butterfield enjoyed an extensive career as a leading performer in the Island’s nightspots.

He also acted as an ambassador up and down the east coast of the United States in annual Tourism Briefings. Mr Butterfield led one of Bermuda’s first majorette groups, was a key performer in the Easter Parade and entertained visitors with limbo shows in hotels.

He won a Founder’s award from Bermuda Arts Council in 2006 in recognition of his life’s work.

In addition, he was inducted into the Bermuda Music and Entertainers Hall of Fame.

Paying tribute last night, Dale Butler, the historian and author, described Mr Butterfield as “Bermuda’s most progressive, energetic, artistic, stylish and creative entertainer”.

“Bryan was a workhorse during Bermuda’s most progressive period in entertainment, and a first-class showman on the stage,” said Mr Butler.

“He performed in an era where all of his colleagues could easily have held jobs in top hotels and clubs overseas as he, Hubert Smith, Gene Steede, Talbot Brothers, Michael Clarke and Lance Hayward, to name a few, demonstrated from their performances in Jamaica, New York, Toronto and on the cruise ships.

“Bryan should have been a national entertainer coach because he had the background, skills and experience. Long may his contributions live.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his family. I am pleased to say that the book Music on the Rock captures the spirit of this great man.”