PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Members of the band Purpose, from left, Anthony Butler, Michael Ward and Mack Raye, rehearse in Lynn for an upcoming concert.
By MICHELE DURGIN
LYNN — When Anthony Butler, Mack Raye, and Michael Ward get together to sing, it’s always with a purpose, or rather they become Purpose. The personable trio has spent the last decade together, performing as a Rhythm and Blues group, and they have enjoyed just about every moment, both on and off the stage.
“It’s been a blessing,” said Ward, 58, a lifelong Lynner and proud graduate of Lynn English High School. “Bringing joy to an audience is a wonderful feeling and I love to sing.”
Butler nodded in agreement and added, “I love to sing, as well, and I’m also a songwriter. I’ve written about 100 songs since I was a kid.”
The hardworking and outgoing entertainers have performed throughout the North Shore in nightclubs, at weddings, and countless other community events, belting out tunes first made famous by their idols: The Whispers, The Temptations, The O’Jays and The Spinners. They are preparing to head into the studio and put together a DVD of their favorite songs.
Raye, 64, is originally from Boston, but now calls Lynn his home. The father of four adult children said he was grateful to have the opportunity to become a performer and believes music truly is a universal language.
“I feel so good when the audience responds to us in a positive way. I’ve been drawn to music my whole life and I look forward to every performance,” he said.
Butler went on to say that music truly is in his blood and his family enjoys the world of music and song, both professionally and personally.
“My mother, Essie Butler, was a singer and inspired me to follow that path. I have six sisters and three brothers who all sing, as well. Some of them sing professionally, now and then.”
Ward put his voice to the test about 40 years ago, as a high school student at Lynn English High School. He, along with four classmates, began performing as The Realistics and spent a few years together singing in local talent shows, schools, and churches.
“One of my favorite memories is a performance we gave back in the ’70s. We held a concert in a big open field in Gloucester and I bet there were 500 or more people there. It was a lot of fun.”
The talented trio ended our time together with a lively and well done rendition of “Anything But My Love” by The Stylistics, fancy footwork included.
“We are like brothers, at this point in our lives. Some of our best times together are when we are performing. We look forward to being on the stage and we are happiest when we are entertaining others,” said Mack.
The group is scheduled to perform at The Soldiers Home in Chelsea on Feb. 23 and can be reached at [email protected].
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