Entertainment · Music · 3 hrs ago
Tony Butala, co-founder of The Lettermen, dies at 87
Tony Butala, co-founder of The Lettermen, has died at 87.
He was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and began singing as a child before moving with his family to Hollywood.
In the late 1950s, he formed the trio with Bob Engemann and Jim Pike, known for its three-part harmonies.
The group recorded hits including “The Way You Look Tonight” and “When I Fall in Love,” and earned four Grammy nominations.
Butala was the last surviving original member of the group, which also earned 11 gold records and had more than 30 albums chart on Billboard.
He retired from performing with the group in 2019, though he occasionally appeared with its current members.
The Lettermen still perform, carrying on the legacy Butala helped establish.
Tony Butala, a founding member of the vocal trio The Lettermen, has died at 87.
The group announced his death on its Facebook page, according to Parade.
Butala formed The Lettermen with Bob Engemann and Jim Pike in the late 1950s.
He retired from the group in 2019 and was its last surviving original member.
The Lettermen earned four Grammy nominations, 11 gold records and more than 30 Billboard-charting albums.
- Who
- Tony Butala, co-founder of The Lettermen.
- What
- He has died at 87.
- When
- The date of his death is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Butala began singing.
Butala, Bob Engemann and Jim Pike formed The Lettermen.
Butala retired from the group.
Wide Open Country reported that Butala had died at 87.
- Age at death
- 87
- Founding members
- Tony Butala, Bob Engemann and Jim Pike
- Retirement
- 2019
- Grammy nominations
- 4
- Gold records
- 11
- Billboard albums
- More than 30
3 sources
What people are saying
In May of 2019, Tony made the conscious decision to step away from the limelight.
Though his performing days had come to an end, he was instrumental in laying the groundwork for The Lettermen's legacy to continue under skilled leadership.
Tony never met a stranger. His life was a living example of talent, perseverance, and refinement.
His spirit will live on with every Lettermen performance.