Annie
Tony Butala, Co-Founder of The Lettermen, Dies at 87
Tony Butala, whose smooth harmonies helped make The Lettermen one of the biggest vocal groups of the 1960s, has died. He was the last surviving member of the group’s original lineup.
What We Know
Butala died on Sunday, and the band’s media coordinator, Tracy Clark, confirmed his death to The Associated Press. The date was November 1, 2026, and no cause of death has been provided. There will be no public viewing, but celebrations of life will be held in Wisconsin and California at a later date.
The group shared the news in a Facebook statement, saying “Tony never met a stranger.”
A Voice From Childhood
Butala was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and started singing professionally at age 7. By 8 he was performing on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh, and by 10 he had moved with his mother to Los Angeles. There, he joined the Mitchell Boys Choir, which appeared in classic films such as White Christmas, Peter Pan, War of the Worlds, and On Moonlight Bay.
His sister saw it early. Joan Butala, now 97, said he had “too much energy” as a child, and remembered him singing at women’s groups and other local events.
The Rise of The Lettermen
In the late 1950s, Butala co-founded The Lettermen with Jim Pike and Bob Engemann. The group earned a Grammy nomination in 1962, and was also nominated for Best New Artist at that ceremony.
The group charted 20 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including six top-40 hits, between the early 1960s and early 1970s. They are best known for recordings of “The Way You Look Tonight” and “When I Fall in Love.”
Honors and Later Years
Butala received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with The Lettermen in 2020. He served as lead singer from 1958 until he stepped away from performing in 2019. The group said his legacy will continue through its performances.
Pike died in 2019 at age 82, leaving Butala as the last surviving original member.
How He Is Remembered
The group’s tribute highlighted his warmth. Billboard reported that his “true joy was entertaining and sharing his music.” For fans of 1960s pop, his sound was the sound of soft, romantic harmony at a time when that style ruled the radio.
Quick Facts
- Born: Sharon, Pennsylvania (the year is reported as 1938 by AP; see note below)
- Died: November 1, 2026
- Known for: Co-founding The Lettermen
- Biggest songs: “The Way You Look Tonight,” “When I Fall in Love”
- Honors: Grammy nominations, Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2020)
FAQ
Who was Tony Butala?
The co-founder and longtime lead singer of the vocal group The Lettermen.
What were The Lettermen’s biggest hits?
“The Way You Look Tonight” and “When I Fall in Love.”
Is the group still performing?
Yes. The Lettermen are still performing without Butala.