Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sharon Native Tony Butala, Lettermen Co-Founder, Passes Away
Sharon Native Tony Butala, Lettermen Co-Founder, Passes Away
3 Nov
Summary
- Tony Butala, founding member of The Lettermen, has died at 85.
- He began his singing career at age seven, performing on KDKA Radio.
- The Lettermen earned four Grammy nominations and 18 gold records.
Tony Butala, a Sharon native and co-founder of the iconic pop group The Lettermen, has died at the age of 85. His musical journey began at seven years old, and by eight, he was performing on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh. His early career included singing with the Mitchell Boys Choir, appearing in classic films like "White Christmas" and "Peter Pan."
In the late 1950s, Butala formed The Lettermen with Jim Pike and Bob Engemann. The trio became known for their unique harmonies, leading to significant success: four Grammy nominations, over 75 albums, 18 gold records, and multiple hit singles. The group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.
Butala, the sole surviving original member, retired from performing in 2019. While no public viewing is planned, Celebrations of Life are scheduled for Wisconsin and California. The family requests donations to the Lakeshore Humane Society in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in his memory. The Lettermen continue to perform.
