Tony Butala, Voice of The Lettermen, Dead at 87

Tony Butala, a founding voice of the beloved pop group The Lettermen, has died at the age of 87. His passing occurred on November 1 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, following a period of declining health. Butala was a pivotal figure in establishing the group's signature three-part harmonies that defined their sound.

The Lettermen achieved significant fame in the 1960s with their romantic interpretations of popular songs. Their 1961 rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight" garnered a Grammy nomination and charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Other notable successes included "Goin' Out of My Head" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."

Though Butala retired from performing in 2019, he was passionate about the continuation of The Lettermen's legacy. He encouraged the group to keep touring and sharing their music with audiences. The group honored him with a tribute during a performance on the day of his death.

Butala began his professional singing career at a young age in Pennsylvania and later appeared in films before co-founding The Lettermen in 1959. The group received four Grammy nominations throughout their career. Celebrations of life are planned in Wisconsin and California.