Tony Butala of vocal group Lettermen, famous for ‘The Way You Look Tonight,’ passes away at 87

Tony Butala, the esteemed co-founder of the Grammy-nominated vocal group The Lettermen, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. Butala’s contribution to the music industry paved the way for The Lettermen, whose rich vocal harmonies established them as one of the most beloved musical acts of the 1960s. This announcement was confirmed by the band’s media coordinator, Tracy Clark, who shared a statement on behalf of The Lettermen.

The statement expressed profound sadness at the loss of Butala, noting him as an integral member of the group and recognizing his remarkable achievements, which included receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The message extended heartfelt condolences to Butala’s family, friends, and all those who cherished his talent.

Although the cause of death has not yet been disclosed, it has been stated that there will be no public viewing for the late musician. In due course, details surrounding celebrations of his life in both Wisconsin and California will be made available.

Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, in 1938, Butala began performing at a remarkably young age. His early career launched with professional singing at just seven years old on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh. By the age of ten, he had relocated with his mother to Los Angeles, where he joined the Mitchell Boys Choir and appeared in various classic films such as “White Christmas” and “Peter Pan.”

In collaboration with Jim Pike and Bob Engemann, Butala co-founded The Lettermen in the late 1950s, leading to an array of hits. Their first major success came in 1961 with a rendition of Fred Astaire’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” which peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and garnered a Grammy nomination in 1962. Over the next ten years, The Lettermen continued to make waves, placing 19 additional songs on the Billboard charts, with notable tracks including the 1962 Top 10 hit “When I Fall in Love” and the Grammy-nominated medley “Goin’ Out of My Head/Can’t Take My Eyes off You” in 1968.

Throughout their illustrious career, The Lettermen maintained an active touring schedule, performing at colleges and various venues worldwide. With Butala as the last surviving member of the original trio, the group had seen a variety of lineups over the years, always striving to retain its signature three-part harmony. Butala took a step back from performing in 2019, and in 2020, he and the group were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Reflecting on Butala’s legacy, the band’s statement conveyed that he was a person who touched many lives and embodied talent, perseverance, and a genuine love for entertaining audiences around the globe.

#entertainment