Tony Butala, co-founder of The Lettermen, dies at 87

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 20:02 · Archive

Tony Butala, co-founder of the Grammy-nominated vocal group The Lettermen, has died at age 87.

Tony Butala, co-founder of the Grammy-nominated vocal group The Lettermen, died on Sunday at age 87. The band's media coordinator, Tracy Clark, confirmed his death to the Associated Press. The Lettermen issued a statement saying: 'We have lost an integral member of The Lettermen family.'

Butala was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, in 1938. He began singing professionally at age 7 and appeared on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh at age 8. By age 10, he had moved to Los Angeles, where he joined the Mitchell Boys Choir and appeared in classic films including 'White Christmas', 'Peter Pan', 'War of the Worlds' and 'On Moonlight Bay'.

In the late 1950s, Butala co-founded The Lettermen alongside Jim Pike and Bob Engemann. The group became one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1960s, known for their lush vocal harmonies. Their first hit was their version of 'The Way You Look Tonight' in 1961, which peaked at number 13 on Billboard's Hot 100. The Lettermen received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

There will be no public viewing. Details for celebrations of life to be held in Wisconsin and California will be announced at a later date.

How it is being reported

• Tony Butala, co-founder of Lettermen vocal group known for 'The Way You Look Tonight,' dies at 87Tony Butala, co-founder of the Grammy-nominated trio The Lettermen, has died at age 87.Clickorlando · 3 Nov, 19:31
• Tony Butala, co-founder of Lettermen vocal group known for 'The Way You Look Tonight,' dies at 87Tony Butala, co-founder of the Grammy-nominated trio The Lettermen, has died at age 87.News4Jax · 3 Nov, 19:31

In this story: Tony Butala · The Lettermen · Jim Pike · Bob Engemann · Sharon · Los Angeles · Hollywood Walk of Fame

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