# Tony Butala, Co-founder of The Lettermen, Dies at 87 The legendary vocalist and founding member of the iconic trio passes away at 87. - **Source:** [ABC News – Entertainment](https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment) - **Published:** 2026-11-03 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/12b9dd3f-b4e0-4cd0-9f2c-53acfa161841 ## Passing of a Legend Tony Butala, the founding member of the Grammy-nominated vocal trio The Lettermen, has passed away at age 87. His death was confirmed by the group’s media coordinator, Tracy Clark, who released an official statement honoring his legacy. Butala was the last surviving member of the trio's original lineup, marking the end of an era. ## Early Career Beginnings Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, in 1938, Butala began his professional singing career at the age of seven. By age ten, he moved to Los Angeles, where he joined the Mitchell Boys Choir. He appeared in several classic films, including White Christmas and Peter Pan, setting the stage for his future success in the music industry. ## Rise to Musical Fame In the late 1950s, Butala co-founded The Lettermen alongside Jim Pike and Bob Engemann. The group achieved national prominence in 1961 with their version of The Way You Look Tonight, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success earned them a Grammy nomination for best new artist in 1962. ## Chart Success and Legacy Throughout the 1960s, The Lettermen placed 19 songs on the Billboard charts, including Top 10 hits like When I Fall in Love. Their 1968 medley, Goin’ Out of My Head/Can’t Take My Eyes off You, also received a Grammy nomination. Their final chart entry, Everything is Good About You, was released in 1971. ## Maintaining the Trio Sound The Lettermen were known for their lush, three-part vocal harmonies, which they maintained by replacing members over several decades. While Butala was the final original member, the group continues today with Donovan Tea, Bobby Poynton, and Rob Gulack. This commitment ensured their signature sound remained consistent for audiences across the globe for years. ## Final Years and Honors Butala stepped away from performing in 2019, the same year his original bandmate Jim Pike passed away. In 2020, Butala and The Lettermen were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition celebrated his lifelong dedication to entertaining audiences worldwide through his refined talent and persistent musical career. ## Funeral and Memorial Plans The band announced that there will be no public viewing for the late singer. Details regarding celebrations of life, which are planned to be held in both Wisconsin and California, will be shared at a later date. The organization expressed deep condolences to his children, grandchildren, siblings, and his loved ones. ## Impact on Vocal Music Tony Butala’s influence on the vocal harmony genre remains significant, as he helped define the popular sound of the 1960s. His ability to connect with audiences, described by the band as never meeting a stranger, solidified his status as a beloved entertainer. His passing marks the conclusion of a remarkable, multi-decade musical journey. ## Sources covering this story - https://abcnews.com/Entertainment/wireStory/tony-butala-founder-lettermen-vocal-group-tonight-dies-137820210 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._