Singer Tony Butala, a founding member of the Grammy-nominated pop group The Lettermen, known for hits including "The Way You Look Tonight" and "When I Fall in Love," has died, the group's manager confirmed. He was 87.
Butala died Nov. 1 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, after battling several health issues in recent years, the group's manager, David Haskell, told USA TODAY. Haskell said the singer died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
"He lived to be on stage," Haskell, a friend of Butala's for about 50 years, told USA TODAY. "He lived to bring people joy. He never met a person he didn't like. It could've been the janitor and he's going to strike up a conversation because he felt that people needed that."
The Lettermen rose to fame in the 1960s with
their romantic pop harmonies and renditions of classics including "The Way You Look Tonight" and "When I Fall in Love." Their 1961 recording of "The Way You Look Tonight" reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. Some of their other hits include 1968's "Goin' Out of My Head" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."
Founded in 1959, The Lettermen continued performing with a new lineup of singers after Butala retired in 2019. The group still tours in the United States and internationally, carrying on the signature three-part harmonies that Butala helped establish. Haskell credits the group's enduring appeal to its ability to bring that distinctive sound to contemporary hits.
The Hollywood Walk of Famer began singing professionally at age 7 in his hometown of Sharon, Pennsylvania. By age 8, he was performing on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he joined the Mitchell Boys Choir and appeared in films including "White Christmas," "On Moonlight Bay," "Peter Pan" and "War of the Worlds."
In the late 1950s, Butala helped form The Lettermen alongside Jim Pike, who died in 2018 at age 92, and Bob Engemann, who died in 2013 at age 77. The group earned four Grammy nominations, including best new artist at the 1962 ceremony.
Haskell recalled Butala's dedication to connecting with fans, saying the singer made a point of personally greeting audience members before or after performances without charging for the interactions.
"Tony always found it was important. Those people support you and if you can give them a little piece of yourself then go for it," Haskell said.
Haskell said he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from fans following Butala's death.
Tony Butala wanted The Lettermen to continue after his retirement
After spending decades on the road, Butala retired from performing in 2019. But he wanted The Lettermen to carry on without him.
"What he wanted is continuing," Haskell said.
The group performed in Las Vegas on Nov. 1, the day Butala died, and displayed a memorial tribute at the end of the show. Haskell said some audience members were unaware of his death.
Haskell has made it his mission to preserve The Lettermen's legacy while finding ways to keep performances fresh for new generations of fans.
Butala attended a Lettermen performance in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in June 2025, where he surprised fans by joining the group in song.
"He loved every bit of it and was so proud of it," Haskell recalled. "He was like 'How did you get those videos up there how does that work?' It was technology he hasn't seen."
Haskell said incorporating video into the performances was part of his effort to give the group's shows a new dimension.
"That was one of the things that was really important to me to add to the show, to give another dimension, because you just can't stand there anymore and just sing," he said.
After the performance, Haskell invited Butala to join the singers in greeting fans, but Butala declined, preferring to let the newer members have their moment. He was personable and humble, Haskell said.
Tony Butala wanted the world to smile through heartache
In the Facebook post announcing Butala's death, The Lettermen paid tribute to their founding member and shared lyrics from his final public solo performance.
"Smile though your heart is aching, Smile even though it's breaking, When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by," the statement read, quoting the song "Smile." "If you smile through your fear and sorrow, smile, and maybe tomorrow you'll see the sun come shining through."
Butala is survived by his children, Anthony J. Butala, Rebecca Butala How, Lisa M. Butala and Regina M. Butala, as well as five grandchildren and his partner, Sue Shimek-Kuche. His wife, Judith Ann Butala, died in 2006 at age 60 following a car crash.
In accordance with Butala's wishes, there will be no public viewing. Celebrations of life are planned in Wisconsin and California, with details to be announced.
The family is asking for privacy and donations to the Lakeshore Humane Society in Manitowoc for those wishing to honor him.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tony Butala, founding member of '60s pop group The Lettermen, dies at 87
