Acclaimed singer Tony Butala, founding member of The Lettermen, dies at 85

A legendary singer has left us. Tony Butala, acclaimed singer and co-founder of the iconic group The Lettermen, died at age 85.

The Lettermen were once one of the biggest vocal groups in the United States. Now, their founder and lead singer, Tony Butala, has died. The group announced his death in a long Facebook tribute on November 1, 2026.

The group shared the news of “profound sadness” that Tony had passed away, sending their “most heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to “his children, grandchildren, siblings, the love of his life, the entire Lettermen organization and all who knew and loved him.”

“Tony never met a stranger. His life was a living example of talent, perseverance, and refinement. But above all, his true joy was entertaining and sharing his music with audiences worldwide. His spirit will live on with every Lettermen performance,” the post read.

“The words of his final public solo say it best… ‘Smile though your heart is aching, Smile even though it’s breaking, When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by…If you smile through your fear and sorrow, smile, and maybe tomorrow you’ll see the sun come shining through – if you just smile.’

The post concluded, “Thank you for all the smiles, Tony.”

While millions knew him for his music, Tony never forgot where his journey began. But already from a very early age, it was clear that singing and spreading joy was his destiny.

Singer Tony Butala, founding member of The Lettermen, dies at 85

Born on November 20, 1940, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Tony, the youngest of 11 children, showed an early interest in singing, and his talent quickly became apparent.

His sister Joan Butala, now 97, recently shared memories of her younger brother in an interview, saying that he had “too much energy.”

“All of a sudden he was singing around town here, different organizations: women’s groups, for the power company. People wanted entertainers,” she told WKBN.

By the age of eight, Tony was performing on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When he was ten, he and his mother moved to Hollywood, California, where he joined the famous Mitchell Boys Choir. It led to appearances in classic films such as White Christmas, Peter Pan, and On Moonlight Bay.

In the late 1950s, he co-founded what would become the acclaimed group The Lettermen. Their unique 3-part “sound” captivated audiences worldwide. Some of the greatest hits include their debut single, The Way You Look Tonight, When I Fall in Love, and Hurt So Bad.

Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Their vocal blend also captivated the music industry. In total, they earned four Grammy Awards. In 2020, the group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

While singing was his life’s passion, Tony Butala stepped away from the limelight in 2019. Though his performing days had ended, he helped lay the groundwork for The Lettermen’s legacy to continue.

The Lettermen are still performing today, 65 years later, and Tony remained the last surviving original member.

The group announced in the Facebook tribute that there will be no public viewing. Celebrations of Life are planned in Wisconsin and California, with further details to be announced.