Founding Voice of The Lettermen’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight,’ Dies at 87
Tony Butala, Founding Voice of The Lettermen’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight,’ Dies at 87
Tony Butala, the founding member of The Lettermen whose romantic harmonies helped bring “The Way You Look Tonight” to a new generation of listeners, has died at 87.
Butala died on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The group’s media coordinator, Tracy Clark, confirmed his death to The Associated Press. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
His manager, David Haskell, told USA TODAY that Butala died peacefully in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, surrounded by loved ones, after experiencing several health problems in recent years.
“He lived to bring people joy,” Haskell said, remembering a performer who valued conversations with fans and made time to connect with people wherever he went.
Butala’s musical journey began long before national recognition. Raised in Sharon, Pennsylvania, he started singing professionally at seven and performed on Pittsburgh’s KDKA Radio by eight. After moving to Hollywood, he joined the Mitchell Boys Choir, contributing to productions including White Christmas, Peter Pan and On Moonlight Bay.
He went on to establish The Lettermen alongside Jim Pike and Bob Engemann. Their breakthrough arrived in 1961 with “The Way You Look Tonight,” which reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The trio followed that success with recordings including “When I Fall in Love” and the medley “Goin’ Out of My Head/Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Both reached No. 7, helping establish the group as a familiar presence on American pop radio.
The Lettermen’s appeal rested on their carefully blended three-part harmonies. Their official tribute credited Butala with guiding that sound across generations, combining the group’s early favorites with newer material. The group earned four Grammy nominations during its career.
Butala stepped away from regular performing in May 2019, having helped prepare the ensemble to continue under new leadership.
He was the last surviving member of the original trio. In 2020, The Lettermen received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing their enduring contribution to popular music.
Butala is survived by four children, five grandchildren and his partner, Sue Shimek-Kuche, according to USA TODAY.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public viewing. Celebrations of his life are planned in Wisconsin and California, with details to be announced. Those wishing to honor his memory have been invited to donate to the Lakeshore Humane Society in Manitowoc.
